Training on animal projects

Working for the protection of wildlife

Do you dream of working for the protection of wildlife? Discover here everything you need to know about job opportunities in the humanitarian field involving animals.

We offer a wide range of programmes to enable you to work in humanitarian aid with NGOs on sustainable development. Many of these focus specifically on animal welfare: they are our animal project training courses.

Training to work with animals

Working with animals abroad is a personal and professional commitment. Here is an overview of the courses and training that allow you to be surrounded by animals on a daily basis.

To work with domestic animals, the possibilities are more numerous: veterinary studies, canine trainer training, animal health assistant…

If you do not wish to work with domestic animals, the most effective training to work in wildlife protection is that of a wildlife keeper. It will enable you to work in many fields and to be employed in organisations that house wild animals. This could lead you to work in a nature reserve abroad, for example.

A mentor will accompany you throughout your training in order to supervise your progress and guide you in your work. They will be a qualified professional in the animal field. They will place you in situations and evaluate the solutions you find.

The various facilities

• Working in a nature reserve abroad or at an animal sanctuary
• Veterinary practice
• Canine centre
• Domestic animal shelter

International training

Working for the protection of wildlife is an activity that can be carried out all around the world: treating lions in South Africa or orphaned dogs in Sri Lanka is entirely feasible!

Many animal projects offer you the opportunity to live an enriching international experience for a few weeks or months and to stand out in the professional world.

Going international and gaining hands-on experience with animals as soon as possible is an excellent way to stand out and to give yourself the best possible chance of securing a job that meets your expectations!

At RealStep, we offer accredited training abroad to combine learning and practical experience. We offer you the opportunity to work in a wildlife nature reserve, or any other location you choose, to gain training in the NGO sector.

The challenges and opportunities of working for wildlife protection

This field offers a multitude of unique opportunities, but it also comes with its own challenges. Potential challenges include adapting to a new environment and a different culture, as well as the need to get used to sometimes demanding working conditions. Furthermore, working in close contact with animals can sometimes be physically demanding, requiring resilience and the ability to manage stress.

However, these challenges are largely offset by the many rewarding opportunities offered by this type of work. Working for the protection of wildlife allows you to gain valuable experience in an exciting field and to contribute directly to their well‑being.

It also gives you the opportunity to develop your intercultural and language skills, as well as to forge meaningful connections with colleagues and local communities around the world. By overcoming these challenges, you will be able to live unforgettable, rewarding and fulfilling experiences both personally and professionally.

FAQ: We answer your questions

• What jobs are related to animals?

Animal-related careers include wildlife keeper, veterinarian, animal behaviourist, osteopath, breeder and animal shelter officer. Enough to find the path that fully matches your aspirations or to discover completely new and exciting fields.

• Can you choose the animals you work with?

Yes, the choice of animals depends on the place of work. For example, a wildlife keeper working in an aquatic park will not care for the same animals as a keeper working in a nature reserve, a zoo or a sanctuary.

• What qualities are necessary to work in wildlife protection
  ?

Required qualities include the ability to read and understand animal body language, to remain calm in all situations, and to demonstrate patience and compassion.

• What training is necessary to succeed in working in a nature reserve abroad
  ?

There are various training courses such as the CAP or professional baccalaureate in the animal field. For specific professions like veterinarian, a university degree in veterinary medicine is required. Contact us to discuss in detail the necessary arrangements and the required skills for organising your project.

• Why choose a career working with animals?

Working with animals offers a diversity of careers, daily contact with different species, magical moments, and a contribution to global wildlife conservation, enabling personal fulfilment and the discovery of new perspectives.

• How to engage with RealStep to get started?

All set, you have all the information to build your project, but you still need to know how to organise yourself? RealStep supports you in selecting the ideal project and helps you through every step until your departure. So, are you ready to work for the protection of wildlife?