Being around animals can be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences in life. Whether you want to be a zookeeper at a zoo, an animal behaviorist, or even a dog walker, there are many different ways you can use your passion for animals to make money.
In this post, we’ll talk about a few career opportunities you can look into if you love being around animals.
#1 Vet
If you love animals, consider a career as a veterinarian. A veterinarian is a medical professional who specializes in the care of animals and the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease in pets. Veterinarians work with animals such as cats, dogs, birds, and horses.
Veterinarians must complete four years of undergraduate coursework to earn their bachelor’s degree. They then have to complete an additional four years at an accredited veterinary school before they can become licensed veterinarians.
A veterinarian’s job duties include diagnosing illnesses and treating sick animals. Most veterinarians work in private practices, but some work in research facilities or hospitals. Veterinarians also may specialize in areas such as dentistry or surgery.
Average Annual Salary: $93,839
#2 Vet Assistant
After becoming a veterinary assistant, you’ll be in charge of caring for the animals that come into the clinic for treatment. You’ll assist the vet by cleaning up after procedures like spaying and neutering, as well as caring for sick animals and administering medication. You might also assist with surgery or checking in new patients at the front desk.
You’ll have to have good animal handling skills to perform these tasks safely and efficiently. And since you’ll be working closely with animals all day long, you must be able to handle stress well.
Average Annual Salary: $32,090
#3 Dog Walker
If you love being around dogs and would like to make a living doing so, becoming a dog walker is an excellent option. Dog walkers provide companionship for pets and exercise for dogs. Dog walking is a great option for people who are looking for flexible work hours or do not want to commit to a full-time job.
Dog walkers are typically self-employed and work in a variety of locations. They can also earn extra income by offering other services like house-sitting or pet grooming.
Advantages of this career include:
- It’s not too challenging – you won’t need any specialized education or training to get started as a dog walker. You just need to know how to take care of dogs and how to handle them safely.
- It’s flexible – you can work whenever you want since you’re not tied down by a set schedule (except for what your clients require). You can also set your own hours, so if you want to make extra money at night after everyone else has gone home, that’s up to you.
Average Hourly Salary: $34.37
#4 Marine Biologist
A Marine Biologist studies the biology and ecology of organisms that live in or near oceans, lakes, and rivers. They study their physical characteristics, life cycles, and behavior to understand how the environment affects their survival. Marine biologists also study how humans may affect the ecosystem.
Marine biologists may work for government agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), private companies like aquariums or aquarium supply companies, research institutions, or universities. They could also work for non-profit organizations like The Nature Conservancy or World Wildlife Fund that protect wildlife habitats around the world.
Many marine biologists specialize in a particular field such as fisheries biology, invertebrate zoology, or marine botany; others focus on specific ecosystems such as coral reefs or tidal flats. It’s important to choose a specialization because there are many different types of jobs within each field. So, you’ll need skills that are specific to your area of expertise.
Average Annual Salary: $79,766
#5 Animal Shelter Manager
As a shelter manager, you’ll be responsible for the day-to-day operations of an animal shelter. You’ll be in charge of the facility’s budget and staffing, as well as ensuring that all animals are safe and healthy.
Your team will also rely on you to set policies and procedures for how they interact with the public since you’re the one who knows best what kind of interactions between people and animals are appropriate and which ones aren’t.
Average Annual Salary: $38,269 a year
#6 Animal Behavior Consultant
Animal behavior consultants are professionals who help clients understand their pets’ behavior and manage it. They may work with individuals, families, or organizations to identify and address problem behaviors in animals.
The animal behavior consultant may also work with dogs, cats, horses, and other domestic animals. Animal behavior consultants are employed by pet stores, shelters, zoos, and other facilities that house animals. They also work for veterinarians and animal hospitals, where they help clients understand the behavior of their pets and manage them effectively.
Some animal behavior consultants specialize in certain species, such as dogs or cats, while others focus on a specific area like dog training or cat care.
Average Annual Salary: $57,501
In conclusion, there are many career options for people who love being around animals. You just need to find something that appeals to you the most.