BSc Applied Animal Behavioural Science and Welfare
"I fell in love with Hadlow when I first visited. I loved the enthusiasm of the lecturers and being amongst so many other nature and animal lovers was such a nice environment."
Tara Boswell - Dog Warden, Croydon Council
I fell in love with Hadlow when I first visited. I loved the enthusiasm of the lecturers and being amongst so many other nature and animal lovers was such a nice environment. I knew immediately that I wanted to study there.
I really enjoyed the psychology element and the hands-on experience that each class brought - and I also made some great friends at Hadlow. In 2006, I travelled to South Africa as part of the course and it is still, to date, the best trip away I have ever had.
Mark Beeching was my favourite lecturer and I have since returned to Hadlow to give a talk to other students in Mark’s class, on the same course.
My time studying at Hadlow was 100% a factor in securing my current role. Without the course, I know I wouldn’t have had the knowledge to secure my dream job.
I’m a dog warden for a local authority and this is my 10th year in the role. My main remit is to collect stray dogs and find rescue spaces and homes for those not claimed by their owners. I also deal with animal welfare complaints, hold dog awareness days and pretty much help with anything dog-related. I have also helped rescue other animals in the borough, such as cats, small furries, ducks, foxes and even terrapins!
As for career highlights, I‘ve just received an RSPCA Gold Paw Prints Award, which recognises the work that we do. I also thoroughly enjoy the rehoming part of my job. Seeing a scared, skinny dog that has been mistreated and then seeing the transformation into a happy, healthy dog is the most rewarding feeling in the world.
My advice to others seeking a similar role would be work hard and don’t give up! Get as much hands-on experience in the animal industry as possible. I worked at a rescue kennels for two years alongside my degree at Hadlow and it allowed me to apply the knowledge from the course in a practical way - and it was the combination of the two that got me my dog warden job. Volunteer in as many different sectors as you can from vet practices and dog walking businesses to rescue centres and behaviourists.