If you love animals and working with them is your passion, than you might be wondering what types of careers involve working with them. We have compiled a list of the 21 best careers working with animals to give you ideas to explore you passion, while still making money. This career area is one of the most rewarding! Getting to spend time with animals and knowing that you are making a huge impact on their lives!
Here is our list of the 21 best careers working with animals:
1. Veterinarian
Average Annual Salary: $93,830
What they do: Just like humans our furry little friends need a doctor to take care of their medical needs. A veterinarian diagnoses and treats medical conditions in animals. There are all types of veterinarians from those that work with house pets, to livestock, and wildlife.
How to become one: Becoming a veterinarian requires you to complete your Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. This typically requires 8 years of education, 4 years for your bachelors and 4 years post-graduate education in a veterinary program. Veterinarians must also be licensed both nationally with the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination and at the state level by passing a state specific licensing examination.
2. Zoologist
Average Annual Salary: $63,420
What they do: Zoologists study animals in controlled environments that are typically found in the wild, this is typically done in places like zoos and aquariums. They perform research to better understand each animal species to ensure their welfare and develop preservation policy. They also come up with breeding techniques to save endangered species and promote conservation.
How to become one: A bachelor’s degree is needed to become an entry-level zoologist.
3. Animal Trainer
Average Annual Salary: $29,290
What they do: Animal trainers work in a variety of different environments. The most common animal trainer teaches pets basic commands to follow, such as sitting, shaking, and walking with their owner. Other types of trainers teach animals how to help disabled people, how to find drugs and bombs for law enforcement and the military, and performing tricks for shows and movies.
How to become one: There is no formal education required to become an animal trainer. They often learn by on-the-job training.
4. Wildlife Conservationist
Average Annual Salary: $61,340
What they do: A wildlife conservationist manages and protects the different environments that wildlife live in. They are vital in keeping wild animal populations at a good and stable level.
How to become one: A bachelor’s degree is needed to become a wildlife conservationist.
5. Wildlife Show Host
Average Annual Salary: $67,165
What they do: Wildlife show hosts travel the world teaching their viewers about various animals. They get up close and personal with a wide variety of wild animals in their natural habitats to give animal information and show how they interact in the wild.
How to become one: Wildlife show hosts are usually experts in the animal kingdom, because of this higher-level degrees are usually required.
6. Rescue Shelter Attendant
Average Annual Salary: $23,950
What they do: Rescue shelter attendants take in homeless, lost, and injured domesticated animals. Their job it to care for and rehabilitate them in order to find them permanent homes. They do things with animals such as feed them, bathe them, take them for walks, and evaluate potential animal adopters.
How to become one: There is no formal education required, with most knowledge coming from on-the-job training.
7. Animal Photographer
Average Annual Salary: $34,000
What they do: Animal photographers take pictures of animals for a wide variety of products, such as pet photos, wildlife magazines, websites, or animal adoption services.
How to become one: Becoming one doesn’t require any formal education or training. If you have a professional camera, are very creative, and can produce an expert portfolio than finding a job photographing animals shouldn’t be too hard.
8. Pet Sitter
Average Annual Salary: $39,064
What they do: They watch and take care of animals while their owners are away. This can be done in the owner’s home, your own home, or at a pet sitting business. Duties include feeding, bathing, and letting them out or taking them for walks.
How to become one: Being a pet sitter doesn’t require any formal training. Although for some jobs you might need to pass a background check. There are many sites and apps that you can find pet sitting jobs easily.
9. Dog Walker
Average Annual Salary: $25,893
What they do: Do you love dogs, fresh air, and exercise. Well dog walking might be the perfect job for you. Dog walkers take dogs out for walks to use the bathroom and get exercise when their owners don’t have the time or are out of town. They can walk one dog or many at the same time for increased pay.
How to become one: There is no formal training, just be able to work well with dogs and be able to control them while you walk. Oh and don’t forget the baggies!
10. Veterinary Assistant
Average Annual Salary: $27,540
What they do: Veterinary assistants help veterinarians with the handling of animals, caring of the animals, and the many day-to-day tasks that the veterinarians require help with.
How to become one: There are no formal requirements, but most veterinarians require their assistants to have at least a high school diploma.
