Introduction
Working with animals can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding career choice for those who are passionate about the well-being and conservation of our furry, feathered, and scaly friends. Whether you’re an animal lover looking for a career change or a student exploring future paths, there are numerous exciting and fulfilling careers in the animal industry. In this article, we will explore ten rewarding careers that allow you to work closely with animals, making a positive impact on their lives and the world.
1. Veterinarian
Becoming a veterinarian is a dream for many animal enthusiasts. Veterinarians are highly trained medical professionals who diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries in a wide range of animals, from beloved pets to farm animals and wildlife. They play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of animals and often become essential members of their communities.
How to become a Veterinarian
To become a veterinarian, you’ll need to complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, which typically takes four years after completing a bachelor’s degree. After graduation, you can choose to work in private practice, research, public health, or specialize in areas such as surgery, dermatology, or exotic animal medicine.
Career Name – Veterinarian
Categories – Health / Business / Farming & Livestock Management
Skills Required – Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic School Subjects – STEM, Language, Business Studies
Minimum Required Education – Doctorate Degree (PhD)
Species Worked With – Pets, Critters, Farm Animals
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Direct
Helpful Links
2. Animal Behaviourist
Animal behaviourists study and analyze the behaviour of animals to better understand their instincts, emotions, and interactions. They often work with pet owners to address behavioural issues and improve the well-being of animals. Animal behaviourists can also work with zoos, animal shelters, and research facilities to enhance the care and management of animals.
How to become a Behaviourist
A bachelor’s degree in psychology, biology, or a related field is typically required to start a career in animal behavior. Advanced degrees, such as a Master’s or Ph.D., can open up research and teaching opportunities in this field.
Career Name – Animal Behaviourist
Categories – Health / Business / Marine Conservation / Wildlife Conservation / Zoos, Aquariums, Theme Parks and Museums
Skills Required – Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic School Subjects – STEM, Business Studies, Language
Minimum Education Required – High School
Species Worked With – Cats, Dogs, Critters, Farm Animals, Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians, Mollusks
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Direct
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
3. Animal Trainer
Animal trainers work with a variety of animals, including dogs, horses, dolphins, and more, to teach them specific skills or behaviors. They play a crucial role in preparing animals for various roles, such as service animals, search-and-rescue dogs, and even actors in movies and commercials.
How to become an Animal Trainer
While formal education is not always necessary, animal trainers often gain practical experience through apprenticeships or internships. Training methods should be based on positive reinforcement and humane practices.
Career Title – Animal Trainer
Categories – Animal Care / Business / Law & Enforcement / Farming & Livestock Management / Zoos & Aquariums
Skills Required – Life skills 45% – Career skills 55%
Basic School Subjects – Biology, Business Studies, Language
Minimum Required Education – High School Certificate
Species Worked With – Pets, Critters, Farm Animals, Wildlife
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Direct
Helpful Links
4. Animal Keeper (Zookeeper)
Zookeepers are responsible for the daily care and well-being of animals in zoos and wildlife parks. Their duties include feeding, cleaning enclosures, providing enrichment activities, and monitoring the health of the animals. Zookeepers also educate the public about the animals in their care and conservation efforts.
How to become a Zookeeper
To become a zookeeper, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or a related field. Experience working with animals, such as volunteering or internships at zoos, is essential.
Career Title – Animal Keeper (Zookeeper)
Categories – Animal Care / Marine Conservation / Wildlife Conservation / Zoos, Aquariums, Museums and Amusement Parks
Skills Required – Life skills 35% – Career skills 65%
Basic School Subjects – STEM, Language, Physical Education
Minimum Required Education – College Diploma
Species Worked With – Critters, Wildlife
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Direct
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
5. Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife biologists study animals and their habitats in the wild to understand their behavior, population dynamics, and conservation needs. They conduct research to help protect Endangered species and preserve ecosystems.
How to become a Wildlife Biologist
A bachelor’s degree in biology or wildlife management is often the starting point for a career in wildlife biology. Advanced degrees can lead to more research-focused positions and leadership roles in conservation organizations.
Career Name – Wildlife Biologist
Categories – Wildlife Conservation / Specialist / Zoos, Aquariums, Museums and Theme Parks
Skills Required – Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic School Subjects – Biology, Science, Chemistry
Minimum Required Education – Bachelor’s Degree
Species Worked With – Wildlife
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Direct
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
6. Marine Biologist
Marine biologists specialize in the study of marine organisms and their environments. They research ocean ecosystems, study marine life, and often work on conservation efforts to protect marine species and habitats.
How to become a Marine Biologist
To become a marine biologist, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in marine biology, biology, or a related field. Specializations can include marine ecology, marine genetics, or marine conservation.
Career Name – Marine Biologist
Categories – Marine Conservation / Specialist / Zoos, Aquariums, Museums and Theme Parks
Skills Required – Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic School Subjects – Biology, Science, Chemistry
Minimum Required Education – Bachelor’s Degree
Species Worked With – Wildlife (Marine Mammals, Fish, Crustaceans, Mollusks)
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Direct
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
7. Animal-Assisted Therapist
Animal-assisted therapists use the healing power of animals to improve the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of individuals. They work in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and rehabilitation centers, where animals like dogs and horses help patients and clients achieve therapeutic goals.
How to become an Animal-Assisted Therapist
Becoming an animal-assisted therapist typically requires a degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field, along with specialized training in animal-assisted therapy techniques.
Career Name – Animal-assisted Therapist
Categories – Health / Business
Skills Required – Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic School Subjects – Biology, Business Studies, Language
Minimum Required Education – College Diploma
Species Worked With – Cats, Dogs, Critters, Farm Animals, Mammals, Marine Animals
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Direct
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
8. Wildlife Photographer
Wildlife photographers capture stunning images of animals and their natural habitats, raising awareness about the beauty and fragility of the natural world. They often work in challenging conditions, spending hours or even days to get the perfect shot.
How to become a Wildlife Photographer
While formal education is not required, wildlife photographers benefit from courses in photography techniques and equipment. Building a portfolio and gaining field experience are essential steps in establishing a career in this competitive field.
Career Name – Wildlife Photographer
Categories – Media / Business / Marine Conservation / Wildlife Conservation
Skills Required – Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic School Subjects – Art, Business Studies, Biology
Required Basic Education – High School Certificate
Species Worked With – Wildlife
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Indirect
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
9. Habitat Designer
Habitat designers are responsible for designing enclosures or exhibits where wild animals are the key focus as entertainment, education or conservation (zoos, petting zoos, museums, sanctuaries and theme parks).
How to become a Habitat Designer
The minimum requirement is a College Diploma. But most Habitat Designers hold a Bachelor’s Degree in architecture, environmental planning and design, or landscaping, with extensive knowledge in animal behaviour and computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Career Name – Habitat Designer
Categories: Art & Design / Business / Zoos, Aquariums, Museums and Theme Parks
Skills Required: Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic School Subjects: Biology, Art, Geography
Required Minimum Education: College Diploma
Species Worked With: Wildlife
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Indirect
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
10. Animal Orthotist
An animal orthotist designs, develops, fits, and manufactures orthoses (braces or splints) that support or correct musculoskeletal deformities and/or abnormalities of an animal’s limbs.
How to become an Animal Orthotist
The minimum international requirement is a Bachelor’s Degree. Most do specialize after the Degree towards a more advanced Master’s Degree in Orthotics.
Career Name – Animal Orthotist
Categories – Health / Specialists
Skills Required – Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic School Subjects – Biology, Science, Language
Minimum Required Education – Doctorate Degree
Species Worked With – Insects, Arachnids, Worms
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Direct
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
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