Animal rights activists have the experience, skills and drive for many careers, including veterinary care, animal law, wildlife rehabilitation and more. Whether you’re a new activist or a longtime member of the movement, there are good-paying jobs where you can find fulfillment and contribute to positive social impacts. In this article, we’ll explore 10 animal rights careers for activists, typical job responsibilities, potential employers and education recommendations.
Table of Contents
| Career | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Veterinary care |
| 2 | Animal law |
| 3 | Marine biology |
| 4 | Wildlife rehabilitation |
| 5 | Animal cruelty investigation |
| 6 | Conservation law enforcement |
| 7 | Sustainable livestock management |
| 8 | Nonprofit development and fundraising |
| 9 | Animal rights journalism |
| 10 | Policy and lobbying |
#1. Veterinary care
Veterinarians, vet technicians and vet assistants provide medical care to animals, which protects the health of humans, too. They may focus on pets, like cats and dogs, as well as livestock and wild animals. Veterinarians can specialize in different types of care, too, like emergency care, dentistry or surgery. Job responsibilities include:
- Giving routine vaccinations that prevent health issues like rabies and distemper
- Performing routine surgeries like spaying and neutering, which protects individual animals and public health
- Diagnosing medical problems and providing treatment
- Giving health and wellness advice to pet owners, farmers and others who work with animals
Where do veterinary care professionals work?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, veterinarians, assistants and technicians work in animal hospitals, private clinics, farms, laboratories, classrooms and zoos.
What education do veterinary care professionals need?
To work as a veterinarian, you first need an undergraduate degree in a field like biology or animal science, followed by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or a Veterinary Medical Doctor degree from a veterinary school. Once qualified, some veterinarians complete an internship, a residency or a board certification in a specialty field. In the US, veterinarians must be licensed in each state where you’ll practice. To work as a vet technician, you should get a two-year associate’s degree and pass a credentialing exam.
Why is veterinary care a good career for activists?
When animals get sick, it hurts everything around them. For example, many health issues, like ringworm, mad cow disease and certain types of influenza can spread between animals and humans. Activists who care about animal and human health can find fulfillment in veterinary care.
#2. Animal law
Animal law covers legislation involving pets, wildlife and animals used in research, agriculture and entertainment. According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, animal law touches many legal areas (like criminal, environmental and administrative law), so professionals like lawyers, paralegals, law professors and others work on animal cruelty, habitat conservation, lab animal rights and much more. Job tasks may include:
- Filing lawsuits that address animal abuse and habitat destruction
- Advocating for better animal rights legislation
- Educating the public on animal rights and legal issues
- Representing activists and animal rights organizations in court
Where do animal law professionals work?
Animal rights lawyers, paralegals and other professionals work in private law firms, government agencies, universities and nonprofit organizations.
What education do animal law professionals need?
To work as a lawyer, you need to get a bachelor’s degree, complete law school and then pass a test to practice law. In the United States, that’s the bar exam. For your undergrad, consider a degree in animal sciences, criminal justice or political science, as well as courses in pre-law and environmental science. If you want to get to work quickly, paralegal jobs require less education, such as a certification from an authorized paralegal program, a two-year associate’s degree in paralegal studies or a four-year degree. The exact requirements depend on the employer.
Why is animal law a good career for activists?
Animal law enshrines animal rights and protection into law, making it a powerful tool for activists. Certain animal law jobs also involve public advocacy work, which many activists already excel at. While training to become a lawyer can take time, other roles (like paralegals and legal secretaries) have fewer education qualifications.
#3. Marine biology
Marine biology is the scientific study of life in the ocean and other saltwater ecosystems. Careers within marine biology include researcher, zoologist, veterinarian, aquarist, administrative professional, conservationist, educator and consultant. Job responsibilities include, but aren’t limited to:
- Monitoring marine ecosystems using specialized software
- Developing conservation plans based on an ecosystem’s needs
- Conducting species inventories within ecosystems like coral reefs
- Performing lab work or fieldwork to collect and analyze samples
Where do marine biologists work?
Marine biologists work for research centers, universities, ocean conservation organizations, museums, aquariums and government agencies.
What education do marine biologists need?
Most employers require at least an undergraduate degree in marine biology, animal science, zoology or a related field. If you focus on research or teaching, you’ll likely need at least a master’s degree, while a PhD may be expected, as well. Many employers also want candidates with field experience, so look for opportunities that get you into the ocean.
Why is marine biology a good career for activists?
