Animal Careers in America
There are a vast number of animal related careers in the United States. Ranging from veterinary care professionals to researchers and wildlife management experts, these careers have become a vibrant and growing field for those individuals who are interested in working with animals.
More importantly there are rewarding animal related careers available at all educational and certification levels.
Because of this, any individual, no matter his or her educational or professional qualifications, can find a career in working with animals that will provide a rewarding and secure job experience.
An Overview of American Animal Jobs
Animal related careers in the United States vary greatly, ranging from laboratory jobs to animal training careers. The majority of animal related jobs have to do with caring for domestic pets, farm animals and laboratory animals.
Depending on the specific nature of the job, it may require extensive post-graduate training or may be accessible to students who have just graduated from high school.
Secondly, some fields have various types of certification requirements before an individual can be allowed to start his or her career. These certification requirements are generally established and enforced by federal or state agencies.
In some cases, the certification or licensure requirements may be the same across the United States, while in other cases they may depend on local state regulations. In addition, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico may have their own licensure requirements for some careers.
Rural and Urban Animal Careers
Many regions will have a differing mix of animal related careers depending on their location, economy and population.
Rural areas or regions with extensive farming and ranching sectors will have a larger number of animal careers designed so service those sectors, while urban regions will often focus more on animal careers that assist private pet owners, zoos and laboratories.
This may result in employment opportunities for various animal-based careers varying dramatically from region to region.
Educational Requirements
Animal related careers have a wide range of educational requirements, ranging from careers that have no educational requirements other than having graduated from high school to careers that demand extensive post secondary and even graduate level training.
Those careers that demand a higher level of education often also have various state and federal licensure requirements.
However, in general, a career path that demands a higher degree of education will have a higher salary than a career path that does not require specialized training.
Careers without Dedicated Educational Requirements
Some jobs with animals do not have any specific educational requirements. In general, anyone who is an adult and has either graduated from high school or obtained a graduate equivalency degree (GED), can apply to these jobs. In most cases, the employer will provide some degree of on the job training to a new employee.
In some cases, it may be possible to obtain formal education in these career areas, even if such education is not required. This can be an effective way to improve an individual’s employment and wage prospects, especially when compared to those who have not obtained any previous formal education in their chosen field.
There are a wide range of professional associations that offer certification and credentialing programs, which usually involve a program of study, either in person or via the Internet, coupled with a final examination.
Those who successfully pass this course can then use their certification as proof of their skill to their customers and employers alike.
In some states, it may be illegal to claim to be certified when the individual has not yet met the requirements for certification, even if certification is not required to work in the state.
High School Courses and Animal Related Jobs
Students that are considering a career in an animal related field should start preparing for their career while in high school. For careers that require a college education, the student should ensure that his or her grades are maintained at an acceptable level in order to ensure admittance to a college of their choice.
In addition, students should seek out any elective courses that may relate to their planned career. Many schools offer academic counseling that can assist the student in planning out his or her educational path.
Careers with Post Secondary Educational Requirements
Many animal-based careers will require some degree of specialized training. Depending on the career, this may require the student to complete work at a community college, university, or complete a postgraduate program that requires him or her to complete a thesis or project. In many cases, there will be programs specifically designed to prepare the student for his or her career, as well as any examinations that may be required for licensure.
When deciding what school to attend, the student should ensure that his or her school is properly accredited. In some cases, the individual program will have to be accredited by a professional agency.
In other cases, the program itself will not be directly accredited, but the school as a whole must be accredited. The school’s accreditation status can also impact the student’s eligibility for various types of student aid.
For these reasons, the student must verify whether or not his or her program and school is accredited and in currently good standing with state and federal regulatory agencies in order to ensure that the program will be acceptable to the licensing agencies.
Other Methods of Preparing for an Animal Centered Career
In addition to a formal education, those interested in jobs with animals should seek out extracurricular activities, such as clubs and associations that work with animals.
Many public humane societies are willing to accept volunteers and interns for example. Doing so has two advantages.
The first is that it allows the individual to gain a wide range of practical experience working with animals, which can help him or her decide on what type of career would be the most rewarding.
Secondly, especially for those individuals considering a competitive career, many college admission boards and later employers may take these extracurricular activities into account when deciding whether or not to admit or employ the individual.
Veterinary and Animal Research Careers
One of the largest career fields involving working with animals, veterinary careers involve treating animals for disease and injury. Veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants and veterinary aides provide a wide range of services in the animal care sector.
