Dear Critter Chatter:
I am a high school student and I really want to work with animals as a career. I have always loved animals and was wondering what jobs/careers are available in the animal field?
Dear Career:
Planning any career takes time and it is no different in an animal related field. Choosing your life's work is one of the most important decisions you will make, so it is important to take a look at your interests including your likes and dislikes.
You should ask yourself some key questions as you narrow down your area of choice. For instance, are you more inclined to be interested in companion animals, primarily cats and dogs? Or perhaps your interests lean towards the welfare of wildlife, farm animals or marine mammals. Then ask yourself are you drawn to the medical aspect, behaviour and training, the sciences or starting your own animal-related business? Some animal related careers require many years of education while others may require specialized training in some form. You should speak with your guidance counselor to target the courses you will need for your chosen career.
Working directly with animals can be challenging, rewarding and exciting and often requires the caregiver to clean, feed and medicate their charges. This may involve interacting with animals who are frightened, very ill, injured and even dangerous. Many of the 'hands on' careers with animals require a high level of commitment and do not always offer a traditional schedule as animals may need your help at any time of the day.
I would suggest you try and speak with a professional who is already in the field you are considering. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions and gather information that is important to your decision making process. You may also want to consider volunteering in your area of interest if the opportunity is available.
There are many jobs that encompass the animal field and I have listed several for your consideration and further investigation.
Medical Field
Veterinarian
Veterinary Technician
Veterinary assistant
Wildlife
Rehabilitator
Refuge manager
Wildlife Conservation
Science
Ecologist
Oceanographer
Zoologist
Biologist
Animal Care, Services and Behaviour
Obedience Trainer
Pet sitter
Pet photographer
Groomer
Dog Walker
Boarding/Kennel operator
Dog Daycare operator
Horse Trainer
Stable/Boarding operator
Specialized animal behaviourist or trainer (i.e. hearing dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue, police)
Animal Welfare
Cruelty investigator
Animal Control Officer
Animal Care Worker
Fund raising
Humane Education
Shelter Management
Volunteer Manager
Thank you to the education department of the Ontario SPCA for providing me with information for this article.
