By Paula Fitzsimmons
Have you ever thought about turning your passion for cats into paying work or a profitable business, but weren’t quite sure how to make that happen? You may be surprised at the variety of options available to you – and at the number of organizations seeking your passion and special skills.
I know, because opportunities working with cats and other animals regularly get posted on the Animal Jobs Digest jobs page.
By Paula Fitzsimmons
If your dream of becoming an animal doc is not attainable, don’t feel too badly . . .veterinary medicine is not for everyone. Relatively few are able or willing to commit to years of post-graduate training or take on tuition debt.
Luckily, you have other options.
If you want to help heal animals, don’t let your skills and compassion go to waste. Consider these alternative careers, which require a fraction of the education, training, and tuition expense.
By Paula Fitzsimmons
The tragic death of Cecil, the lion killed outside of Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park has sparked outrage. And rightly so. Trophy hunting – the killing of an animal for the sake of “sport” – is despicable in its own right. What adds to this fury is that Cecil was apparently beloved, and according to National Geographic, one of the region’s best known and most studied lions. And with fewer than 21,000 lions remaining in Africa (according to African Wildlife Foundation) how can trophy hunting even be justified?
By Paula Fitzsimmons
Companies have traditionally offered benefits and perks as a way to attract and keep top employees. From decent health benefits and pension funds to daycare and paid leave, a good benefits package can add value – from hundreds to even thousands of dollars – to your pay per year.
It’s not just for-profit businesses who are taking care of their employees. Several nonprofit organizations, including those who advocate for animals and the environment, tout benefits that are just as attractive – and in some cases even more so – than their corporate counterparts. (Think of how much you can save with a deeply-discounted health plan for your animal companion, for instance.)
By Paula Fitzsimmons
There’s no question a need for animal rescues, shelters, and sanctuaries exists.
The animal welfare community has worked – and succeeded – to decrease the number of homeless animals, but there are still pressing issues. According to a 2012-2013 study by the former National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (by way of the Humane Society of the US), there are an estimated 3,500 animal shelters in the United States – with 6 to 8 million cats and dogs entering these shelters each year.