4 Essentials For Animal Care Workers in the Outdoors

This post may have affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases from those links. This does not cost you anything and helps support the Sanctuary and all the animals in our care. This has no bearing on our reviews and comparisons. We will do our best to keep things fair and balanced to assist you in making the best decision for you and your pets.

Animal care workers often work in challenging outdoor environments to provide care and support to animals. The nature of their work requires them to be well-equipped with essential tools to ensure their safety and the welfare of the animals under their care. Here are five essential training tools for animal care workers at sanctuaries, focusing on items needed for outdoor work.

1. Protective clothing and gear: Animal care workers need to wear protective clothing and gear to keep themselves safe from potential hazards when working outdoors. This includes items such as sturdy boots, gloves, and jackets. Animal care workers may also require specific protective gear depending on the type of animal they are working with, such as bee suits or snake-proof boots.If you aren’t sure where to start, here are some of our team’s favorites to get you started in your search.
   • Boots: Anti-Fatigue Hiking Waterproof Leather 
   • Gloves: Glove Station – Cold Weather Tactical Gloves with Touchscreen Fingers
   • Jacket: Boulder Creek Fleece-Lined Parka with Detachable Hood and 6 Pockets 
2. First aid kit: A comprehensive first aid kit is an essential tool for animal care workers. They must be prepared for any accidents that may occur while working with animals. A first aid kit should include basic supplies such as bandages, antiseptic, and scissors, as well as more advanced items like splints and tourniquets. These are a couple of our favorites:
   • Swiss Safe 2-in-1 Hardcase First Aid Kit (348 Piece) + Bonus Mini Kit (32 Piece), Survival Preparedness for 50 People
   • Comprehensive First Aid Kits – Premium MOLLE System and Labeled Compartments Trauma Kits, Emergencies Medical Kits
   • Surviveware Survival First Aid Kit for Outdoor Preparedness 
3. Communication equipment: Communication equipment is essential for animal care workers working in remote locations or large sanctuaries. Two-way radios, cell phones, and satellite phones can be used to communicate with other workers and emergency services in case of an accident or other emergency. There are a BUNCH of free apps that you can download to use on your cell phone. If you prefer radios, here are two of our favorites:
   • Long Range Walkie Talkies (6 Pack + Rechargeable) 
   • G9 Waterproof Walkie Talkie
4. Training materials: Animal care workers must be trained on proper animal handling techniques and medical procedures. This requires access to training materials such as manuals, videos, and online courses. The materials should be regularly updated to reflect new research and best practices in animal care. Here are some of our go-to books:
   • Wild Mammals in Captivity: Principles and Techniques for Zoo Management, Second Edition 
   • Restraint and Handling of Wild and Domestic Animals 3rd Edition
   • Safe Handling and Restraint of Animals: A Comprehensive Guide 1st Edition

In conclusion, animal care workers at sanctuaries require a range of essential training tools to work safely and effectively outdoors. Protective clothing and gear, first aid kits, animal restraint equipment, communication equipment, and training materials are all vital for their work. It is important for animal care workers to be properly trained in the use of these tools to ensure the safety and welfare of the animals under their care.