Jobs involving animals?

Question

I'm thinking about what I want to do with the rest of my life and the more time I spend with my beloved cats, the more I think I want a job that has to do with animals.

I've owned a variety of pets (mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds).

I own three cats currently (and a snake and a ferret that live with my dad since I recently moved) and hope to get a skunk and another ferret when I move into a place of my own (apartment currently).

I'd like a job that my cats or future-skunk or future-ferret would be allowed to go with me to work. but it's not a must-have. I don't want to move away from this small town in Iowa, so nothing zoo-related... More domestic animals.

I've considered pet groomer or trainer or working at a "doggie daycare" sort of thing, which would be cool, but then what kind of schooling is involved?

Job, criteria, and schooling. Please list.

THANKS!

I'd prefer something that doesn't involve dealing with wounds or sick animals as I get too attached to animals and I know myself enough that I wouldn't be able to handle that sort of thing.

Answer 1

Well, here are some different types of jobs that are centered around animals. I get my info from www.bridges.com on all sorts of different jobs. They have just about every job you could ever imagine on there and it tells you the average salary, work hours, work conditions, job tasks and much more! (so you can know just what you're getting into) contact me if you need help!

Animal Behaviorist
Animal Breeder
Animal Chiropractor
Animal Control Officer
Animal Health Technologist
Animal Nutritionist
Animal Physiologist
Animal Trainer
Commercial Hunter
Dolphin Researcher
Equine Sports Massage Therapist
Equine Vet
Exotic Animal Farmer
Farrier
Guide Dog Trainer
Horse Rancher
Ichthyologist
Killer Whale Trainer
Livestock Buyer
Ornithologist
Pedigree Analyst
Pet Groomer
Poultry Farmer
Rodeo Stock Contractor
Stable Manager
Swine Technician
Veterinarian
Veterinary Pathologist
Wildlife Rehabilitator

Answer 2

You could do a lot! You could always be a vet or a vet tech, but both of those require some schooling. Grooming is good. Have you considered pet-sitting? You wouldn't even need to have the animals in your home. You could advertise that you will come to the home of the pet to care for it....the pet can stay in it's comfortable environment.

Answer 3

just a suggestion... but you have so much to offer allredy... what about a wildlife rehabilitator???Its not really "Zoo" related but it would give you the chance to bring your new skunk, etc. with you........the world is in such need for them and it would be such a rewarding job!!! smile good luck in your search...smile

try these sites:

http://www.iwrc-online.org/
http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/
http://research.universalclass.com/i/courses/instructor20.htm
http://wildliferehabber.com/
http://www.southeasternoutdoors.com/rehab_usa.html

Edit: Hmmmmmmmmm how about...

go to this site and answer the questions...
http://www.anapsid.org/resources/jobs.html

or this site is about unusual animal careers:
http://www.arkanimals.com/ark/uac_index.html
(WOW that site is great and really makes ya think and helps you answer your questions by asking how you feel about yourself and what kinds of things you do and dont want to do!!!!!!) Loved that site...smile... good luck in your adventure

Answer 4

I would recommend becoming a veterinary technician. It doesn't pay well, and it's high stress, but it is very rewarding. All you need is a high school diploma and a good attitude with a passion for animals.

Answer 5

Veterinary Technician is a good job and requires a 72 credit AAS degree.
http://www.navta.net/
http://www.avma.org/
Veterinary Assistant is not bad, only requires about 3-4 months non-credit vocational training.
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos168.htm
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos183.htm