Due to the growth in the number of families demanding a high level of care for their beloved companion animals, the veterinary sector has been experiencing robust and sustained growth. In addition, farms, zoos, and wildlife management programs all make use of veterinary care professionals.
Specific Veterinary Care Fields
Veterinary care professionals can work in a wide range of fields. Among the most common fields veterinarians, vet techs and veterinary aides work in are the following:
- Rural and urban veterinary care clinics.
- Zoos and wild animal parks.
- Wildlife management agencies.
- Some ranches and farms include on site veterinary care professionals.
- Labs and research establishments.
- Environmental agencies.
In some cases, the veterinary care workers may be tasked with assisting researchers or conducting research of their own. For example, many labs may use veterinarians and vet techs to work in testing new medications that are to be used on humans or animals.
Wildlife management and environmental agencies often work with veterinary professionals to both determine the impact of a changing environment on wildlife and to help wild animals adjust to a world where they are in increasingly close contact with humanity.
However, most veterinary care professionals work with America’s pets. Ranging from caring for common domestic dog and cat breeds, to specialists who work with exotic and large animals, this field is showing dramatic growth as the need for high quality pet care continues to grow in America.
In addition, many individuals prefer to work in this field due to its role in assisting their fellow American’s to ensure that their beloved animal companions enjoy long and comfortable lives.
Veterinarians
Veterinarians are what most people think of when they consider a career working with animals.
These professionals provide a wide range of services for the animals under their care, ranging from diagnosing and treating illness to carrying out emergency surgical procedures on critically injured animals.
Veterinarians work in a wide range of fields, ranging from providing care to privately owned animals to working in private and public research institutions.
Educational Requirements
Veterinarians must obtain a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degree and satisfy all of their home state’s licensure requirements before they can practice. A D.V.M. degree involves no less than four years of work at one of 28 accredited veterinary college programs. These programs are extremely competitive and fewer than half of those applying will be accepted to a veterinary program.
Veterinary programs require that all applicants have completed a wide range of college science classes. For this reason, most applicants to a veterinary program have already completed or are in the process of completing a bachelor’s degree. Many colleges offer bachelor’s degree programs that are oriented towards preparing the graduate for a career in veterinary medicine.
Finally, veterinary candidates must successfully complete the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), which is designed to evaluate a graduate’s skills in the field of veterinary medicine.
Veterinarians must also keep their license up to date and have a variety of continuing education requirements that they must fulfill in order to remain eligible to renew their license.
Veterinary Specialties
Many veterinarians choose to specialize in one or more areas of veterinary medicine. Some common areas of specialization include the following:
- Clinical pharmacology.
- Veterinary dermatology.
- Veterinary microbiology.
These specializations usually require extensive study on the part of the veterinarian, in addition to being able to pass examinations designed to verify that the vet is able to effectively carry-out the duties of his or her specialization. These specializations do not take the place of a veterinary license, which the vet must continue to maintain.
Most veterinary specialists work on a referral basis, where a practicing veterinarian sends his or her clients to the specialist in order to receive the type of care their pet requires. Because of this, many specialists do not have a regular group of clients that come to them for routine checkups and other pet related services.
Employment Options for Veterinarians
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has reported that there were over 61,000 veterinarians employed in 2010, and that number is expected to increase by about 36 percent by 2020, which is well above the national average job growth rate. In fact, right now the primary limit on the number of new veterinarians entering the job market is the fact that most veterinarian programs are operating at full capacity.
In terms of pay and benefits, the median annual salary for a veterinarian is over $82,000, and the top ten percent of vets earn over $145,000. When combined with the job security present in the veterinary field, veterinarians compare favorably with most other professions that require an advanced degree.
Becoming a veterinarian can be an ideal choice for an individual who desires to work with animals in a professional setting. While the process can be difficult and demands a great deal of academic and practical training, the rewards, both monetary and personal, make this field one that continues to be highly valued by its practitioners and the public alike.
Veterinary Technicians
Veterinary technicians work directly with veterinarians and other caregivers to ensure that pets and other animals receive the best possible care.
In general, a vet tech provides the same types of services that a registered nurse would to human patients. Most states currently require vet techs to be licensed in order to practice.
In those states that do not require licensure, professional vet tech associations provide a voluntary certification process that verifies that the vet tech has completed the same educational and testing process that licensed vet techs have completed.
Where Veterinary Technicians Work
Veterinary technicians work under the supervision of veterinarians, researchers and other veterinary professionals.
