A Career as a Conservation Canine Handler: Part 2, Do You Have What it Takes?

March 9, 2016Posted inAll articles, Career options, Experts & interviews, Featured articles2 Comments

Dog in field - Interview with Jennifer Hartman of Conservation Canines CK9 dog handler

By Paula Fitzsimmons with Jennifer Hartman

Conservation canines and their handlers are playing a vital role in wildlife protection. Dogs have an unrivaled ability to detect scat from dozens of species – scientists use these samples to learn more about a wild population’s behaviors, movements, and feeding patterns.  This data is valuable not only in fighting wildlife crimes, but it can aid in forming effective and humane wildlife management policies.

The dogs, who primarily come from rescues, have to possess certain characteristics to make the cut – namely, a playful spirit, boundless energy, and the ability to work in the field for hours at a time.

6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting an Animal Rescue

May 6, 2015Posted inAll articles, Career options, Featured articles

Rescue cats and other needy animals.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.