HOW TO EARN MONEY THROUGH ANIMAL CARE

INTRODUCTION

1.

VETERINARIAN

Requirement

Duration of the course

Subjects to be studied

Veterinary Council of India

2.
COMPOUNDER
3.

CAREERS IN ALTERNATIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE

Veterinary homeopathy

Veterinary acupuncture and acutherapy

Veterinary chiropractor

Veterinary physical therapist

Horse whispering

4.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN THE VETERINARY PHARMACEUTICAL AND THE ANIMAL NUTRITION INDUSTRY

Veterinary sales representative

Area sales manager

Product manager

5.

WORK OPPORTUNITIES IN ZOOS

Zoo director

Zoologist

Zoo architects/making kennels, bird homes

Handlers and feeders in zoo

Interpreters

At a lower level, security guards

Public relation officers

6.

WORKING WITH FISH

Aquarists

Fish and wildlife technicians

Artificial insemination technologist

Ichthyologist

7.
HERPETOLOGIST
8.
PRIMATOLOGIST
9.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN ANIMAL WELFARE ORGANIZATIONS

Shelter Administrator

Humane Investigator

Humane Educator

Veterinarians

Environmental and animal welfare Lawyers

Journalists

Public relation officers

Research assistants

Fund raising organizers

10.

Conservation And Wildlife Management

Forest officers, forester and range officers

Forest management

Wildlife doctors

Wildlife refuge managers

Wildlife Biologists

Wildlife Institute of India

11.
Job Opportunities In Traffic (WWF):
12.
Animal Attendant
13.

Animal Trainer

14.

Groomer:

15.

Breeder:

16.

Ornithologist:

17.

Parasitologist:

18.

Mariane Biologist:

19.

Bio-Technologist:

20.

Animal Ecologist:

21.

Snake, Dog And Monkey Catchers:

22.

Business Opportunities:

   


 
INTRODUCTION
 

Many people who care for animals do not opt for this field because they feel there is no money to be earned in it and because, beyond a point, they cannot afford to be volunteers. In fact all animal lovers can convert their interest into a career. There are a plethora of animal career choices. You can choose to:

- Deal directly with animals,

- Be an administrator, creative person or

- Be a business owner catering to the needs of animals.:

   
  VETERINARIAN: An animal doctor.
  Requirement:
 

To be a veterinarian, candidates for admission to the Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry course must obtain not less than 50% of the aggregate marks in English, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, (i) at the qualifying examination (or the higher examination) in the case of veterinary colleges where admissions are made on the basis of marks obtained at these examinations or (ii) 50% of the total marks in Physics, Chemistry and Biology taken together at competitive entrance examinations where such tests are held for selection.

In case of candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes or other special category of students as specified by the government, marks required for admission shall be 10% less than that prescribed for the general category. Candidates are normally admitted in colleges through competitive entrance examinations.

The Veterinary Council of India conducts an all India common entrance examination for filling up 15% of the total number of seats of each veterinary college in all states where the Indian Veterinary Council Act, 1984 is applicable.

The entrance examination is held in May every year and the advertisement for the purpose appears in leading newspapers and the Employment News. The entrance examinations of the state universities are conducted after the qualifying (10 + 2 or 12th) examinations are held by the respective Board/University/ examining bodies of the states. Some states hold joint entrance examinations along with those for medical, engineering and other professional courses.n

   
  Duration of the course:
  The duration of the undergraduate course, i.e., Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc and A.H.), is five academic years including compulsory internship of 6 months duration.
   
  Subjects to be studied:
 