The majority of vet techs work in veterinary clinics, either individually or as part of a team of vet techs assisting the staff.
Other vet techs may work in research establishments, wildlife management programs or zoos. In some cases, these vet techs may require specialized training in order to carry out their duties.
Educational Requirements
In general, certification or licensure requires that a vet tech complete the following steps:
- Have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
- Complete a veterinary technician program at an institution that has been accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
- Take and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).
- Complete any other requirements needed for licensure or certification in the vet tech’s state.
In those states that do not require licensure, some vet techs may obtain their education while working at a veterinary clinic.
However, changes in the modern veterinary care sector have resulted in most employers preferring to hire workers who have already obtained some degree of formal education in this field.
Credentialed or licensed vet techs must periodically renew their license or certificate. In most cases, they will be required to complete a certain amount of continuing education before they will be allowed to renew their license. Failing to do so can result in the vet tech being barred from working until their license is renewed.
Veterinary technicians desiring to become certified in a National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) recognized specialty must obtain additional training, in addition to having several years experience in working in their specialty.
Certified specialist vet techs usually enjoy higher employment and advancement options when compared to other veterinary technicians. However, a specialty certification does not eliminate the need for the vet tech to maintain their regular certificate or license.
Finally, certified or licensed vet techs will find it easier to continue working in another state. Many states offer licensure by endorsement, which allows those vet techs who have completed a course of study and licensure in their home state that is substantially equal to that required in their new home to skip some or all of the steps normally required to become a vet tech.
Because of this, it is wise to become certified even in those states that do not require certification, in order to reduce potential complications should the vet tech ever decide to move to another state.
Employment Options
Currently, employment options for vet techs are very robust. The BLS estimates that there are over 80,000 vet techs currently working in the United States.
Furthermore, this number is expected to grow by at least 52 percent by 2020, creating a high degree of need for qualified veterinary technicians.
In addition, retirements among currently employed vet techs will further increase the number of job vacancies that will need to be filled in the near future.
When combined with an annual median wage of nearly $30,000, this field compares very favorably with other fields requiring a similar level of training and certification.
Individuals wishing to work as professional veterinary care specialists will find working as a vet tech extremely rewarding.
Not only is this a profession that enjoys competitive wages, it is one that is highly respected by fellow veterinary professionals and the general public alike.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Zoologists and wildlife biologists work with a variety of wild animals, both those kept at zoos or wild animal parks and those that are in the wild.
This field has become increasingly important due to the need to monitor how changes in the environment and human activities are impacting wild animal populations.
In addition, many wildlife biologists work with wildlife management programs in order help maintain animal populations and avoid conflicts with human populations.
In addition, many wildlife biologists work with endangered species in order to help increase the number of living specimens, both in captivity and in the wild.
Where do Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Work?
This field combines laboratory work with extensive fieldwork. Because of that, many zoologists and wildlife biologists split their careers between working in a lab, zoo, or other wildlife facility, and working in the field, gathering information and specimens.
Many of these professionals may perform their work in very remote regions that are quite removed from the biologist’s home or lab. Because of this, it is important to be in good physical shape, in addition to possessing the skills needed to effectively and safely work in wilderness areas.
Educational Requirements
Depending on their specific career area, the educational requirements for a wildlife biologist or zoologist can vary. In some cases, an individual working as a wildlife biologist may actually be a vet tech or veterinarian who has specialized in the field of wildlife biology.
In other cases, wildlife biologists and zoologists will have completed a course of advanced study at a college or university.
Most zoologists and wildlife biologists must obtain a bachelor’s degree before entering this field. Many schools offer degree programs in wildlife biology or zoology, while other schools offer a degree in biology, ecological science or other areas that include a concentration in zoology.
These programs cover a wide range of subjects needed to effectively work in these fields, although some students may specialize in a particular area, depending on their interests.
Some specializations in these fields include the following:
- Herpetology, or the study of reptiles and amphibians.
- Mammalogy, the study of mammals.
- Ornithology, which is the study of birds.
- Ichthyology, which is the study of fresh and salt-water fish.
In addition, zoologists and wildlife biologists may specialize based on a geographic region or type of environment. For example, marine biologists study saltwater organisms, including both fish and aquatic mammals.
Other regional specialties may include desert regions, forests and urban wildlife management.
Higher-level positions in this field require a greater degree of education and specialization. There are a number of advanced master’s degree and doctoral programs focusing on this field, both of which will generally require that any students already possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field and be prepared to complete both the program’s coursework and conduct independent research in their field.
