Related Careers

Advice to work at what you love is not a new concept for personal fulfillment. From the job-seekers classic, “What Color is Your Parachute,” to the recently hip “Life Strategies” guru, Phillip McGraw, the key to happiness is “doing what works and doing what matters.” Doing what you love might not make you the wealthiest person on the block, but the job satisfaction is unequaled and the emotional congruence is incredibly gratifying. 

For those of us who are doting pet owners, it doesn’t take much of a leap to incorporate an interest and commitment into a paying profession. Or for kids who love animals, to direct that enthusiasm into planning for an animal-related career. For me, my relationship with my dog, Geronimo, propelled me into a totally new career path with the creation and operation of my retail pet supply store. A number of other employment opportunities would work here on our little island as well as in the real world for anyone interested in combining their love of animals and career (Dog Fancy magazine, August 1999.)

VETERINARIAN is probably the first profession that comes to mind for anyone who wants to work with and help animals. While we tend to think of white-coated doctors providing medical care to small animals in an office situation, there are other career opportunities such as food inspectors or medical specialties in fields such as oncology, ophthalmology, dermatology or neurology. There are only 27 veterinary colleges in the U.S. and the competition is tough. High school students need an excellent record. College undergraduate studies should include pre-veterinary courses such as zoology, chemistry and math. After completion of veterinary medical school, national boards and state licensing requirements need to be met before being able to practice.

VETERINARY TECHNICIAN. If the rigors of veterinary medical school are not for you, a vet tech is the equivalent of a human patient’s nurse. There are 2-year programs from community colleges or technical schools, or 4-year veterinary technologist programs, offering more in-depth education and experience. Many vet tech’s work in a

veterinarian’s office, but other options include research, teaching, pharmaceutical or medical equipment sales, or certified dog trainers.

TRAINER. Trainers work with dogs in many capacities. Dogs can be trained for showing, hunting, performing, assisting the disabled, to do rescue work or detect bombs or narcotics, or just to be good dogs. Tufts University in North Grafton, Mass., and New York’s Cornell University have animal behavior programs. The Animal Behavior Center of New York offers a 6-week seminar. Police dog trainers typically work with a police department or training academy. The National Hearing Dog Center, located in Athol, Mass., has a 1-month internship program to train dogs to help hearing impaired. Other organizations include Dogs for the Deaf and the New England Assistance Dog Service.

DOG SITTER. One of the newer animal-related professions evolved from the need for pet owners to have an alternative to kenneling or for providing at-home care. A pet sitter has flexible hours, but can count on being in highest demand during holidays. Once the word is out, this can become a 7-day a week job with long hours. Dog sitters often provide dog-walking duty, give medications, water plants and pick up mail for their clients as well. While reliability and an understanding of canine behavior are essential, being bonded and insured would be a plus.

GROOMER. One of the greatest challenges for our shop the many years we offered pet grooming was to maintain an experienced, capable staff. The demand for good groomers far outweighs their availability. Apprenticeship is still an acceptable way to learn grooming techniques, but there are some 50 state-licensed grooming schools throughout the country that offer courses varying in length from 4-18 weeks. Successful groomers have an artist’s eye and an ability to handle diverse canine personalities. In addition to grooming shops, opportunities exist at veterinarian offices and kennels.

BREEDER AND EXHIBITOR. Often considered an avocation, an owner may begin breeding because of their commitment to a particular breed. This interest can evolve into other aspects of working with their animals, such as showing, handling or judging. The American Kennel Club offers seminars on breeds, handling and show regulations and sponsors a Judge’s Breed Study Group for in-depth breed education.

RESOURCES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

American Veterinary Medical Association (800) 248-2862

Careers in Veterinary Medicine (AVMA site)  

Veterinary Technicians (AVMA site) 

American Pre-Veterinary Medical Association Online  

Animal Behavior Center of New York  (718) 205-0200  

National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (202) 393-3317 

North American Police Work Dog Association (888) 4CANINE  

The American Kennel Club (919) 233-9767

Free pamphlet Careers in Dogs (Item #PBED01) - Judges Education Department 
(919) 854-0195

The Department of Labor, (Search by dog or animal for career description)