  1. Veterinary Anatomy and Histology-study of the gross structure of the animal body and the microscopic structure of tissues of normal animals.
  2. Veterinary Physiology-study of normal behaviour, functions of various systems of the animal body and methods to monitor them.
  3. Veterinary Biochemistry-study of the chemical structure of tissues and body fluids and the mechanism of metabolism; molecular biology.
  4. Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology-study of the action of various drugs, chemical and toxins on body and body functions.
  5. Veterinary Parasitology-study of parasites that affect animals’ health.
  6. Veterinary Microbiology-study of bacteria, virus, fungus, etc, that affect animals’ health.
  7. Veterinary Pathology-study of abnormal form and function of the animal body.
  8. Veterinary Public Health-study of environment of animals; animal diseases that affect human health and vice versa; animal product hygiene.
  9. Animal Nutrition-study of feeds; feeding of animals, feed processing, feed analogies.
  10. Animal Breeding and Genetics-including study of animal genetics, breed conservation and biostatistics, systems of breeding animals.
  11. Livestock Production and Management-study of systems of management of animals including management of pets, laboratory animals and zoo animals.
  12. Livestock Product Technology-study of the harvesting of animal product ensuring minimum loss, proper conservation and maximum safety.
  13. Animal Reproduction Gynecology and Obstetrics-study of animal reproduction, diseases and obstetrics problems of reproductive organs; handling of abnormal birth.
  14. Veterinary Surgery and Radiology-anaesthetizing and operating animals, use of X-ray and ultrasound and other methods of diagnostics.
  15. Clinical Veterinary Medicine including Jurisprudence- study of the diagnosis and treatment of non-surgical diseases, veterinary ethics and jurisprudence. Study of Animal-related laws and Ethics of professional service.
  16. Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine-Teaches data and information generation on animals, animal health and disease. Prevention of problems based on information.
  17. Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension-Teaches sociology i.e. the community, their socio-economic profile, lifestyle and methods of communication with them for assessing their needs and problems; veterinary public relations.

There are various job opportunities for veterinarians besides being self-employed and running a private clinic. This pamphlet does not deal with the killing fields of slaughterhouses, piggeries, poultries, etc. However, in many killing industries it is important to have humane vets who will make the lives of the resident animals better.

Apart from that, within state government there are openings in:

- Veterinary hospitals/primary veterinary centres.

- Organized state farms-for managing livestock farms.

- Semen banks/sperm stations.

- Poultry farms-for managing egg farms, hatcheries, chick rearing units.

- Milk processing plants - for supervising hygienic collection and distribution of milk.

- Disease investigation centres like the pharmacology wing in PGI, Chandigarh

- survey disease profile and investigation of any occurrence of major diseases.

- Biological products or vaccine institutions-prepare, quality control and distribute vaccines.

- Disease eradication schemes/check posts/vaccination camps

- Public health labs - to investigate, research and test on diseases transmissible from animals (zoonotic animals) to humans like rabies, tuberculosis. Public health labs are: NICD (National Institute of Communicable Diseases, New Delhi) and those run by local civic bodies like the Public Health Department in cities.

There are opportunities in Central Government Sectors as well for Veterinarians:

- Army (Remount Veterinary Corps)-to train and look after horses, dogs, camels, etc in the forces.

- BSF/Police-to look after horses, dogs, camels, etc in the forces.

- Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Agriculture-for administrative management and coordination of veterinary services.

- Quarantine units-these are international check posts preventing entry of exotic disease like mad cow disease or fowl influenza.

- Central farms - same as state farms and sperm stations;

There are requirements in academic / research / extension wings of veterinary colleges in state agricultural universities, state veterinary universities or universities having veterinary faculty:

- Teaching/research/extension in veterinary colleges / institutes / universities.

- Experimental and germ-free animal facilities attached to veterinary and medical institutions, drug research institutions.

- Experimental animal unit, (animal model preparation for experimentation etc)

- Clinical, diagnostic and investigation centres attached to veterinary colleges and research institutes.

- I.C.A.R. (Indian Council of Agricultural Research)-co- ordination and funding of animal-based research.

Besides there are endless opportunities in local bodies/muncipalities/panchayats:

- Slaughterhouses/cattle pounds/public health laboratories

- Zoos and wildlife centres

In the Private sector, there are opportunities for veterinarians in:

- Pharmaceuticals - Commercial dairy farms

- Commercial breeding farms/hatcheries, etc.

- Race clubs, stud farms - Veterinary instruments/equipment industry

- Biological products and vaccine product plants

- Insurance companies, banks

- Corporate bodies e.g. National Dairy Development Board, Milk Board, milk unions, etc.

- Feed processing industries.

There are 37 veterinary colleges at present in the country:s

1.

Andhra Pradesh Acharya N.G.Ranga Agricultural University College of Veterinary Science Rajendra Nagar Hyderabad 500030

College of Veterinary Science Tirupati 517502


2.

Assam College of Veterinary Science Faculty of Veterinary Science Kanapara Campus Guwahati 781 022

College of Veterinary Science North Lakhimpur P.O. Azad Assam

3. Arunachal Pradesh School of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Pasighat East Siang District- 791 102


4. Bihar College of Veterinary Science Patna 800 014


5.
Jharkhand Ranchi Veterinary College Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, Kanke Ranchi 843 007 Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Agricultural University, Pusa Samastipur 848 125

6. Goa Bhartiya Veterinary College (a private college) 925, B.B.Borkar Road Alto Tordo Alto Porvorium Panjim 403 521


7. Gujarat College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry G.A.U. Campus Anand 388 001. College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry Sardar Krushi Nagar 385 506


8.
Haryana College of Veterinary Science Ch.Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University Hissar 125 004


9. Himachal Pradesh College of Veterinary Science H.P. Krishi Vishwavidyalaya Palampur 176 062


10. Jammu and Kashmir Faculty of Veterinary Science P.B.No: 135/461 Srinagar 190 001


11.

