I interviewed Ed Powers, Petfinder's vp of strategic planning (and my dad), to find out. He's been working in animal welfare for 26 years, and has been an animal caregiver, animal cruelty officer, director of humane education and director of operations for the Animal Rescue League of Boston.
This is his advice:
1. Volunteer
Ed says anyone can begin by volunteering at their local animal shelter or veterinary clinic. "Start out by getting some good hands-on experience with animals," he says. (You can even sign up in Petfinder's volunteer database.)
2. Do your homework
While you're doing this, do some research online, at the library or at your local animal shelter. This way you can get a good feel for what you are doing. Research types of jobs, what they do and what it takes to get there.


