Animal Care takes many forms. It includes staff for public bodies, for animal rights charities and private companies. Those working in the sector are united by their commitment to looking out for the welfare of animals, whether it is pets, work animals or wildlife.

The ISPCA and DSPCA are the main organisations looking out for the welfare of animals in Ireland. ISPCA and DSPCA Inspectors have a responsibility to investigate cruelty to animals and take steps to protect the animals involved.

There’s a wide range of professions associated with the day to day care of domestic pets, including groomers, dog walkers and kennels to care for all manner of pet when their owners are away.

Animal Behaviourists are animal specialists who have focussed on research in the area of behavioural science. They work with public service canines such as military or police dogs; customs drug sniffer dogs; search and rescue dogs that are specifically trained to look for lost persons, or pair with dog therapists who visit hospitals, nursing homes, and schools to connect with sick, elderly or disabled people.

On the more academic side of things are Zoologists, who practice biology with a specific focus on animals. There are many areas of activity within zoology. You could examine the anatomy and embryology of animal species or get down and dirty observing their day to day habits in their natural habitat. Important areas of study for Zoologists include disease resistance and how animals adapt to changing environments. This research can then inform the actions of those helping maintain the population of wild animals.