Karnataka Veterinary College Hebbal Bangalore 560 024 College Of Veterinary Science Bidar 585 401

College of Veterinary Sciences, Krishinagar, Dharwad 580 005


12. Kerala College of Veterinary Science Mannuthy 680 651 Trichur


13.

Madhya Pradesh College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry Jabalpur 482001

College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry Mhow 453 466

College of Veterinary Science P.O.Box No.6 Anjora Durg 491001


14.

Maharashtra Faculty of Veterinary Sciences P.K.V. Akola 444 104

Bombay Veterinary College Parel Mumbai 400 012 E-mail: bovetmum@bom5.vsnl.net.in

College of Veterinary Science and Animal Science Dist: Latur Udgir 413 517

College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry Parbhani 431 402 K.N.P

College of Veterinary Science Shirwal 412 801 Sitara

Seminary Hills Nagpur 440 006


15. Manipur Faculty of Veterinary Sciences Central Agricultural University Selesih, Imphal 795 001


16. Orissa College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry Bhubaneswar 751 003

17.
Punjab College of Veterinary Science Ludhiana 141 004


18. Rajasthan College of Veterinary Science Bikaner 334 001


19

Tamil Nadu Madras Veterinary College Vepery Chennai 600 007 E-mail: tanuvas@md2.vsnl.net.in Website: http://www.tanuvas.com Veterinary College and

Research Institute Namakkal 637 002

20.
Pondicherry Rajiv Gandhi College Of Veterinary and Animal Science Kurumbapet Muthirapalayam Pondicherry 605 009
21.
Uttar Pradesh College of Veterinary Science Pantnagar 263 145 College of Veterinary Science Mathura 281 001
22.

West Bengal Faculty of Veterinary Science W.B. Animal and Fish Science University Kolkata 741 252

For list of veterinary colleges in states, contact: Veterinary Council of India 16/15,W.E.A Karol Bagh New Delhi-110 005 Phone: 5750311, 5750323 and 5743804 Fax: 5743804.

       

 

  Veterinary Council of India
  The Veterinary Council of India is a statutory body of the Government of India framed under an Act of Parliament - Indian Veterinary Council Act, 1984 (52 of 1984). This is an Act to regulate veterinary practice and veterinary education. The Act extends to all the states of India except Tamil Nadu and Jammu and Kashmir as on date. Only those who possess a recognized veterinary qualification and are registered can practise in the country.
   
  COMPOUNDER:
 

A compounder assists the veterinarian. His responsibilities include giving medicines, applying bandages, managing nutritional programmes, taking patient histories, collecting specimens, preparing patients for surgery or radiation, under the supervision of the veterinarian.

Compounder courses are state-run (though not all state agricultural universities have courses for compounders). To be a compounder the minimum qualification required is that the candidate should have passed matriculation.

The duration of the compounder course is 2 years and entrance examinations are held in May every year.

Subjects to be studied are:

1st year-

Pharmacy

Introduction to structure and functions of the animal body

Introduction to animal breeding

Elements of animal nutrition

Livestock and poultry management

Hindi

English

2nd year -

Elementary medicine

Introductory surgery

Reproductive disorders

Reproduction, artificial insemination and storage of semen

Introduction to animal products technology

Elementary extension on education

Clinical practice

The job opportunities are in hospital and clinics, zoological parks, private and public shelters, kennels, and military service.

   
  CAREERS IN ALTERNATIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE:
 

Alternative veterinary therapy is a very new field in India. However, professional vets can practise alternative therapy by doing a short-term course in holistic medicine or in any specific alternative therapy of interest. Unfortunately most alternative therapies, apart from homeopathy and Ayurveda, are not taught in India as yet. These include animal massage, horse whispering, etc. More information on them can be found on the internet. The Environment Ministry and the Department of Animal Welfare give short-term scholarships. Even those people who are not interested in veterinary science but in alternative medicine and in the welfare of animals can take up courses on alternative therapy and work on animals with an experienced vet. Virtually every form of medicine and therapy used in holistic medicine for humans exists for veterinary medicine.

