From tabby cats to tigers: the wonderful world of wild animals

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A passionate desire to work with animals is such a vital vocation; whether as a surgeon, a general practitioner or veterinary nurse.

In such an animal-loving country as the UK there is always scope for work within traditional veterinary sectors. But what about further afield – much further afield?

In an increasingly interconnected world, coupled with technological developments and our more easily transferable skill sets, there is nothing to prevent undergraduates, graduates or more seasoned vets and nurses from going abroad to work in the developing world.

The jump from Chester to Chad is not as unthinkable as it might have been a generation ago.

If you're serious about taking your love for animals to a truly global level, it would be worth getting some “on the job” experience before jetting off to Rwanda.

After all, what do you know about emphysema in elephants or how sensory loss affects snakes?

Join a voluntary project to enhance your veterinary skills

Assuming you’re reading this because you are looking to work with animals after graduation or are involved in veterinary work of some kind, but seeking new challenges, a good way to get some experience is to put your skills into practice.

The best way to discover whether you really do want to work in more exotic but less “safe” and familiar environments would be to join a voluntary project in the developing world.

You could volunteer while on a gap year, as a sabbatical or a career break – or even by taking an extended holiday. Regardless of age or experience, there are placements available.

Gain experience unavailable in the UK

With Projects Abroad you can work as a volunteer and gain the kind of work experience impossible to find in your own country.

You would meet many exciting types of animals; from snakes to big cats and even elephants.

You would come across cases that have been virtually eliminated in developed countries, while addressing the problems people are faced with in both urban and rural areas of the third world.

If you are ready to graduate from tabby cats to tigers, volunteering with animals and veterinary work projects abroad could be just what you need.