i want to work with animals, but.?

Question

i dont want to become a vet. schools not for me. i have my highschool degree, but i dont plan on going to college...so im curious to see what kind of jobs are out there that would be good for me. i was thinking an animal shelter/?? or what about one of those animal rescue people... im curious about that....

Answer 1

I work in an animal shelter. I love it. It's hard sometimes because pet owners who are irresponsible or abusive make me so frustrated. But I love animals and getting to help them everyday is wonderful. I do things like cleaning (LOTS of cleaning), vaccinating, feeding, grooming, health checks (like looking in their ears, mouths, at their bodies to make sure they look okay), I (of course) love on them, and I help customers find that perfect companion animal. I also assist with euthanizing. That's the hardest part of my job and something most shelters do, so be aware of this. That's just a little portion of what I do. It's a fast paced job and I am busy all day. I did go to college, but didn't graduate. All that was needed to work at my shelter was a high school diploma and the ability to pass a drug screen and a background check. Some previous animal experience is helpful, but not always necessary. A person's passion for helping animals goes far in this feild. And many shelters look for that before previous experience. Good luck! Once you work with homeless, frightened, mistreated and unwanted animals, your heart is never the same. Shelter workers are very special people, in my opinion.
p.s. I am a single mother and make a living wage at my animal shelter. This is my only job, I don't volunteer there because I have "extra time" on my hands. It is a non profit company. Most shelters are. But I make it with my wage. Besides, when you love animals and want to work with them, it's not about the money anyway. Anyone who actually works with animals will tell you this. We work because we love what we do. Money is good to have and all, but not why we do what we do.

Answer 2

Well, if you want a good job with animals you are going to have to go to some sort of college and take at least some basic classes. I know that school isn't fun but sometimes you have to suck it up and go through with it in order to have your fun later in life doing something you love.

---For example: to be an ASPCA officer you will have to go through some sort of police and law classes.

-- Another example: you could always work at an animal shelter but they will most likely stick you to paperwork and adoptions etc with only a highschool degress... if you could take a few animal behavior classes maybe you could help socialize them and get used to humans again.

-- Think about it this way, there are probably many people that are giong to be applying to the same jobs you want BUT with a college degree. Who do you think they will pick?
I think you may regret not going to college later in life so really think about the choice you are making before you make it final-- you won't be able to get a very high paying job, let alone you probably wont get a job with animals you actually like. Just strive to do what you want, overcome obstacles, and tough it out! It WILL pay off i promise!

Answer 3

Where in the world are you? I can only really talk about UK options but maybe it'll give you some ideas...

Vet nurses can do a vocational GNVQ that lets you learn on the job instead of sitting on school all day, I know a few people doing this and they enjoy it because they are working whilst getting a qualification. There are a lot of opportunities to work in animal sanctuaries, rescue centres, with exotic animals... if you don't just want to stay in a vets.

It's relatively easy to get a job working in a boarding kennel, I've done that for a while. As a long-term option it gets a bit boring, but I know people who've done courses in dog grooming, behaviour etc. and made it interesting. It can look good on a CV too.

Lots of animal shelters use volunteers as most of their basic kennel workers - if you're interested in becoming something on the level of an RSPCA inspector (someone who has the power to inspect premises, confiscate animals, make decisions) then there is quite a lot of further training with the organisation, but if you email or phone them they can tell you more.

Have you thought about care of or training dogs for Seeing Eye/Guide Dogs, or others like dogs for the deaf or disabled? I'm not sure what you'd need to do to get in, but again if you contact the organisations and maybe ask for a day of work experience I'm sure they'd help you.

There are a number of really cool animal charities overseas that are looking for volunteers if you want to travel and can raise the money. I spent time with Animals Asia (http://www.animalsasia.org/index.php?module=2&lg=en ) in China looking after moon bears rescued from bile farms. It was amazing, it looks good on your CV (something different to catch attention, shows commitment etc.) and they give you accommodation, food and support while you're there.

Does your high school have a careers advisor or someone you can talk to about it? Good luck!

Answer 4

Animal shelters generally don't pay a living wage and rescues are often run by people with a day job who donate lots of time and money to their cause.

If you can handle some school, a vet assistant is an option. Another option is to find a good sized pet store (not the huge chains) and work your way into management and possible future ownership.

Pet grooming and daycare is also a growing business with lots of options. You will need to start at the bottom and work your way up with experience and good performance.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Apply at a Veterinarians office as a receptionist/vet tech! Thats what I do for a living and love it! You get to help out in surgeries and in the exam room! The only downfall is dealing with the euthanasias! (I hate that part of my job!) But other than that its a rewarding job!

Answer 6

volunteer at a shelter or a zoo.

become a vet tech (1 yr schooling, and can be done over the net if you like

Answer 7

YOu can always try to get a job for a vet, like work at the front desk, or get a job cutting dogs hair, or one of those doggy daycares???