What Are Jobs for Someone Who Loves Working With Animals?

You can turn your love of animals into a career.

Many people love their four legged friends and enjoy trips to the zoo and circus. However, some people have so much passion for animals that they choose to get paid to work with them each day. If you want to make a career out of your love of animals, there are many ways to do it.

Veterinarian

Veterinarians treat sick and injured pets, much like doctors care for patients. Veterinarians perform regular checkups, give blood tests, take X-rays and perform surgeries, among other duties, to treat animals. Veterinarians must complete a bachelor's degree, usually in the sciences, and then complete four years of veterinary school. If you do not want to go through the extensive schooling required to be a veterinarian, you can also be a veterinary technician. Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians in much the same way a nurse assists a doctor.

Animal Trainer

Animal trainers train animals to follow certain commands or behave in a certain way. Trainers may be responsible for feeding and socializing animals. Animal trainers can work with large animals such as elephants in the circus, zoo monkeys, or race horses. They may also work with small animals like dogs and conduct classes to train them to follow commands. Some dog trainers also train rescue dogs or canine units that assist police in solving crimes. Often, trainers can also serve as educators to the public on animal behavior.

Pet Sitter

Pet sitters are responsible for taking care of pets while their owners are away. Pet sitters walk, feed, bathe and groom pets. Pet sitters may be responsible for pets for a few hours during the day while the owner is busy or for days or weeks at a time when the owner is out of town. If you want to be your own boss, you can work out of your home being a dog sitter. Pet sitters may also work at pet boarding facilities or "daycare" centers.

Wildlife Rehabilitator

If you enjoy the outdoors and helping animals, rescuing and nursing wounded wildlife back to health may suit you. Wildlife rehabilitators give medical care to animals that have been injured in the wild or after natural or man-made disasters such as oil spills. They also rescue orphaned or displaced animals. Animal sanctuaries or humane societies provide a home for rescued animals and are a good place to start if working with wildlife interests you.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Veterinarians
• Career Planner: Animal Trainers
• PetSit USA
• Wildlife Rescue