Real Life Dr. Dolittle: Career Options Working with Animals
Did you know that in 2019 the median salary for veterinarians was $95,460 per year?
Not only does working with animals pay well, but you also help some cute critters! While veterinarian careers are some of the most popular in the animal science field, there are plenty of other jobs that don’t require extensive schooling.
If you love animals, why not make them your career? Check out the options below for the best animal jobs.
Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician
You don’t have to be a doctor to jump into the veterinary world.
Veterinary assistants and technicians assist veterinarians by checking patients in, taking vitals, and with other animal care tasks. While veterinarians need a doctorate and license, you don’t need a college degree for a career as a vet tech. See this program for more information on becoming a veterinary technician.
However, years of school might be worth it. Veterinarians have one of the highest paying careers and lots of job flexibility.
Want to work with animals but already have a day job? Maybe you don’t want to go through the extensive training needed for most animal careers. Pet sitting jobs can satisfy your passion with less time commitment.
Sites like Rover and Wag let you set your own hours and rates. You can work a few hours a week and get your pet fix. Or, make a career out of it and start your own pet sitting business.
You could be the next Victoria Stilwell with a career in animal training.
From guide dogs to Seaworld’s dolphins, animal trainers find work in all sorts of fields. You won’t need a degree for this job, but you should have an affectionate attitude and passion for animals.
If you have patience and great communication skills, you could be training the next police horse or stunt dog.
The zoology field is expected to grow by 8% between 2016 and 2026.
Zoologists usually need degrees in biology, marine science, or a related field. They focus on the scientific research side of animal care. This can mean conducting experiments and observing wildlife.
You don’t have to work in a zoo as a zoologist. Many zoologists study animals in their natural environment or work in museums.
This job is perfect for those who care about protecting the environment.
Help injured animals and educate park visitors. Conservation officers not only work with wildlife, but they give back to their community in a big way. Criminal justice or natural resource management degrees can help you succeed in this path.
Prefer biology and data gathering on different species? You can also become a conservation biologist.
Career Options Working With Animals: Getting Started
Penguins, dogs, vultures, or fish?
Imagine getting to work with your favorite animals every day. You can make this dream a reality with a career working with animals.
Whether you want to research animal behaviors or walk dogs, you can find the perfect animal job for you. For more business and career tips, check out the rest of our blog!