kimmeh said:
Production animals are not a waste of time. What do you expect from an animal science degree, bearing in mind that production animal industries is what plays a vital role in generating income?
I totally agree. The reality is, people are stingy, even rich people dont want to spend lots of money on their pets. and if they did have to spend a lot of money on their pet, they're not exactly going to be willing to shell out a whole lot of cash to fund genetic research etc, which is what animal scientists do.
The funding for research comes from animal production companies and organisations like Meat and Livestock Australia, and Dairy Farmers, not from things like the Pug breeding society. (well, a breeding society might fund specific research for their breed, but in reality, the funding is minimal)
If you want to work directly with pet animals, you either need to become a vet, or forget the degree and become a vet nurse, animal attendant or run a doggy day care etc. Getting work where you get paid fto be hands on with pets is tough because people dont want to spend a lot of money on their pets.
And even as a vet, its not all cuddling animals all day, remember, the vet is the one the animals hate, the vet nurses are the ones that do the playing, walking, comforting and giving treats.
If you're not interested in Agriculture, genetic research, wildlife research or research in general, then probably the B AnVetBioSci is not for you. Unfortunately, there's very few courses on offer for people who miss out on Vet and arent interested in production animals.
But dont forget you can always make your own pathway to working with animals, perhaps do Psychology and become and animal behaviouralist, or become a policeman and work with the mounties, or Guide Dogs, or Riding for the Disabled etc. There are other options, you just have to think outside the square a bit.