The options in veterinary medicine are as follows:e

  Veterinary homeopathy:
 

Veterinary homeopathy is a medical discipline in which conditions in animals are treated by the administration of substances that are capable of producing clinical signs in healthy animals similar to those of the animal to be treated. These substances are used therapeutically in minute doses. It is imperative that veterinary homeopathy be practiced only by or with licensed veterinarians.

Veterinarians can do bachelors degree in homeopathy-B.H.M.S. (Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery).

The B.H.M.S. comprises a course of study spread over a period of 5 1/2 years, including compulsory internship of one-year duration after passing the final degree examination.

Minimum qualification for the course:

A Candidate should have passed the Intermediate Science or its equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as main subjects, and attained the age of 17 years on or before 31st December of the year of his / her admission to the first year of the course.

Syllabus

A direct degree course is the pattern of uniform homeopathic education in India.

FIRST B.H.M.S. EXAMINATION

  • Human Anatomy
  • Human physiology, including biochemistry
  • Materia Medica
  • Organon and homeopathic philosophy
  • Homeopathic pharmacy

SECOND B.H.M.S. EXAMINATION

  • Pathology, bacteriology and parasitology
  • Forensic medicine and toxicology
  • Preventive and social medicine
  • Materia Medica
  • Organon and homeopathic philosophy

THIRD B.H.M.S. EXAMINATION

  • Surgery, including homeopathic therapeutics
  • Obstetrics and gynecology, including homeopathic therapeutics
  • Materia Medica Organon and homeopathic philosophy

FINAL B.H.M.S. EXAMINATION

  • Medicine, including homoeopathic therapeutics
  • Materia Medica
  • Case taking and repertorisation

There are colleges all over India offering B.H.M.S. degree courses.

For more information on homeopathy veterinary one can visit:www.vethomopath.com

Or write to :

Dr.Makker 95,Ward No - 11 Sub division Moonak-148 033 Distt-Sangrur Punjab Tel-91-1676-76450

One can also use the books mentioned below to practice veterinary homeopathy:

The Pocket Manual of Homeopathic Veterinary Medicine

by E H Ruddock B Jain Publishers New Delhi, India

The Handbook of Veterinary Homeopathy

by J Rush B Jain Publishers New Delhi, India

Homeopathy in Veterinary Practice

K J Biddis, 1987 The C W Daniel Co, Ltd Essex, England

The Raystede Handbook of Homeopathic Remedies for Animals

M Raymonde-Hawkins and G Macleod, 1985 C W Daniel Co, Ltd Essex, England

The Homeopathic Treatment of Small Animals: Principles and Practice

Order from: AHVMA 2214 Old Emmorton Road Bel Air, MD 21015 Phone: 1-410-569-0795 Fax: 1-410-569-2346 Email: AHVMA@compuserve.com

Dogs: Homeopathic

Remedies George Macleod, 1983 The C W Daniel Co, Ltd Essex, England

Cats: Homeopathic Remedies

George Macleod, 1990 The C W Daniel Co, Ltd Essex, England

The Treatment of Cats by Homeopathy

K Sheppard, 1960 Health Science Press Essex, England

Your Healthy Cat: Homeopathic Medicines

for Common Feline Ailments H G Wolff, 1991 Homeopathic Educational Services Berkeley, CA

The Treatment of Horses by Homeopathy

George Macleod, 1977 Hillman Printers Somerset, England

Horses and Homeopathy, a Guide for Yard and Stable

M Elliott and T Pinkus,1994 Ainsworth Homeopathic Pharmacy London, England

Homeopathic Treatment of Birds

Beryl Chapman, 1991 The C W Daniel Co. Ltd Essex, England

The Poultry Doctor

B Jain Publishers New Delhi, India

Goats: Homeopathic Remedies

George Macleod The C W Daniel Co, Ltd Essex, England

Treatment of Cattle by Homeopathy

George Macleod The C W Daniel Co, Ltd Essex, England

   
  Veterinary acupuncture and acutherapy
 

Veterinary acupuncture and acutherapy involve the examination and stimulation of specific points on the body of animals by use of acupuncture needles, injections, low-level lasers, magnets, and a variety of other techniques for diagnosis and treatment. It is recommended that veterinarians and others interested should undertake training before they are considered competent to practise veterinary acupuncture.

There are online study material on acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine in humans and animals available at:

Website: http://homepage.tinet.ie/~progers/study.htm

There are several study sites, links and other material related to acupuncture on animals on the website.

