Pet Jobs

If you love animals, then working with them can be the ideal career choice.

But be warned, a career with animals isn't for everyone. Animal jobs require skill, a great deal of patience and some tasks can be down right dirty.

There is a wide range of career options open to you. Some positions involve working directly with animals, while others are based in an office. From veterinary careers to kennel management, you are likely to find a career that fits your interests and skills. Many animal-related careers are open to people who are in different stages of preparation, from those with related degrees to school leavers with some animal experience to mature individuals with general work experience and life skills. This is truly an area where aptitude, interest and commitment count for something.

Some animal-related careers do require specific training. For example, if you desire to work in the veterinary field, you'll need to excel in A-level subjects like Chemistry, Biology and Physics. Getting in some working experience around animals is a good idea. After that, there is a five-year university course to be completed. Upon completion of your education, you will be qualified to work in private practice, public health or even in the army.

Other fields and jobs that involve animal experience and training are listed below:

Preventive Medicine (small animal, large animal, exotic, wildlife rehabilitation, research (private industry, university and government), military, zoo):

Research Veterinarian
Veterinarian
Veterinary Technician

Care and Conservation of Wildlife:
Biologist
Conservation Officer
Cooperative Extension Agent
Ecologist
Educator
Environmental Management
Environmental Chemistry
Forestry/Park Ranger
Interpretive Naturalist
Natural Resources Management
Wildlife Rehabilitator

Pets:
Animal behavior
Outreach programs
Therapy and Psychology

Zoos (training varies, ranging from exotic animal caretaking to biology:
Director
Supervisor
Keeper
Habitat Specialist
Research

Animal Training:
Trainer (large, small and exotics) for work, show and entertainment industry, and obedience training

Volunteer (may require special training or previous work experience):
SPCA
Camps
4-H
Field Research
Future Farmers
Humane Societies
Nature Centers
Parks
Wildlife Rehabilitation Facilities
Zoos

General areas of study and work:
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Education
Environmental Sciences
Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences
Law (Animal Welfare, Environmental)
Psychology
Science Technology
Veterinary Medicine

However, before you begin the rigorous process of formal training, you may want to take stock and see if you've really got the temperament for a career in veterinary work. Some aspects of this career can be messy and unpleasant. For instance, you may be required to make decisions in the midst of distressing situations. You should also have a genuine concern with and passion for the welfare of animals. It's also vitally important that you don't suffer from animal allergies. Working with animals as a veterinarian requires long hours and you may be on call throughout weekends and evenings.