Ocean health affects humans, as well as most of the life on Earth. It’s also closely linked to climate change, so activists who care about animals and the climate can find fulfillment in marine biology.
#4. Wildlife rehabilitation
Wildlife rehabilitation helps wild animals suffering from sickness, injuries or other problems that take them from their natural habitats. Professionals provide medical care, temporary shelter and other care, so the animal can eventually return to the wild. Jobs include wildlife biologists, conservation officers, caretakers, groomers and more. Job tasks may include:
- Researching and preparing for species entering the care facility
- Conducting tests, making diagnoses and developing treatment plans
- Managing health records and other administrative databases
- Maintaining facilities like cages, shelters, plumbing and more
Where do wildlife rehabilitation professionals work?
Wildlife rehabilitators work at zoos, aquariums, animal rescues, private clinics, government agencies and nonprofits.
What education do wildlife rehabilitation professionals need?
Most employers expect at least an associate’s degree in animal tech or a bachelor’s degree. Certain places may also want you to get a license to work with wildlife. Practical experience is highly valued, as well, including hands-on knowledge of animal behavior, wound management and animal rescue practices, as well as administrative skills like fundraising and bookkeeping. According to The International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, most centers are small, so employees wear many hats.
Why is wildlife rehabilitation a good career for activists?
Wild animals experience the harsh effects of climate change, deforestation and other human-caused harm. When you work in wildlife rehabilitation, you get a chance to help affected animals return home. It can be an emotionally challenging job, but also fulfilling as you make a direct impact on animal rights and protection.
#5. Animal cruelty investigation
Animal cruelty investigators work in criminal justice. As a law enforcement officer, they respond to calls about animal abuse, neglect or hoarding. Animal control officers can also work on investigations, although they don’t focus only on crimes. They also work on public safety, education and licensing enforcement. Job tasks for these roles include:
- Investigating reports of animal cruelty, abuse, abandonment and other harm
- Preparing reports and maintaining records of cases and repeat offenders
- Performing legal searches of homes, farms and other places where abuse might have occurred
- Transporting injured animals to hospitals and animal shelters
Where do animal cruelty investigators work?
Animal cruelty investigators and animal control officers often work for law enforcement and government agencies. They can also work for animal welfare organizations, although they typically won’t have the same enforcement credentials.
What education do animal cruelty investigators need?
Some animal cruelty jobs only require a high school degree, but others want candidates with at least a veterinary technician degree or an associate’s degree in criminal justice. Certifications, like those from the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School, train animal cruelty investigators, law enforcement officers and animal control officers. If you’re coming to animal cruelty investigation through a veterinary technician path, you may also be required to complete police training.
Why is animal cruelty investigation a good career for activists?
Investigating animal cruelty is emotionally challenging, but it lets animal lovers stop abuse, hold abusers accountable and ensure harmed animals get treated with care. The job uses skills like excellent communication, de-escalation, adaptability and a knowledge of animal behavior, which are skills many animal rights activists have.
#6. Conservation law enforcement
People who work in conservation law enforcement protect wildlife and the environment, including national parks, nature preserves, fisheries and more. Their job is to enforce laws protecting these areas. Specific jobs include conservation officers, game wardens and park rangers. Responsibilities could include:
- Enforcing land management, hunting and fishing laws
- Patrolling parks and other places under their jurisdiction
- Responding to wildlife threats or situations where animals harm humans
- Engaging local communities in conservation efforts
Where do conservation law enforcement professionals work?
Conservation law enforcement professionals work at local and national parks, tribal agencies, animal welfare organizations and international organizations.
What education do conservation law enforcement professionals need?
Most employers require at least a bachelor’s degree in ecology, environmental science, or a related field. You’ll also likely need law enforcement training. For example, in the United States, a federal wildlife officer needs a four-year degree or at least one year of work experience in law enforcement or natural resources. Like most law enforcement careers, you’ll need to pass medical and physical fitness exams, too.
Why is conservation law enforcement a good career for activists?
Animal rights activists can thrive in a career focused on environmental protection, stopping poachers and protecting wildlife. A conservation law enforcement career could also be a good fit if you love spending more time outside than behind a desk.
#7. Sustainable livestock management
Sustainable livestock management is the raising of livestock animals (like cows, pigs and chickens) in a responsible, ethical way that considers animal welfare, food security and environmental impact just as much as profit. Jobs can be found in research, farm management, livestock veterinary care, animal husbandry and more. Responsibilities could include:
- Implementing sustainable practices like zero-grazing, grassland restoration, manure management, and crop-livestock integration
- Feeding, watering, herding and monitoring livestock animals
- Maintaining records on livestock health
- Using farm equipment (like trucks and tractors) to clean stalls, move animals, etc
Where do sustainable livestock managers work?
