Animal Management Degree Student Earns Unique Work Experience Opportunity at Heathrow Animal Reception Centre

Second year HND Animal Behaviour and Welfare student, Erin Maton chose to study at Brooksby College after the course was recommended to her by former tutors. “I’ve always been passionate about animals, and I would love to care for animals in my future career. My previous tutors often talked about Brooksby College, so when I went to an Open Day to learn more, I was amazed!” Erin said.

Inspired by her dream career path in animal welfare and law, Erin’s tutor at Brooksby College recommended she contact the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC) about their work experience opportunities. 

Managed by the City of London Corporation, HARC is the UK’s only Live Animal Border Control Post designated for all species, with facilities to receive and hold any animal. Located on the perimeter of Heathrow Airport, the facility receives around 100 farm animals, 300 horses, 1,000 birds, 20,000 dogs and cats, 120,000 reptiles and amphibians, 22 million ornamental fish, and billions of invertebrates every year.

Erin completed her work experience in August 2025, earning hands-on experience through a variety of duties and responsibilities. She shared: “I was supporting with unloading and checking animals into their kennels and catteries, filing paperwork, and taking care of the ‘resident’ animals that had been seized by Border Force.

“Even though there were some specialist tasks I couldn’t do myself, staff answered all my questions and allowed me to observe them, encouraging me to remember the procedures and processes that I’d learnt.”

Reflecting on her experience at HARC, Erin said: “Work experience with HARC really pushed me out of my comfort zone, but the staff were so helpful and encouraging! Hearing their insight and learning from their experience has been invaluable and given me confidence for the future.”

When asked about the importance of offering work experience opportunities to students Chair of the City Corporation’s Port Health & Environmental Services Committee, Peter Dunphy MBE, said: “When we welcome students into our work at HARC, we’re not just offering a placement, we’re building the next generation of experts who put animal welfare first. Many of our own staff started exactly this way, and their dedication shows why these opportunities matter.”

After completing her work experience, Erin returned to Brooksby College in September to enter the second year of her HND course, armed with new skills and drive. “Having a placement at HARC has given me a confidence boost,” Erin shared. “It’s been one of the highlights of my course. I feel like I can really see myself as part of the future of the Animal Care industry, especially thanks to the support of my tutors and everything I’ve learnt.

“My College tutors have been so supportive. Everyone has such a wide scope of experience and knowledge – you can learn so much from them.”

Erin’s development over the course of her HND has made her more confident in her post-College plans. Looking back on her progress so far, Erin enthused: “Animal Management is such a unique course, and I have been so well supported by the staff at College. I’d really recommend anyone considering the course to give it a go.”

Looking ahead, Erin credits both her work experience placement and the immersive approach to her course at Brooksby College for how prepared she feels for her next steps. “My dream career would be in creating policies to help animals and their carers. I’d love to work with organisations like the RSPCA and UK Centre for Animal Law, and the skills I’ve learnt have given me that confidence to pursue that career."