About gets into more detail about the animal focused jobs below, but this will give you a great overview on what to expect. Depending on your interest and education thus far, you may need to go back for more schooling.
Or, if an individual job requires more experience see if you can intern with a friend in the same field or company first.
Learn all that you can about the career you're interested in and when you're ready to apply for jobs look forward to spending every day with your furry friends. Your hard work has finally paid off!
Animal Behavior[ist]
Behaviorists work with pets and their owners to implement programs designed to solve unwanted behaviors in pets.Applied Animal Behaviorists have completed postgraduate programs in a behavioral science and passed rigorous requirements. Veterinary Behaviorists are licensed veterinarians who complete internships, residencies and pass advanced requirements to become board-certified specialists.
Boarding Kennels or Doggie Day Care
If you want to spend time with healthy dogs, consider working in a boarding kennel or doggie day care center. These jobs are often available to those with no previous experience, and training is done on-site. With experience, one can eventually become a manager or business owner.Dog Breeding
Becoming a dog breeder is about more than just letting purebred dogs have puppies and then selling them. If this is your mindset, then it is not for you. Though dog breeding can eventually become a career, it is wise to start out thinking of it as a serious hobby.Dog Grooming
If you love the idea of primping Poodles, coiffing Cocker Spaniels, and making dogs look and smell pretty, then you might want to consider becoming a dog groomer. Professional dog groomers are the cosmetologists of the canine world. They style dogs for conformation, photographs and everyday comfort.Dog Sitting and Dog Walking
If you enjoy caring for dogs and being your own boss, then pet sitting or dog walking might be just the thing for you. Many dog lovers have made a living at it, while others enjoy it as a side job for extra income. Dog sitters go to homes to care for dogs while their owners are out of town. Duties include feeding, walking, medicating, playing and cleaning up after dogs. Some are asked to spend the night, but most just visit 2-3 times a day.Dog Shows
Handlers are paid by owners to handle their dogs at shows. The goal is to earn champion titles. A handler must have a strong grasp of breed standards, lots of experience working in dog shows and a willingness to travel frequently.Dog Training
Dog trainers teach commands from basic to advanced and help dog owners teach these commands to their own dogs. Trainers also work with future service and working dogs, and some teach canine “actors” to perform for television and film.Pet Supplies
With little or no experience, you can work in a pet supply store, meeting all kinds of dogs and learning about dog products. If you are interested in working behind the scenes, try a dog food company or toy manufacturer.Public Services
Working with dogs in service of the public can be a very selfless and rewarding experience. There are several ways you can work with dogs to make the world a better place.Veterinary Medicine
Working in the field of veterinary medicine, you will promote pet wellness and help sick animals. Veterinarians complete 4 years of college followed by 4 years of vet school to become doctors of veterinary medicine (DVM). Veterinary Technicians are vet nurses who have passed a test to become credentialed. In most cases they are required to complete 2-4 years of school in a vet tech program. Veterinary Assistants are similar to techs, but are not licensed and have not attended vet tech school.