Livestock management is a hands-on job, so most sustainable livestock managers work on farms and ranches. If you focus on research or education, you might work for universities, agricultural research centers or government agricultural agencies.
What education do sustainable livestock managers need?
Ranch hands and farmers may only need a high school diploma, but livestock management positions typically require at least a bachelor’s degree in animal science, livestock business management or a similar subject.
Why is sustainable livestock management a good career for activists?
Animals raised for food often experience horrific living conditions, poor nutrition, health issues and more, making their welfare a major focus for many animal rights activists. As a sustainable livestock manager, you can help improve animal welfare on farms and ranches, fight the world’s reliance on cruel factory practices and reduce the harmful environmental impacts of animal husbandry.
#8. Nonprofit development and fundraising
Animal welfare nonprofits need development and fundraising professionals. These jobs focus on implementing fundraising strategies, maintaining relationships with donors, managing records and performing other activities to build support for the organization’s mission. Job titles include development director, major gift officer, grant writer and fundraiser. Tasks could include:
- Collecting and maintaining accurate donor records
- Researching and writing grant proposals
- Coordinating fundraising events and other donor-focused activities
- Researching and implementing effective donation strategies
Where do development and fundraising professionals work?
Development and fundraising professionals work at universities, research centers, animal rights nonprofits, charitable groups and any other organization that relies on fundraising.
What education do development and fundraising professionals need?
Most employers prefer candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree, but there are no specific degree requirements. People who study communications, nonprofit management, business management, philanthropy or a relevant field can excel at development and fundraising.
Why is development and fundraising a good career for activists?
Many activists already have experience in development and fundraising (volunteer experience counts!), so pivoting to a career can be the right move. As a development/fundraising professional, an activist supports the animal rights causes they care most about, builds relationships with like-minded people and helps animal nonprofits thrive.
#9. Animal rights journalism
Animal rights journalists specialize in animal news and stories. That can include covering breaking news about animals and animal-involved events, editing other journalists’ stories, working as a photojournalist, producing news programs and so on. Responsibilities could include:
- Researching animal-related topics like new legislation, the impact of climate change on wildlife, the discovery of new species, etc
- Pitching, writing and editing stories for various publications
- Tracking down leads and conducting interviews with sources
- Traveling around the world to write about, photograph and film animals
Where do animal rights journalists work?
Animal rights journalists work for major news organizations, animal welfare groups, TV networks, and advocacy news outlets, both in print and online. Many journalists also do freelance work.
What education do animal rights journalists need?
Most journalists have at least a bachelor’s degree in journalism or English, but animal rights journalists also benefit from a minor or concentration in animal science, biology or another subject that gives them specialized knowledge.
Why is animal rights journalism a good career for activists?
If you’re an activist with excellent writing and communication skills, journalism could be a good career option. You may not even need a degree; if you have interesting experiences or expertise from your time as an activist, you can pitch to outlets right away.
#10. Animal rights policy and lobbying
Animal rights policy and lobbying professionals advocate for local, national and international policies that benefit animals. It includes a variety of jobs, including lawyers, policy analysts and legislative aides. When you work in policy and lobbying, tasks could include:
- Analyzing legislation to assess its impacts – both positive and negative – on animals
- Organizing campaigns that encourage voters to contact their representatives about specific policies
- Discussing policy with politicians and encouraging them to take specific actions
- Compiling reports on legislation for various stakeholders, like politicians, animal rights organizations and the public
Where do policy and lobbying professionals work?
Policy and lobbying professionals work at nonprofits, advocacy firms, lobbying organizations, universities, research centers, law firms and political offices.
What education do policy and lobbying professionals need?
Many employers prefer candidates with graduate degrees, although you can find entry-level jobs that only ask for a bachelor’s. The ideal education for animal rights policy/lobbying combines political science, communications or public policy with specializations in animal science, biology, animal law, conservation, or another subject related to animal rights.
Why is policy and lobbying a good career for activists?
Animal rights activists advocate for legislation that benefits animals, so a policy career makes perfect sense for many people. As an activist, you’ll bring valuable skills to the job, like an ability to explain ideas to diverse audiences, experience with different groups or campaigns, and a proven commitment to animal rights.