Should I be a vet or have a pet store or have a humane society?

Question

im an animal lover

Answer 1

It depends on exactly what you want to do - all are reasonable choices. Being a vet takes 7-8 years of college but is the job that will probably make the most money for you in the long run.

Owning a small retail business like a pet store means you need money to get it started up and some previous time and experience in managing a retail business. It is getting harder to own a small pet store because of larger chains like Petsmart and Petco getting into the business.

Running a humane society is a wonderful thing to do. Most likely what you would do first is be hired as an employee or a director of an existing humane society. Getting a college degree in public administration (which teaches you how to run a non-profit organization like a humane society) will possibly get a job as a director. Being a shelter employee does not pay a lot but has lots of rewards.

You can combine these too. Humane societies hire vets to take care of their animals and spay and neuter. So you could be a shelter vet. Also pet stores sometimes work with humane societies to offer animals for adoption in their stores.

My advice - go talk to a pet store owner, a veterinarian and someone who runs a humane society. They'll tell you what they had to do to get the job they have and more about what they do.

Answer 2

Depends. Do you want to play with cute puppies and kittens all day? In that case, open a pet store. Immerse yourself with knowledge of how to properly care for the pets that you sell. Only sell animals from reputable breeders.

There can never be enough humane shelters. However, this would be very difficult for me! You must be prepared for the hundreds of wonderful animals that cannot find homes. If you plan on a 'no-kill' shelter, you must find a way to fund it. It can also be very difficult to find a location for a shelter. Not many people want an animal shelter near their home.

I'm a veterinary technician, because not only do I love animals, but I love all things medical. I don't get to play with cute cuddly animals, but instead I often have to wrestle with mad, hissing spitting cats and dogs that would love to bite me. I see many very sick animals and many deaths. It is a very difficult job but it is rewarding to help these pets get better. If you can't handle needles and blood, don't be a vet!

There are other options. For example, park rangers, wildlife biologists, and field researchers all work with animals in one way or another. Is there a zoo near you? It can be very hard to get a position there, but it can be done.
Volunteer work is great too. You could volunteer at your local shelter--all shelters always need more help cleaning, walking dogs, etc. It will let you spend time with animals who badly need attention. Some veterinary clinics will accept volunteers, or you could get a paid job starting as kennel help. Cleaning cages isn't glamorous, but it will let you see behind-the-scenes at a vet clinic so you can get an idea if that is what you might be interested in.

Good luck and I hope you find the right path for your life to take!

Answer 3

My daughter is not only a vet but an MD. She became a vet because she loves animals and wants to help them. She volunteers time at the humane society saving them money on the expenses.

She also volunteers at the local clinic helping people.
You can be what ever you want to be.

Good luck hun.

Answer 4

If you choose to open a pet store, I would strongly discourage you from selling puppies or kittens. Stick to cage birds, bunnies, guinea pigs and other pet rodents. Until all the dogs and cats in animal shelters have homes, I would never encourage anyone to buy or sell puppies or kittens. Make arrangements with a local breed-specific rescue group or animal shelter to hold adoption days at your location so those without homes may find happiness.

Answer 5

Work at a pet store, volunteer at a humane society, and work part-time at a vet. There ya go!

Answer 6

could you stand having to put an animal to sleep?

i'd go with either the pet store or the humane society (as long as there is a no kill policy) {my personal feeling}

Answer 7

u could be a vet at a humane society. i think that would help more animals

Answer 8

Questions back to you:

Do you want to help animals? (Which it sounds like you do.)

Or do you want to add to the pet overpopulation? To find out more visit:

http://www.mypetnanny.info/pd/index.htm

Save a life, Adopt a Pet!!

What does your heart tell you?

Answer 9

ooooh!!!! tuff choice!!!! i think a vet and once u r succesful, own a pet shop on the side!!! good luck!!