   
  Veterinary chiropractor
  Veterinary chiropractic is the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of animals through manipulation and adjustment of specific joints and cranial sutures. The term “veterinary chiropractic” should not be interpreted to include dispensing medication, performing surgery, injecting medications, recommending supplements, or replacing traditional veterinary care. Licensed veterinarians could perform veterinary chiropractic; however, at this time, this country does not have any veterinarians educated in this system.
   
  Veterinary physical therapist.
 

Veterinary physical therapy is the use of non-invasive techniques, excluding veterinary chiropractic, for the rehabilitation of injuries in animals.

Veterinary physical therapy performed by non-veterinarians should be limited to the use of stretching; massage therapy; stimulation by use of (a) low-level lasers, (b) electrical sources, (c) magnetic fields, and (d) ultrasound; rehabilitative exercises; hydrotherapy; and applications of heat and cold. Veterinary physical therapy should be performed by (1) a licensed, certified, or registered veterinary or animal health technician educated in veterinary physical therapy or (2) a licensed physical therapist educated in animal anatomy and physiology. A licensed veterinarian who is providing concurrent care should perform veterinary physical therapy performed by a non-veterinarian under supervision. Massage therapy is a technique in which the person uses only his/her hands and body to massage soft tissues. A licensed veterinarian should perform massage therapy on animals with education in massage therapy or, where in accordance with state veterinary practice Acts, by a graduate of an accredited massage school who has been educated in animal massage therapy. When performed by a non-veterinarian, a licensed veterinarian who is providing concurrent care should perform massage therapy under supervision.

One can earn money by starting one’s own private animal clinic dealing exclusively with physical therapy on animals.

For more information and reference on animal physical therapy, visit these websites:

www.utc.edu/~dlevine/Refs.htm

www.geocities.com/petsurgery/Physical_Therapy.html.

   
  Horse whispering:
 

This therapy deals with unbroken horses or horses that need corrective training for behavioural problems, understanding horse psychology and communication with the horse.

To learn more about horse whispering therapy visit:

www.gregbarrington.com

www.thehorse.com/0898/communications.html And read Horse and Spirit: The art of horse whispering by Dr Stan Allen

Almost a Whisperer-A holistic approach to working with your horse by Sam Powell, Lane Carter

Horse Tales-A Horse Whisperer by Equestrian Vision Horses Don’t Lie: The magic of horse whispering by Chris Irwin.

   
  JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN THE VETERINARY PHARMACEUTICAL AND THE ANIMAL NUTRITION INDUSTRY.
  The veterinary pharmaceuticals and animal nutrition industry require people to represent and sell their companies’ medicines and other products for animal care. There are job openings as:
   
  Veterinary sales representative:
  Registered companies would need candidates who have bachelor’s degrees either in science or veterinary science or pharmacology .The person would have to go to various clinics and hospitals to promote pharmaceutical or animal nutrition products. One has to be fully aware of the company’s goal and help in the sales of the pharmacy products of the industry.
   
  Area sales manager:
  Companies would require persons with either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in science along with diploma in marketing with excellent communication skills.The purpose of the post is to help in promotion of the vet pharmaceutical products.
   
  Product manager:
  To supervise and assist production units of the pharmaceutical or animal nutrition industry. The requirement is master’s degree in veterinary science or microbiology or a pharmacology.
   
  WORK OPPORTUNITIES IN ZOOS:
  Zoos keep mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and amphibians. Because of the variety of animals and their many needs, zoos provide abundant opportunities for employment. Various opportunities exist in zoos:
   
  Zoo director:
 

The post is usually a forest officer appointed from the Indian Forest Service. To be an Indian Forest Service Officer entrants have to undergo a special examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission.

The details are as follows: -

- Age 21-28 years.

- Graduates with at least one of these subjects - Botany, Chemistry, Zoology, Physics, Statistics, Geology, Agriculture, Forestry or Engineering - are eligible.

- Compulsory papers are General English and General Knowledge. Optional papers are Agriculture or Agricultural Engineering, Botany, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geology, Mathematics or Statistics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Zoology and Forestry.

The test is objective. Candidates qualifying the objective test go through a rigorous medical examination. While the men need to walk 25 kms in 4 hours, the women are asked to cover a distance of 14 kms in the same stretch of time. Then the candidate has to finally clear the interview.

   
  Zoologist:
 

The minimum requirement is a bachelor’s degree in Zoology (hons.).