This field does not generally require state or federal licensure. In cases where an animal must receive veterinary treatment, zoologists usually make use of the services of a veterinarian specializing in this field. In those cases, a veterinarian will also be a part of the team and will provide direct assistance with the team’s research.
Employment Options
There are a wide range of employment options for wildlife biologists and zoologists. In addition to government employment, a wide range of private organizations make use of these specialists in order to create environmental management plans and to handle captive animals. Some of the most common areas of employment include the following:
- Working in zoos and wild animal parks.
- Working as educators, whether to the general public or in a college setting. Most college instructors must have obtained a doctorate before they will be considered qualified to teach.
- Conducting independent research on wild animals.
- Helping to create effective policies to mitigate or reverse the impact of human activities on the animal or plant habitats.
- In some cases, these professionals may be called upon to act as expert witnesses in court cases that involve some form of damage to the environment.
Because many American zoologists and wildlife biologists work with foreign nations, it is also possible to obtain employment outside of the United States. This is especially true for those individuals who are specializing in high demand specialties, such as wildlife management and environmental impact studies.
According to the BLS, there are currently nearly 20,000 zoologists and wildlife biologists employed in the United States. This number is expected to increase by about 7 percent by 2020. While this is lower than the national job creation average, the vast majority of these positions are long-term positions which enjoy superior job security and professional advancement options.
However, an important factor to consider is that many of these jobs are provided by government agencies, and so funding levels may unpredictably impact the availability of openings in these fields.
The BLS currently estimates that the median annual salary for this field is just over $57,000. However, the varied nature of this field means that positions can differ greatly in job security and salary, especially when comparing newly hired individuals with those who have obtained a greater degree of experience and education.
This field should primarily interest individuals who are willing to invest a large amount of time in obtaining a high quality education and who are willing to work in a field requiring a wide range of physical and mental activity. It is also attractive for individuals who are seeking a field with long-term employment and professional advancement options.
Animal Care and Service Workers
Animal care and service workers provide a wide range of services to animals and their owners, ranging from professional grooming and animal boarding services to caring for animals that have been turned into public and private shelter facilities.
As a field that requires little formal training, many individuals interested in a career that involves working closely with animals and their owners find employment in this field.
Where do Animal Care and Service Personnel Work?
Because of the very wide range of individual jobs in this field, animal service workers can find a range of employment opportunities across the entire United States.
In most cases, these individuals work for a public or private organization, although some specialties, such as grooming or pet sitting, have a number of individuals who are self-employed.
Some of the most common specialties in this field include the following:
- Working to provide food, water, and exercise to animals that are being kept at public or private animal shelters. In addition, a growing number of animal owners will send their pets to animal boarding facilities when they expect to be absent from their homes for a prolonged period of time.
- “Pet-sitting” is a service where an individual exercises and cares for an animal while it remains at its owner’s home. This allows the animal to be cared for in a familiar setting that will act to reduce the animal’s stress at being left alone.
- Grooming services are becoming increasingly popular. In some cases, the groomers will visit the pet at its owner’s home, while in other cases the pet will be brought to them. These businesses require both groomers and individuals to clean the equipment and care for the pet while it is being groomed.
- Animal care and service workers are employed by zoos in order to ensure that the animals receive the proper food and exercise and are also monitored for potential health problems. These workers, popularly known as zookeepers, must be perceptive and able to work with a wide range of animals, in addition to serving as public representatives of the zoo.
Educational Requirements
Very few animal care and service jobs require a formal program of training. In most cases, anyone who has graduated from high school and is over the age of 18 can work in this field. In many cases, their employers will provide on the job training for new employees.
Some states may require a background check, drug check or verification that the employee is allowed to work in the state. This is especially likely if the individual is seeking employment with a large company, or one where part of the individual’s duties will involve extensive interaction with the company’s clients and customers.
Some subfields may require a higher degree of education. For example, many zoos require that their animal care workers have a bachelor’s degree or other type of advanced training relating to the care of animals.
There are also training programs to assist animal groomers to attain a high level of proficiency in their craft, which can be especially important when dealing with valuable animals such as circus animals. While these training programs are not necessary for all positions, they can improve the employee’s salary and career options.
In some cases, such as for pet-sitting services, one of the requirements for employment may be a criminal background check. In addition, some animal care workers may be required to have insurance against the possibility of injury to themselves or others while they are working with an animal.
