Careers for People Who Love Animals
Many career options are open to people who love animals. Some require a lot of education, while some are open to others through on the job training. Aside from that, you should have a compassionate type of personality as well as a desire to spend time with animals on a daily basis.
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Veterinarian
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Veterinarians are specialized doctors who treat small or large animals. Generally they diagnose and provide care for a variety of health conditions. Veterinarians may also perform surgical procedures and give vaccinations. They may have their own private practice or work with zoos. The education requirement for this type of career is intense. You will need to obtain a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.). According to the U.S. Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary is about $65,000 a year.
Animal Trainer
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Animal trainers are specialists who understand what motivates animals and use it to get the animals to perform tasks or stop a certain type of behavior. Typical training techniques involve voice commands and food rewards. They may train animals for performing in front of large groups of people or provide basic obedience training for domestic animals like dogs or cats. Other animal trainers may work with animals to help disabled people. This job typically requires a high school diploma or GED. Positions require on-the-job training with an experienced trainer. Animal trainers typical work on an hourly basis. Average rate is $10.60 per hour.
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Zoologist
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A zoologist studies animals in the wild and in captivity, such as in zoos or wildlife preserves. They typically focus on animal behavior, classification and development. Many positions may involve supervising animal habitats and maintaining their dietary requirements. To work as a zoologist, you will need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in zoology. However, many positions prefer that you have a master’s degree in zoology. According to the U.S. Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary is about $63,000 a year.
Animal Physical Therapist
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Animal physical therapists help animals who are injured or recovering from surgery. The job can involve getting the animal to do exercises and stretching, massaging the animal or providing a specialized diet. The overall goal of the animal physical therapist is to help animals increase mobility and improve the quality of life. A master’s degree in physical therapy with an emphasis in animals is required for this job. All states require animal therapists to obtain a license to work in this field. Average salary is about $36,000.
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