Are you passionate about helping animals and looking for a rewarding career? The animal care industry offers many exciting opportunities. From veterinary careers to wildlife conservation jobs and pet grooming, there’s something for everyone. You can find a career that matches your interests and skills.
The animal care industry has many well-paying jobs. Veterinarians, for example, earn a median of $103,260 in the U.S. as of 20221. Other high-paying jobs include farm handlers and animal nutritionists. Most of these roles need a college degree in biology, wildlife biology, or zoology, with about 50% of jobs requiring this2.
Wildlife conservation careers are perfect for those who love animals. Jobs like wildlife rehabilitators, conservation officers, and wildlife biologists involve direct animal care. In fact, 20% of animal-related jobs involve working with wildlife2. Conservation officers, who protect wildlife and natural resources, earn a median of $59,5001.
For those starting out, animal training and pet grooming are great options. These jobs require little to no degree, focusing on hands-on experience instead2. Animal care workers, who help with animal care in shelters and vet offices, earn a median of $29,7901.
Key Takeaways
- A wide range of well-paying animal careers are available, from veterinary professions to wildlife conservation jobs.
- Many animal-related careers require a college degree in fields such as biology, wildlife biology, or zoology.
- Wildlife conservation jobs offer the opportunity to work directly with animals in rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
- Entry-level positions in animal training and pet grooming emphasize hands-on experience over formal education.
- Animal care and service workers assist with the care of animals in various settings, often without requiring a college degree.
Veterinary Careers
If you love animals and want to help them, a career in veterinary medicine is rewarding. People in this field help animals get better and stay healthy. They include veterinarians, technicians, and assistants, all working together to care for animals.
Veterinarian
Veterinarians are like doctors for animals. They treat many health problems in pets and animals. To become one, you need a lot of education, like a doctoral degree3.
In 2017, vets made about $90,420 on average. The lowest earners made $53,980, and the highest made $159,3203. There’s also a lot of job growth, with 79,600 jobs in 20163.
Veterinary Technician
Veterinary technicians help vets with animal care. They do tasks like medical procedures and testing. You need an associate degree to become one3.
The average salary for these technicians is about $36,670 a year4. The BLS says there will be a 15% growth in jobs from 2020 to 20304. In 2017, their pay ranged from $22,880 to $49,3503.
Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary assistants help with daily tasks like feeding and cleaning. You usually need a high school diploma to start3.
In 2017, their average salary was $26,140. The lowest earners made $19,110, and the highest made $38,3003. There’s also a 19% job growth forecast from 2016 to 20263.
“The best doctor in the world is the veterinarian. He can’t ask his patients what is the matter – he’s got to just know.” – Will Rogers
Working in veterinary medicine is a great way to help animals. You can be a vet, technician, or assistant. It’s a fulfilling career that makes a big difference in animal lives.
Animal Rescue and Conservation Careers
If you love animals and want to protect them, a career in animal rescue and conservation is perfect. These wildlife conservation jobs are key to saving endangered species. From 1970 to 2018, animal populations dropped by 69 percent, a WWF report found5. With over a thousand mammals facing danger, the need for animal rescue workers is urgent.
Wildlife rehabilitators are heroes, caring for injured animals to release them back home. They need both vet skills and ecological knowledge. Wildlife vets, who help them, earn a median of $103,2605.
Conservation Officer
Conservation officers protect animals by enforcing laws. They fight against poaching and habitat loss. With 1,500 new jobs in wildlife biology each year, there’s plenty of room to make a difference5.
Animal Shelter Technician
Animal shelter workers are crucial, caring for animals in shelters. They give daily care and medical help. Wildlife biologists, who work with them, earn up to $104,7505.
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Working in animal rescue and conservation is rewarding. It lets you help animals and make a real difference. Wildlife forensic scientists, for example, earn $63,7405.
By joining animal rescue and conservation, you can be a voice for animals. You’ll help create a better future for all creatures.
Jobs Working With Wild Animals
If you love wildlife and want to help protect it, there are great jobs out there. These roles let you study animal behavior, help endangered species, and keep ecosystems healthy. People like wildlife biologists, zoologists, and animal nutritionists work hard to care for wild animals6.
Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife biologists study animals in their natural homes. They look at how animals behave, their numbers, and how they interact with their surroundings. They also work on plans to save animals that are in danger.
They make about $63,420 a year in the U.S. and usually need a Bachelor’s degree to start7. They might work for the government, conservation groups, or research places6.
Zoologist
Zoologists study animals, both in zoos and in the wild. They might focus on certain animals like mammals or birds. They do research, look at data, and help with saving animals.
They often work in zoos, aquariums, or wildlife areas. Jobs in this field are expected to grow about 5% from 2019 to 20297.
Animal Nutritionist
Animal nutritionists make special diets for wild animals in zoos. They make sure these animals get the right food to stay healthy. They work with vets and animal handlers to plan meals that match what animals eat in the wild.
They make about $63,090 a year, according to the BLS7. They can work in zoos, wildlife centers, or research places.
To work with wild animals, you need a good education in biology, zoology, or animal sciences6. Getting hands-on experience through internships or volunteering is also key6. With hard work and a love for wildlife, you can really make a difference.
Careers Working With Aquatic Animals
If you love the underwater world, aquatic animal careers are perfect for you. You can study ocean ecosystems as a marine biologist or help rescue sea creatures. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says jobs in animal care will grow fast, offering great opportunities8.
Marine biology professions are key to protecting our oceans. Scientists in this field study marine life, from tiny plankton to huge whales. Marine biologists earn a median salary of $86,203, making it a rewarding career8.
Starting salaries range from £12,000 for research field assistants to £30,000 for consultancy work9. Those with PhDs can earn between £26,000 and £35,000, or even up to £47,000 as university lecturers9.
Marine mammal rescue is another important role. Teams save animals like dolphins, seals, and whales. Marine mammal trainers earn an average of $33,9088. They often work long hours, sometimes 24 hours a day9.
Aquarium jobs help teach people about marine life. Aquarium maintenance technicians earn a median of $40,1998. CEOs in marine biology NGOs can make over £40,000, and top research positions can reach £90,0009.
“People must feel that the natural world is important and valuable and beautiful and wonderful and an amazement and a pleasure.” – Sir David Attenborough, who has conducted numerous species surveys during his acclaimed career9
Fisheries biologists manage fish populations. They ensure fishing is sustainable and protect endangered species. Marine biotechnologists, who develop products from sea life, earn $132,303 on average8. Research jobs can be intense but offer flexible hours9.
Whether you want to be a marine biologist, work in marine mammal rescue, or help in aquariums, these careers are fulfilling. With growing demand and good pay, now is a great time to start.
Animal Careers List: Dogs, Pets, and More
If you love animals, there are many rewarding jobs in the pet care industry. You can work as an animal trainer, pet groomer, or animal care worker. These roles focus on the health and happiness of our furry friends. Let’s look at three popular animal careers.
Animal Trainer
Animal trainers teach dogs, horses, and other animals to obey and learn new skills. They use positive methods to help animals behave well. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says animal trainers earn about $38,810 a year10.
To be a great animal trainer, you need patience, dedication, and a good understanding of animal behavior. As a dog training expert, you can improve the lives of pets and their owners.
Pet Groomer
Pet groomers keep pets looking and feeling their best. They bathe, brush, trim, and style dogs and cats. It’s important to know how to handle pets in this job11.
The pay for pet groomers varies by place. In Los Angeles, it’s $18.94/hr, while in San Antonio, it’s $12.61/hr10. To do well, you need good communication skills, attention to detail, and a love for animals.
Animal Care and Service Worker
Animal care workers take care of animals in kennels, shelters, and zoos. They make sure animals eat well, stay clean, and get medical care when needed. Animal control workers earn about $43,170 a year10.
Working in animal care can be very rewarding. Even though some jobs in shelters are unpaid11, those who do it find joy in helping animals.
Exploring these animal careers can lead to fulfilling jobs in the pet care industry. Whether you become an animal trainer, pet groomer, or animal care worker, your hard work and kindness will help many animals and their owners.