Other posts:

Besides the zoo director and a zoologist, zoo administration comprises of veterinarians, vet techs, operational managers and staff for public departments. Those who work directly with animals need a college degree, preferably in biology or zoology. Managers often need an advanced degree in animal sciences or business. Zoo managers can do training course in zoo management from the Wildlife Institute of India.

Contact: Wildlife Institute of India Post Box No. 18 Chandrabani DEHRADUN - 248 001 E-mail:wii@giasdl01.vsnl.net.in Ph: 91-135-640112 to 115 Fax: 91-135-640117.

   
  Zoo architects/making kennels, bird homes:
 

Persons with architectural skills can make zoos for animals. Within the curriculum of architecture, landscape designing is taught in which a section deals with the making of zoos keeping the requirements and necessities of animals in mind.

Qualifications:

To be eligible for a bachelor’s degree in architecture, it is important to have science in 10+2 with 60% minimum aggregate. B.Arch is a five-year programme. Besides zoos, people with architectural skill and interior design sense can make dog houses, cat houses and houses for birds by learning about animal needs of space/light and exposure..

   
  Handlers and feeders in zoo:
  Zoos require people who are efficient in handling the animals and feeding them. Handlers and feeders are responsible for the “direct” care of the animals. No qualifications are required to be a handler or animal feeder. Informal animal education and extensive work with animals are pre-requisites to be a handler and feeder.
   
  Interpreters:
 

Zoo animal interpreters plan, develop, and coordinate interpretive programmes. At times they have to reduce highly technical information to a level that is understandable to the public. They are called on to lecture community groups, school children, and civic organizations.

A degree in zoology is necessary. There are postgraduate training courses in conservation education and interpretation from the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun.

   
  At a lower level, security guards are required in interpretation centres.
   
  Public relation officers:
  These are required to promote the zoo, its uniqueness, and its activities to the public via media.
   
  WORKING WITH FISH:
 

Like zoos, aquariums need both scientifically trained professionals to deal directly with animals and a large support staff to back up their efforts. Aquariums have an administrative staff, educational and research departments, operations managers, veterinarians and veterinary assistants, and aquarists.

Available Posts:

The top administrative person is the director, who has overall responsibility for the smooth functioning of the aquarium. Public relations specialists and clerical personnel are needed to staff the offices of an aquarium. In addition to the administrative staff, veterinarians, compounders, handlers and feeders are employed.

   
  Aquarists:
 

Aquarists feed the fish and other sea animals, report on the health of all the sea creatures and even dive among these fast moving inhabitants. Aquarists need to have a degree in fishery science. Developing and maintaining the sea wealth is what fisheries aim at (though fishery science curriculum also deals with making and marketing of fish, this pamphlet does not deal with that aspect). This involves the breeding of good quality fishes, ensuring the continuance of genetic species strengths, and securing the non-extinction of species. Fishery Science can be studied at the B.Sc. level after completing 10+2 with Biological Science as one of the subjects. You can also do M.Sc in Fishery Science after completing your B.Sc. in Zoology.

The fishery colleges in India are in:

1.

Andhra Pradesh College of Fisheries Nellore 524 004

2.

Assam College of Fisheries Raha Jorhat

3. Bihar College of Fisheries Dholi Muzaffarpur
4. Gujarat College of Fisheries Veraval 362 265
5.
Karnataka College of Fisheries Mangalore 575 002
6. Kerala College of Fisheries Panangad Kochi 682 506

7. Maharashtra College of Fisheries Ratnagiri
8.
Orissa College of Fisheries Rangailunda Berhampur 760 007 9. Tamil Nadu College of Fisheries Tuticorin 628 008
10. Tripura College of Fisheries Agartala
11.

Uttar Pradesh College of Fisheries Pantnagar 263 145

12. West Bengal College of Fisheries Nadia Belgachia Road Kolkatta

Capsule courses for training fisheries personnel are conducted by:

Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE) Indian Council of Agricultural Research Seven Bungalows Versova Mumbai- 400 061 Ph:022-6361446/47/48

Email: cife@400.nicgw.nic.in fishinst@bom3.vsnl.net.in

Opportunities exist not only in public aquariums but also in government agencies, state Departments of Agriculture and organizations such as the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). Recruitment to these institutions is done through the State Public Service Commissions. Apart from these there are academic options. Fisheries and aquatic resource research is conducted in many institutions across the country. If you have good research skills, then you can find employment in organizations such as the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) and the National Institute of Oceanography in Goa.

   
  Fish and wildlife technicians
 

Fish and wildlife technicians help with the breeding, rearing, protection, and study of fish, birds and other wildlife.