Employment Options and Animal Care Workers
Because this field encompasses such a wide range of specialties, the employment options for animal care workers vary greatly.
Currently, the BLS estimates that as of 2010, there were over 234,000 animal care and service workers in the United States, and that number is expected to increase by at least 23 percent by 2020, showing a rate of growth that is considerably greater than the average rate of job growth.
When coupled with attrition due to retirement and other factors, this indicates that the animal care field will show strong job growth for the foreseeable future.
Animal care workers may also benefit from the increasing number of elderly Americans. Many of these individuals possess pets, but no longer have the physical ability to safely exercise them. Animal care workers may find themselves exercising and caring for the pets of the elderly. In some cases, these workers may find themselves providing emotional support for their client as they work to ensure that his or her pets remain happy and healthy.
Currently, the annual median salary for an animal care worker is about $19,500. However, the highest 10 percent of animal care workers earn over $31,000, reflecting the wide range of career options in this field. When coupled with the strong demand for new animal care workers and the job security that creates, this field is highly competitive with other fields that demand a similar level of education and training.
Animal Control Officers
Animal control officers work as agents of local, state and federal governments and help maintain public safety by controlling dangerous animals, catching strays, and ensuring that animal safety regulations are enforced.
In addition, they protect animals by enforcing laws designed to prevent animal neglect and cruelty on the part of animal owners and other citizens.
In addition, most animal control officers have some of the same legal powers as the police do, although they are usually unarmed. These powers may include the right to enter private property in the performance of their duties, the right to issue citations for violations of the law.
Some areas allow animal control officers to arrest individuals suspected of committing an animal related crime, while other jurisdictions may require that any arrests be performed by a police officer. In addition, most jurisdictions provide animal control officers with immunity from facing civil suits that arise as a result of any actions the animal control officer takes as a legitimate part of his or her duties.
Where do Animal Control Officers Work?
Because animal control officers are public servants, most of them work for a city, county or state agency. Depending on their position, they may work at an animal shelter or they may work in the field.
In general, most animal control officers will respond to calls from the community and other public agencies for assistance with animal related issues. For example, a hostile dog confronting a police officer may result in an animal control officer being dispatched to remove the animal from the property so that the police officer may carry out his or her duties.
In addition, many animal control officers will serve as representatives to the community, providing information and carrying out presentations at schools and other areas. Some animal control agencies have free or low-cost spay and neuter programs and animal control officers may be involved in helping members of the community take advantage of these programs.
In some jurisdictions, animal control officers may conduct investigations, especially if local veterinary care facilities have cause to suspect that a pet’s owner may be maltreating or neglecting the animal. Additionally, animal control officers may inspect veterinary clinics, breeding facilities, and other commercial businesses that handle animals to ensure that they are complying with the relevant local and state codes regarding the treatment of animals.
Depending on the jurisdiction, animal control officers may have the right to obtain search warrants themselves, or may be required to request that the police obtain and execute the search warrant in order to allow the animal control officer to investigate any allegations of abuse.
Educational Requirements for Animal Control Officers
Most animal officers must have graduated from high school and be at least 18 years of age, although many agencies prefer new employees to be at least 21 years old. The educational requirements for animal control officers can vary widely depending on the location, and the duties the employee is expected to carry out. In general, animal control officers will receive training in their legal responsibilities, effective and safe methods to control hostile or dangerous animals and the most effective ways to utilize animal control equipment. Some animal control organizations prefer to hire individuals who have received some degree of post-secondary education, such as a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or animal science.
In addition, there are professional animal control officer associations that offer their own educational and credentialing programs to assist animal control officers in maintaining a high degree of professionalism. Although this is not always required, such professional development courses can improve the officer’s advancement and salary prospects.
Employment Options and Animal Care Workers
As a field that is dominated by government employers, most animal control officers will enjoy civil servant status, which often provides a number of work and retirement benefits. However, budgetary changes can result in the unexpected reduction of work opportunities for animal control officers.
The BLS currently estimates that there are nearly 15,000 animal control workers currently employed in the United States. In addition, the annual median salary is over $34,000, which when combined with the high level of benefits and job security many animal control officers enjoy, makes this field very competitive with other careers demanding a similar level of commitment. In addition, the top 10 percent of animal control officers earn over $53,000 dollars.
Becoming an animal control officer demands a high degree of commitment, the ability to work with the public, and the ability to behave professionally even in stressful situations or when confronted by hostile animals or individuals.
