On the Job: 10 Incredible Animals with Human-Helping Careers!
Not all heroes wear capes; some have tails, hooves, or fluffy coats.
All over the world, animals work incredibly hard in jobs that help people. They carry supplies, guard herds, guide travellers and even help grow food.
This International Working Animal Day, we're paying tribute to the many animals who support communities, and how organisations like WVS help to keep them safe, healthy and happy, even in places where vet care can be hard to reach. Let’s take a look at 10 incredible animal jobs – and meet the animals hard at work!
1. Load-Carrying Champions - Donkey & Mules
In countries like India, Ethiopia and Tanzania, animals like donkeys and mules are super important for getting things from one place to another. They help carry everything from schoolbooks and medicine to water and firewood. And it’s not just in the countryside – they’re busy in cities too, weaving through traffic and helping people every day.
Did you know? A mule is a mix of a horse and a donkey, and they’re known for being tougher than both!
WVS vet teams visit places like Tanzania, as we showed you in our recent donkey blog, providing essential care and support to these animals and their owners. This includes everything from head-to-hoof check-ups to providing safe and comfortable harnesses.
2. The Wildlife Protectors – Anti-Poaching Dogs
In Malawi, specially trained dogs help wildlife rangers protect endangered animals like elephants, rhinos, and pangolins. These amazing dogs can sniff out illegal items like snares (wire traps set to catch wildlife) or ivory, even when hidden in bags or vehicles.
Did you know? A dog’s nose can be 100,000 times more powerful than a human’s. They can even track someone’s scent days later!
WVS supports these incredible working dogs by providing regular check-ups, vaccinations, and making sure they get the treatment and rest they need to stay sharp and ready to work!
3. The Farmer’s Friends - Horses, Ponies, and Oxen
In small farms, all over the world, families rely on horses, ponies, and oxen to plough fields and pull carts. These animals are vital for growing food, getting to the markets, and keeping rural life moving.
Amazing fact about the ox: an ox can pull more than 900kg, which is weight of a small car!
Our team of specially trained vets and animal carers travels to these rural communities to offer dental care, hoof trimming, and check over any health concerns their owners might have. We can also give advice on harness safety, helping these hard-working heroes stay comfortable.
4. The Guardians - Alpacas
On farms in South America, alpacas are sometimes used to guard sheep or chickens from predators. They’re surprisingly protective and will chase away threats with their loud calls and large presence.
Fun fact: Alpacas will hum to each other as a way of communication. It sounds like soft singing!
5. The Desert Guides - Camels
A camel caravan is a long line of people and camels travelling together across deserts and dry, difficult regions. The camels carry supplies like food, water, and goods to trade.
Historically, camel caravans crossed entire deserts carrying goods like spices, gold, salt, and even books! Some caravans had hundreds of camels, stretching for miles – like a moving village across the sand.
6. The Pest Patrol - Cats on Farms and Ships
Historically, and even today, cats help control rat and mouse populations on farms, in grain stores, and even on ships. This helps protect food supplies from becoming unsafe to use.
Did you know? Some famous sailing ships had their own “official” cats – like Trim, the sea cat of explorer Matthew Flinders!
Photo: Rodney Burton
7. The Mountain Movers - Mules and Yaks
In the steep mountains of places like India and Nepal, mules and yaks carry supplies where no vehicles can go. They help transport medicine, tools, and goods to isolated communities.
What is a yak? A yak is a big, fluffy mountain animal – kind of like a cow in a winter coat! They live in high places like the Himalayas, so they have extra-large lungs to help them breathe the thin mountain air
8. The Recyclers - Pigs in Waste Management
In some traditional farming communities, pigs are used to help clean up organic waste, turning leftovers into manure for crops. Though it’s less common now, it’s still practiced in some parts of the world.
9. The Plough Pullers - Buffalo
In parts of Thailand, India, and Vietnam, tractors would sink in muddy rice fields, but water buffalo are perfect for the job. They’re calm, gentle, and powerful, helping farmers prepare the land for planting.
10. The Trail Travellers - Horses and Mules
In rural parts of South America, like the Andes Mountains in Peru or Ecuador, horses and mules are used for transport where cars and roads can’t go. They help carry supplies, travel between villages, and are the key link for isolated communities accessing larger towns and places.
Horses are often used for herding livestock, too! Moving herds of cows on horseback is faster and safer than using our own foot-power.
Fun fact: Horses can sleep both lying down and standing up, thanks to a special locking system in their legs. This means they can grab a quick nap anywhere!
Helping the Helpers
All around the world, animals work side by side with people. They deserve the same love and care as any pet – and thanks to WVS, thousands of working animals get the support they need. From donkey clinics in Mozambique to horse care in South America, our outreach teams are making the difference.
Want to help too?
Join Young Vets Club and be part of a global mission to care for animals who care for us. Learn, explore, and discover how you can help shape the future of animal welfare – right from where you are!
