Being able to make a career out of what we love most is everyone’s dream. If you are an animal lover, you may be pondering ways to incorporate that passion into your work life. Fortunately, there are many career options for you.
aslysun / ShutterstockVeterinarian
Choosing to become a veterinarian is perfect for anyone who loves all types of animals.
As a veterinarian, you will be able to provide healthcare to domestic pets, zoo animals, and livestock. Most vets specialize in domestic pets, such as dogs, cats, bunnies, and birds. Vets prescribe medicine, diagnose health conditions, administer vaccines, and perform surgical procedures.1
To become a veterinarian, you must obtain an undergraduate degree and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. It can take a total of eight years to obtain these degrees.2
Veterinary Technician
Becoming a veterinary technician is the perfect option if you don’t have the eight years to spend becoming a veterinarian. Vet techs are often referred to as the nurses of veterinary medicine.
If you become a vet tech, you will assist veterinarians. You will draw blood, check pulses, take temperatures, and administer medicine, among other tasks.3
To become a veterinary technician, you need to earn an associate degree in veterinary technology or animal science. This can take somewhere between two to four years to obtain.4
Pet Groomer
Becoming a pet groomer is one of the simpler careers on this list. As a pet groomer, you will groom domestic pets, including dogs and cats. Responsibilities include:
- Washing, cutting, and blow-drying hair;
- Trimming nails, and;
- Brushing teeth.
You do not need a college education to become a pet groomer. However, most employers will want you to have a high school diploma or an equivalent.5
Pet Sitter
Like pet grooming, pet sitting is an easy career to get into. As a pet sitter, you will provide daily care for other peoples’ pets. You will walk, feed, and tend to the pets.
Typically, pet sitters are hired when an owner is going on vacation. Some pet sitters stay overnight at the owner’s home, while others commute daily to the pet’s home. Some owners will allow the pet sitter to take the pet home with them.
You do not need a degree to become a pet sitter. Most owners will like sitters to have personal experience and basic knowledge of pet care.6
Dog Trainer
If you love dogs and want to help them learn manners, dog training is the perfect profession for you. Dog trainers help young pups and old dogs learn basic commands, tricks, and solve behavioral problems.7
Becoming a dog trainer does not require a college degree. Most dog trainers learn their trade through internships and certification programs. Many owners appreciate it if trainers have official certifications.8
Animal Massage Therapist
Animal massage therapists are just like human massage therapists, but for domestic animals. As an animal massage therapist, you will use extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology to help animals’ overall health and wellness.
A college degree is not needed to become an animal massage therapist. However, an animal science degree is appreciated among professionals. Most animal massage therapists take one or two training courses to obtain their knowledge and certifications.9
Zookeeper
Being a zookeeper is an extensive and strenuous job. As a zookeeper, you will be responsible for the healthcare of the animals within the zoo. You will be in charge of maintaining habitats and monitoring the behavior of each individual animal.
To become a zookeeper, you will need an undergraduate college degree in an animal-related study. Some of those areas of study include:
- Zoology;
- Animal sciences;
- Biology, and;
- Life sciences.10
Wildlife Biologist
Like zookeepers, wildlife biologists monitor the behaviors of animals. As a wildlife biologist, you will study how animals interact with their natural habitats. That will include what they eat, how they communicate, and their overall daily behaviors. Wildlife biologists help us further understand how the animal kingdom functions.
To become a wildlife biologist, you will need an undergraduate degree for entry-level positions. If you wish to take on a higher-up position, you will need a master’s degree. Wildlife biology and conservation degrees are most acceptable amongst professionals.11
Marine Biologist
Marine biologists are just like wildlife biologists, except they specialize in marine animals. As a marine biologist, you will study the behavior of marine animals, their ecosystems, and aquatic plants. Marine biologists help us further understand the oceans and their wildlife.
To become a marine biologist, you will need a college degree in marine biology. Depending on the level of the position will determine whether you need an undergraduate, masters, or doctorate.12
Conservation and Forest Technician
Unlike the other jobs on this list, conservation and forest technicians do not work one-on-one with animals. Instead, they collect data on the conditions of certain areas of land. That data includes soil and water quality, plant types, and other hazardous conditions. Conservation and forest technicians ensure that the local ecosystem is thriving.13
To become a conservation and forest technician, you will need an associate degree. Employers will appreciate a degree that is accredited by the Society of American Foresters.14
Wildlife Control Agent
If you like the idea of making sure animals are safe and sound, you will love being a wildlife control agent.
As a wildlife control agent, you will take wild animals from urban areas and return them to their natural habitats. You will also ensure that these animals can’t reenter the urban communities.
A college degree is not needed to enter this profession. However, it is appreciated by most employers. Plus, employers like you to have above-average knowledge of wild animals and their needs.15