They have to feed and care for fish, birds, and other wildlife. They gather and record information on the number of fish and wildlife and where they live. They also work to improve wildlife habitat. Others collect information about water quality and quantity. They may also supervise other workers, do technical tasks in research and management activities, conduct habitat improvement programmes, operate, maintain, and inspect facilities and equipment at the work site, and catch and tag animals with radio collars. They do this to establish territories and animal survival records. They also conduct experiments under supervision and help to estimate the number of animals and species in a given area.

Required qualification:

A degree in fishery science or Botany or Zoology or Wildlife Management. Potential employment is in pollution control laboratories like NEERI, TERI or the Pollution Control Boardsa

   
  Artificial insemination technologist
 

The artificial insemination industry plays a vital role in the modern livestock industry. With the need for superior genetics in the industry and the ever-increasing herd sizes, artificial insemination technologists are in high demand. They are responsible for obtaining and passing on superior genetics from breed associations and genetically superior animals. To be an artificial insemination technologist a degree in genetics is required. A Ph.D. in Animal Genetics and Breeding can be obtained from the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai.

To pursue an engineering degree in Genetics, information can be gathered from:

International Centre For Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

Aruna Asaf Ali Marg New Delhi-110 067 Tel-011-6195007, 6189358/60/61 Fax-011-6162316

E-Mail-icgeb@icgeb.res.in

   
  Ichthyologist
 

Ichthyology is the scientific study of fish. An ichthyologist is a person who devotes a career to studying some of the estimated 25,000 to 30,000 species of bony fish, sharks, rays, and lobe-finned fish. Areas of speciality are varied and include study of classification, life history, anatomy, behaviour, ecology or physiology, aquarium maintenance, fish breeding, and conservation. What ichthyologists have in common is a fascination and enduring curiosity about fish, the dominant vertebrate animal in marine and fresh waters. In addition to being the most species-rich group of vertebrates, fish are often used as experimental models for demonstration of basic biological principles.

Most of the universities in USA offer graduate degrees in Ichthyology.

For those generally interested in fish study can take up short online courses.

Visit: www.eduspear.com (biological learning centre)

For distance education you can visit the site - www.uga.edu/aquarium (University of Georgia) where programmes and description of distance learning classes are given in detail.

Job opportunities are in:

- Applied research institutes like the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa and the Central Marine Fisheries Institute. Responsibilities of these agencies include management and development of commercial and sport fishing regulations, regulating use of coastal and wetland areas for recreation, identification of commercial adult and larval fish populations, and protection of endangered or threatened species.

- Aquariums

- Conservation agencies like World Wildlife Fund

   
  HERPETOLOGIST:
 

The scientific study of amphibians and reptiles is herpetology. To take up herpetology it is must to have a bachelor’s degree in Science or Chemistry or Biology.

Universities of Texas and Florida offer courses in Herpetology.

For further information you can visit:

www.utexas.edu/courses/herps

www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/herpetology/uf-herp.htm

There are job openings in

  • Zoos
  • Vaccine institutes (anti-venom vaccines)
  • Zoological Survey of India
  • Wildlife research centres
  • Museums
  • Public education
  • Laboratories For more information on herpetology,

you can contact: Indian Herpetological Society Usant Nav Maharashtra Society Off Pune Satara Road Pune-411 009 Ph: 020-4224154, 4370747, fax: 356757

   
  PRIMATOLOGIST:
 

Primatology is the study of non-human primates or the apes. Some primatologists focus exclusively on non-human primates, while others study them as models for human diseases, or as part of complex ecosystems. A background in Anthropology, Biology, Zoology or Veterinary Science along with Psychology is necessary to take up primatology as a career. Knowledge of foreign languages is important, as primatology is an international field.

There are distance education courses for those interested in studying Primatology.

-Athabasca University 1,University Drive Athabasca AB T9S 3A3 Canada E-mail: auinfo@athabascae.ca Website: www.athabascau.ca

-Bellevue Community College Distance Education Room D261 3000 Lander holm Cr SE Bellevue WA 98007-6484 E-mail: landerso@bcc.ctc.edu Website: distance-ed.bcc.ctc.edu/coursesframe.htm

-University of Waterloo Distance Education Office Waterloo Ontario N2L 3G1 Canada E-mail: distance@admmail.uwaterloo.ca Website: www.dce.uwaterloo.ca/de/index.html

-Utah State University Independent Study and Distance Education 3089 Old Main Hill

Logan UT 84322-3080 E-mail: de-info@ext.usu.edu Website: online.usu.edu

There might be pre-requisites to enrol in the universities mentioned above. For information on prerequisites and enrolment procedures and fees, contact directly or by visiting their respective websites or by email.