Conclusion
Pursuing an animal career is a dream for many animal lovers. It offers rewarding jobs that help animals. Careers range from veterinary medicine to wildlife conservation and animal training12.
Zoologists are key in protecting animal diversity. They specialize in marine biology, ethology, and ecology12. Wildlife conservationists work to save biodiversity and fight species extinction12.
Animal careers often need a lot of preparation. This includes graduate degrees and specialized skills13. Many roles involve leading teams to achieve goals13.
The need for vets and animal researchers is high. They work in research and education14. These jobs require specific qualifications and knowledge14.
To start an animal career, you need strong scientific skills and field experience12. Good communication, teamwork, and attention to detail are also key14. Animal care jobs offer a varied and rewarding experience13.
With many career paths and the chance to help animals, starting a job in this field is fulfilling. It’s a great choice for those who love animals.
FAQ
What are the best careers for animal lovers?
Animal lovers have many rewarding career options. They can work as veterinarians, wildlife rehabilitators, or animal trainers. Other choices include pet groomers, zoologists, marine biologists, and animal care workers. These jobs let you help animals and protect their habitats.
What education is required to become a veterinarian?
To be a vet, you need a four-year college degree first. Then, you must complete a four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. After getting your DVM, you must pass a national exam and meet state licensing rules to work as a vet.
What does a wildlife rehabilitator do?
Wildlife rehabilitators help injured, sick, and orphaned wild animals. They aim to release these animals back into the wild. They give medical care, food, and teach animals to survive on their own. They also teach people about wildlife and how to live with it.
How can I become an animal trainer?
To train animals, you usually need a high school diploma and animal experience. Many start with internships or entry-level jobs. Learning about animal behavior and training methods helps. Being patient, consistent, and good at communicating is key.
What is the role of a zoologist?
Zoologists study animals and their behaviors in their natural habitats. They research animal species, their physical traits, and how they interact. Zoologists might focus on certain animals and work in universities, zoos, or conservation groups.
What career opportunities are available in the equine industry?
The equine industry has many jobs for horse lovers. You can be a horse trainer, riding instructor, or equine vet. Other roles include equine massage therapists, stable managers, and horse breeders. These jobs ensure horses are healthy and well-cared for in stables and equestrian centers.
Source Links
- Top 9 Animal Jobs – https://www.ucdavis.edu/majors/blog/top-animal-jobs
- 15 jobs that work with wild animals – https://www.ifaw.org/journal/15-jobs-with-wild-animals
- Veterinary Careers – Jobs, Salaries & Education – https://thebestschools.org/careers/career-guide/veterinary-careers/
- What career other than vet could someone with an interest in animals/healthcare pursue? – https://www.careervillage.org/questions/844105/what-career-other-than-vet-could-someone-with-an-interest-in-animalshealthcare-pursue
- Want to Do Good Work on Behalf of Wildlife? Here’s How – https://www.trade-schools.net/articles/wildlife-jobs
- How to get a job in wildlife conservation or animal welfare – https://www.ifaw.org/journal/how-to-get-job-wildlife-conservation
- A career working with animals: how to start your wild adventure | Insight – Charles Sturt University – https://insight.study.csu.edu.au/career-working-with-animals/
- Fur, Fins, Feathers, and Fangs: 50 Careers for Animal Lovers – Animal Behavior College – https://www.animalbehaviorcollege.com/blog/animal-career-advice/aquarium-maintenance/fur-fins-feathers-and-fangs-50-careers-for-animal-lovers/
- Marine biologist job profile | Prospects.ac.uk – https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/marine-biologist
- 12 jobs working with animals — and how much money you can make – https://www.care.com/c/jobs-with-animals/
- 11 Jobs Working with Animals That Don’t Require a Degree » Stratford Career Institute Blog – https://blog.scitraining.com/jobs-working-with-animals-without-a-degree/
- Best Career Paths for Zoology Graduates | Huzzle – https://www.huzzle.app/blog/best-career-paths-for-zoology-graduates
- 19-1011.00 – Animal Scientists – https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-1011.00
- Jobs – https://www.aclam.org/jobs