11. Veterinary Technician
Average Annual Salary: $34,420
What they do: Veterinary Technicians assist veterinarians with the more technical tasks. They do tasks such as performing medical tests and helping to diagnose injuries and illnesses in animals. They are closer to being the nurses of the vet world.
How to become one: A 2-4 year degree in veterinary technology is needed to become a veterinary technician.
12. Marine Biologist
Average Annual Salary: $63,240
What they do: They research and study animals in a marine environment. This includes animals in river, lakes, and oceans. Their goal is to gain a better knowledge of marine animals and enact better conservation efforts to protect them.
How to become one: A bachelor’s degree is needed to become an entry-level marine biologist, but many jobs require a graduate degree.
13. Pet Store Associate
Average Annual Salary: $23,111
What they do: The pet store performs many duties of a normal store, such as stocking shelves, running the cash register, and helping customers. The plus is they get to see and interact with cute animals all day!
How to become one: There are no requirements requirements to become a pet store associate.
14. Animal Nutritionist
Average Annual Salary: $72,702
What they do: All animal species are different and require different nutrition to survive. An animal nutritionist is specialized to help create a balanced dietary plan that meets all of the animals needs.
How to become one: A bachelor’s degree is required with many colleges offering programs in animal nutrition. A certification may also be required.
15. Horseback Riding Instructor
Average Annual Salary: $35,000
What they do: Instructors teach others how to properly care for and ride horses. They also maintain and care for the horses they use.
How to become one: There is no formal requirements, but various groups offer certifications that add credibility to the instructor.
16. Groomer
Average Annual Salary: $22,710
What they do: Groomers work in a variety of locations, such as animals salons, pet stores, mobile vehicles, and kennels. Their duties are to maintain an animals physical appearance, which includes bathing, nail clipping, and hair cutting among other things.
How to become one: A high school degree is generally required. Most employers also require that the groomer go through a 6-10 week apprenticeship program to learn the various techniques and styles.
17. Animal Control Worker
Average Annual Salary: $36,330
What they do: Animal control workers are responsible for capturing and controlling abandoned, homeless, and dangerous animals. They also investigate animals that are being neglected or abused, ensuring those that are responsible are properly held accountable.
How to become one: A high school diploma and certification from the National Animal Control Association are both needed, in addition to on-the-job training.
18. Wildlife Rehabilitator
Average Annual Salary: $47,393
What they do: Wild animals get hurt all the time, whether it be from an accident or natural disaster. Wildlife rehabilitators help injured animals heal and ensure they return healthy to their natural habitats.
How to become one: A college degree is not required, but you must be licensed by the state and federal governments to capture and care for wildlife.
19. Veterinary Anesthetist
Average Annual Salary: $93,830
What they do: Veterinary Anesthetists are the experts at administering anesthesia and sedating pets for medical procedures. Their job is very important to ensuring the safety of the animal, since every animal is different and requires different levels of anesthesia. They evaluate their animal patients, develop sedation plans, administer drugs and fluid, and monitor vital signs.
How to become one: Veterinary Anesthetists must first get their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. In addition to their DVM they need 1 year of general practice experience and 3 years of veterinary anesthesiology work to get the certification from the American College of Veterinary Anestheis and Analgesia (ACVAA).
20. Wildlife Biologist
Average Annual Salary: $63,420
What they do: Wildlife Biologist are like their marine counterparts. They research and study various wildlife around the word. The analyze data and publish articles to better understand each species and increase conservation and preservation efforts.
How to become one: A bachelor’s degree is required for entry-level work, but a Ph.D is required for most research positions.
21. Animal Scientist
Average Annual Salary: $60,760
What they do: Animal scientist are responsible for the preservation and management of domestic farm animals. They study animal genetics, nutrition, disease, breeding, and growth of farm animals.
How to become one: A bachelor’s degree is required for entry-level positions.
Get out and Get a Career Working with Animals
What are you waiting for? If you have a passion and love for animals one of these 21 careers working with animals are for you. Get a fulfilling career that will leave you happy and make a huge and lasting impact on their lives! Start on one of these careers working with animals today!
If you liked the 21 Best Careers Working with Animals and are interested in becoming a Veterinarian? Learn more about “How Much Money do Vets Make” and get started on your career today!