Due to the nature of many of the calls an animal control officer will respond to, a high degree of mental and emotional stability is also an important requirement. However, for those interested in both serving the public good and protecting the welfare of domestic animals, this profession can be an ideal choice.
Animal Trainers
As a career that is growing in popularity, animal trainers work with privately owned pets, working animals and animals used in entertainment to ensure that they both behave properly and can respond to a variety of commands.
Animal trainers provide a wide range of services, including helping private pet owners break their animals of antisocial habits, training animals to work in movies and television shows, and training exhibition animals at zoos, marine animal parks and other such venues.
Where do Animal Trainers Work?
Animal trainers work in a wide variety of surroundings. Some animal trainers travel to their customers’ homes and businesses to provide on site services, while other trainers have a central place of business. Those animal trainers working with zoos, animal parks or other fixed locations usually work on site.
The most common types of animal trainer careers include the following:
- Private trainers work with individuals or small groups of pet owners, and generally focus on improving the pet’s behavior or teaching it basic commands. These trainers must work with a wide variety of breeds, and usually tailor the training program to both the pet and its owner’s needs.
- Law enforcement and private security dogs receive extensive training, with a variety of training programs depending on the dog’s intended duties. A bomb-sniffing dog, for example, will receive different training than a regular K9 dog will. Depending on the agency, these trainers may be direct employees or outside contractors.
- Film and TV trainers work with a wide variety of animals, and many of them own the animals in question, renting them out to their clients. These trainers not only train the animals, but also usually accompany their animals to the set in order to ensure that they fulfill the client’s needs.
- Zoo and wildlife park trainers are usually directly employed by the institution and not only train the animal but are the ones involved in directing the animals through their routines for the entertainment of the guests. Because many of these animals are both quite large and potentially dangerous, such as the killer whales that are commonly seen at ocean park exhibitions, this particular specialty demands caution and close attention to detail on the part of the trainer.
Educational Requirements for Animal Trainers
The educational requirements in this field can range from individuals who were trained informally to behavioral specialists with advanced degrees in animal behavior and psychology.
Private animals trainers, especially those who are self-employed, are generally not required to have any advanced training in this field, and many of these individuals are self-trained.
However, there are a variety of organizations that offer certification in advanced training, especially for dog trainers. The nature and type of these certifications varies, and a trainer may obtain more than one certification. By obtaining certification, a trainer can demonstrate that he or she is a highly skilled professional in the area of behavioral modification for pets.
Trainers working for large organizations must often meet higher educational requirements. Many zoos and wild animal parks demand that their employees either have completed a bachelor’s degree in an animal related field or are currently completing class work in such a field. In addition, the animal trainer may have to learn other skills, such as the use of SCUBA equipment, in order to effectively carry out his or her duties.
Finally, animal trainers must be physically active during their workday. Because of this, most trainers must be free of disabilities that would prevent them from carrying out their duties and must be able to maintain a high level of physical activity while they are working with the animals under their care.
Employment for Animal Trainers
Currently, the BLS estimates that there are at least 11,000 animal trainers working in the United States. This number is very probably low, as it may not count the large number of self-employed animal trainers. In addition, the rising popularity of having a family’s animals trained will continue to drive this field’s job growth.
Animal trainers vary widely in salary level, but the BLS currently estimates that the median annual wage for an animal trainer is about $30,000. This number can vary greatly depending on the animal trainer’s specific field and the nature of his or her employment.
While self-employed trainers can make more than those working as part of a larger business, self-employment can result in greater fluctuations in income, in addition to requiring the animal trainer to handle many responsibilities that are normally handled by the employer.
Becoming an animal trainer can be an excellent choice for those individuals who wish to work closely with various types of animals. Because the training and job requirements can vary so greatly, those interested in this field should consider what type of animals they wish to train and plan out their educational career accordingly.
Jobs With Animals In Conclusion
A career in an animal related field can be an extremely rewarding experience, but those who are considering such a move should carefully examine their options.
There are many different types of jobs for those who are interested in working with animals, ranging from those that require years of schooling to careers that are open to high school graduates. Because of this, anyone seeking to work with animals should begin preparing for the career as early as possible in order to ensure his or her success.
Today, animals receive more care and attention than at any other point in history. By entering a career that is centered on caring for America’s animals, whether they are wild animals or a family’s beloved pet, an animal care professional will find him or herself enjoying a great deal of respect from friends and clients alike.
Most importantly, they will enjoy the confidence and satisfaction that comes from understanding that they are playing a vital role in helping to ensure that the animals in America are as well treated as possible.