How Do I Get a Job With Animal Rights?
If you’re passionate about animal rights and want to make a difference in the world, there are several ways that you can become involved with this important movement. Many animal rights activists are lawyers and lobbyists who work to influence legislators to pass laws that protect animals from cruelty. Others are veterinarians who focus on improving the conditions on farm animals and those who work for animal shelters and rescue groups.
The first step is to decide what you want to do with your career. If you’re drawn to the work of law enforcement or animal welfare, you may want to pursue a criminal justice or criminology degree to gain experience and knowledge in these fields. Then, you can seek employment with law enforcement agencies in your area that specialize in preventing or investigating cruelty to animals.
A lawyer specializing in animal issues can help you advocate for the interests of animals and their rights. The Animal Legal Defense Fund, for example, is a nonprofit that provides free legal assistance and training, supports animal protection legislation and works to build the field of animal law.
You can also become an investigator for the Humane Society of the United States or another local animal control agency. These jobs involve working with the public to investigate animal abuse and cruelty. In some cases, you’ll need to work with law enforcement to gather evidence and follow up on leads.
This career can be challenging and stressful, but it can also give you a sense of purpose as you work to improve the lives of animals. You’ll be able to see the direct results of your efforts, such as a change in legislation, corporate animal welfare policy, or a decision by someone to adopt a compassionate vegan lifestyle.
Some advocates choose to work with a specific animal issue, such as fur, while other animal rights activists prefer to take on the entire animal protection movement. Regardless of your choice, you can be sure that the work you do will help reduce the suffering of animals and the environment.
In order for animal rights to be recognized in Western culture, there must be a widespread cultural shift. People need to learn that animals are thinking, feeling beings who deserve respect. They must disassociate themselves from outdated scientific and philosophical ideas that see animals as mindless automatons. Speciesism, patriarchal conceptions of manhood and other outdated beliefs must all be broken down and replaced with more humane views of animals.
One of the best ways to get involved with animal rights is through volunteering. There are numerous organizations that offer volunteer opportunities, including shelters and rescue centers, zoos, wildlife rehabilitation centers and even political advocacy groups.
Animal shelters and rescue organizations are always in need of help, and you can work at a local animal shelter or an organization with an international reach like Mercy for Animals. Some organizations have volunteer programs where you can adopt an animal, while others will ask you to foster sick or injured animals, provide pet care and enrichment, or host a donation drive for supplies.