Job opportunities are in conservation agencies, primate centres, laboratories, sanctuaries, zoos, city municipal corporations, keepers, and research institutes.

For further information, you can contact:

International Primatological Society IPS Education Committee E-mail: sevens@umiami.miami.edu

American Society of Primatologists ASP Education Committee E-mail: cebuslem@aol.com.

   
  EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN ANIMAL WELFARE ORGANIZATIONS:
  Private shelters are generally nonprofit agencies and are organized like a business. They provide careers for administrative workers director, assistant director, shelter administrator, humane investigators, humane educators, lawyers, accountants, and technicians like X-ray specialists, veterinarians, compounders, public relations officers, handlers and feeders. Shelters have an animal pathological clinic and usually provide field service.7
   
  Shelter Administrator
 

Should be adept in communication skills, capable of working well with people and should be well organized in order to see the smooth operation of the shelter. As the administrator of a shelter, one should have training or experience in animal shelter care. One may become an executive director as a result of a promotion from within the shelter, or one maybe brought in from outside if the person is an exceptionally qualified candidate, such as a veterinarian with experience in operating an animal clinic or hospital. Many shelters require the administrator to live there, to be able to handle the vets. Most of the care given will be on an emergency basis which is available on a 24- hour basis.

A shelter administrator oversees the daily operations of the kennels, hires and supervises kennel staff, establishes and maintains procedures for the kennels and handles the finances. Having some background in veterinary technology, animal science, kennel management, or animal husbandry is essential to be a shelter manager.

   
  Humane Investigator
  Most shelters employ investigators who investigate reports of animal abuse, negligence, or abandonment. They are a must in S.P.C.A’s (Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). The humane investigator can issue notices or warnings to offenders and even assist in the prosecution of offenders. For this post one should have a degree in animal sciences (B.V.Sc) beside some training in law enforcement.
   
  Humane Educator
 

Many shelters believe in educating the public, especially children in the humane treatment of animals.

The humane education department of a private shelter upholds and implements the philosophy of the individual agency. Most shelters send their educators to schools, colleges, and police training.

 
  Qualifications :
  It is not essential to have a degree in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry or Biology. Knowledge of law, first aid, and abackground in communication skills and love for animals is essential.
 
  Veterinarians
  Veterinarians are required not only as doctors but also as teachers so as to teach in educational facilities to encourage alternatives to animal use in laboratories.
 
  Environmental and animal welfare Lawyers
  Since more and more cases are pending that affect animals, lawyers are needed to testify at public hearing, litigate on behalf of animals’ rights and advise animal rights organizations. There are special courses in law institutes.
 
  Journalists
  People with a background in journalism are required (a bachelor’s degree in journalism or a post-graduation diploma in journalism) because of their writing abilities and knowledge of the media. Most animal rights organizations need people who know how to write press releases and have contacts with the working press to help publicize their work.
 
  Public relation officers
  PRO's are required to promote the institution, its mission and its programmes to the public via media.
 
  Research assistants
  People with proficiency in the required language and eager to learn more about animals and animal welfare are needed by animal rights organizations so as to help in research and educate the mass.
 
  Fund raising organizers
  People with good communication skills, and business acumen are vital for animal welfare organizations to get sponsorships, money and other funds in order to keep the organizations and their mission alive.
 
  CONSERVATION AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT:
  It is run by the state and employs workers from the forest department such as
 
  Forest officers, forester and range officers
 

They are all from the posted Forest Service. The qualifications required for Indian Forest Services have been discussed above (“Work opportunities in Zoos”).

There are many wild life species in India that are endangered and need to be protected and conserved. As an Indian Forest Service or State Forest Service officer, the core job is the protection and conservation of forest resources and wild life.

In India, there are over 500 protected forest areas. As a forest officer, you will be devising, implementing and monitoring detailed management plans. You will be constantly monitoring habitat parameters, resources and human population. You will also be in charge of preservation and protection of forests from poachers.

 
  Forest management
 

As a forest management professional, your core job will be managing forest resources in such a way that they are not depleted. You will prepare documents about forest resources such as timber, ground for cattle grazing, shelter for wild animals, food and water for animals, etc.

You will also identify areas, which require particular attention for fresh planting, pruning of forests, pest control and fire management. You can also plan wildlife reserves, roads leading to interesting spo