Make a Career Out of Helping Neglected Animals—Apply to Be a PETA Fieldworker Today (Video)

Published by Katherine Sullivan.
3 min read

As Forrest Gump might say, fieldwork performed by PETA’s Community Animal Project (CAP) staff is kind of like a box of chocolates—because in this job, you never know what you’re going to get. As Breaking the Chain showed the world, this vital PETA team helps abandoned, abused, and neglected animals in the areas surrounding our Norfolk, Virginia, headquarters and helps indigent guardians care for and keep their beloved dogs, cats, and other animal companions. It’s a big task, and we’re looking to expand our team.

As a PETA fieldworker, on any given day, you could find yourself crawling under a house or into a sewer pipe, climbing a tree, or digging through a junkyard to rescue a terrified animal; shuttling animals to and from our low- to no-cost spay and neuter clinics; or going into an impoverished neighborhood to deliver doghouses, straw bedding, food, and toys to “backyard dogs.” And, sometimes, the most important thing our fieldworkers give lonely dogs is the affection that they deserve but have been denied their entire lives.

Daphna with dog Midnight
PETA fieldworkers help dogs like Midnight, ensuring that during high temperatures and other weather extremes, they have shelter, basic necessities, and some TLC.

We often come to the aid of neglected “backyard dogs” like Rambo, whose owner had left him trapped in a filthy pen with no food or water and whose bones stood out like bare limbs on a tree. We worked with police to get him confiscated, and the owner was convicted of cruelty. The sweet dog, so trusting despite having been betrayed, was adopted by a fantastic family, gained 30 pounds, and was finally able to relish the safe, comfortable indoor life—except for romps in the park, of course—that every dog deserves.

Rambo

Our field team is also called upon to help suffering free-roaming outdoor cats. This brown tabby kitten, for example, was found by a kind local resident. She had sustained horrific injuries to her face and had deep, maggot-infested wounds. The resident contacted CAP, and we quickly ended her suffering.

PETA fieldworkers come to the aid of countless outdoor cats who suffer from conditions including advanced upper respiratory infections, missing eyes, broken jaws, BB gun wounds, feline leukemia and panleukopenia, and ulcerated, infected, and ruptured eyes and paw pads. It’s why we campaign so vigorously for guardians to have their feline companions spayed or neutered and to keep them indoors.

Every day and every story is different, but one thing is constant: As a fieldworker, you’ll directly improve the lives of animals every single day.

So, think you have what it takes to be a PETA fieldworker?

Then we’ve got good news: We’re hiring! We’re looking for diligent, hardworking, kind, professional, physically able individuals who care about animals—and who don’t mind getting their cargo pants a little (or a lot!) dirty. If this sounds like you, consider applying for our fieldworker opening.

If you don’t have related experience, we still want to hear from you! We’re hiring for an entry-level position helping dogs and cats, too. In this role, you’ll assist with important fieldwork and casework, receive plenty of training, and take on important behind-the-scenes tasks that make a difference in the lives of animals who need help the most. Apply today:

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