Caring for and helping animals can be an enriching experience. It can give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment knowing that you are making a difference in the lives of animals. There are many career options available for animal lovers that can provide a high level of satisfaction for those employees who seek this type of work. These jobs require various education levels and schooling, but they all have one thing in common: they allow you to work with animals and make a difference in their lives.
Some of the highest-paying jobs in this field include:
- Animal Caretaker
- Animal Trainer
- Veterinary Assistant
- Zookeeper
- Pet Sitter
- Pet Groomer
- Animal Handler
Animal jobs can be related to direct care and medical care. All require either training or various education levels and schooling. Often animal jobs provide a high level of satisfaction for those employees who seek this type of work. The top three jobs for animal lovers are pet sitter, pet groomer, and animal handler. Most of these jobs require at least a high school diploma or bachelor’s degree. Most of the jobs listed require being in close contact with animals and having a basic understanding of animal behavior.
Caring for animals is not only rewarding but also challenging. It requires patience, dedication, and hard work. However, the rewards are immeasurable when you see an animal that you have helped recover from an injury or illness or when you see an animal that you have trained perform a new trick or behavior.
Animal Caretaker
Animal caretakers are responsible for the well-being and daily care of animals. They work in various settings, such as animal shelters, veterinary clinics, zoos, aquariums, research facilities, and farms. Their primary duty is to ensure the health, safety, and proper care of the animals under their supervision. Animal caretakers perform a range of tasks, including feeding and providing water to animals, cleaning and maintaining their living spaces, observing their behavior and health, administering medications as directed by veterinarians, and assisting with grooming and basic veterinary procedures. They may also be involved in exercise and enrichment activities, socializing with animals, and providing training or behavioral support. Animal caretakers play a crucial role in maintaining the overall welfare and quality of life for the animals they care for.
The average salary for an animal caretaker is $23,940 per year. You don’t need formal education for this occupation, but a high school diploma or GED is recommended.
Animal Trainer
Animal trainers work with various animals to perform specific tricks to impress the audience. They may work with animals in zoos, aquariums, circuses, theme parks, or other entertainment venues. Animal trainers are responsible for the care and training of animals, including feeding and providing water to animals, cleaning and maintaining their living spaces, observing their behavior and health, and administering medications as directed by veterinarians. They also need to train the animals to be loyal to them to work with them. Traveling is required for this role as you’ll work with animals during a circus and perform with them when necessary.
The average salary for an animal trainer is $24,080 per year. You should have a high school diploma or GED, but a bachelor’s degree in marine biology may be required to work with marine animals like dolphins or whales.
Veterinary Assistant
A veterinary assistant is the first person to attend to an injured animal. They speak with pet owners to address health concerns in addition to scheduling appointments, filling out important paperwork, and administering follow-up procedures when applicable. Veterinary assistants are responsible for the care and treatment of animals, including feeding and providing water to animals, cleaning and maintaining their living spaces, observing their behavior and health, and administering medications as directed by veterinarians. They also assist with grooming and basic veterinary procedures.
The average salary for a veterinary assistant is $25.620 per year. You can have a high school diploma or GED for an entry-level position, but getting an associate degree is recommended to advance your career to become a technician.
Zookeeper
Zookeepers specifically attend to wounded animals located at zoos. Zookeeper responsibilities can include feeding, grooming, cleaning, and observing behavior. They are responsible for the care and treatment of animals, including feeding and providing water to animals, cleaning and maintaining their living spaces, observing their behavior and health, and administering medications as directed by veterinarians. They also assist with grooming and basic veterinary procedures.
The average salary for a zookeeper is $27,840 per year.
Pet Sitter
Pet sitters are responsible for taking care of pets while their owners are away. They may be responsible for feeding, walking, and playing with the pets. They may also be responsible for administering medication to the pets if necessary. Pet sitters may work for a pet-sitting company or as an independent contractor.
The average salary for a pet sitter is $14.50 to $20 per hour. There are no formal education requirements to become a pet sitter.
Pet Groomer
Pet groomers are responsible for grooming pets. They may be responsible for bathing, brushing, and trimming the pets. They may also be responsible for administering medication to the pets if necessary. Pet groomers may work for a pet grooming company or as an independent contractor.
The average salary for a pet groomer is $14.00 to $22.00 per hour. There are no formal education requirements to become a pet groomer.
Animal Handler
An animal handler is a person who is responsible for the well-being and daily care of animals in various settings, such as zoos, aquariums, veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and farms. Some of the primary duties and responsibilities of an animal handler include:
- Feeding and providing water to animals according to their dietary needs and schedules.
- Cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures, cages, and living areas to ensure a hygienic and comfortable environment.
- Observing and monitoring animal health, behavior, and temperament, and reporting any signs of illness, injury, or stress to veterinarians or supervisors.
- Administering medications, vaccinations, or treatments as directed by veterinarians or supervisors.
- Assisting with grooming, bathing, trimming, and clipping of animals as needed.
- Providing exercise, enrichment, socialization, and training to animals to promote their physical and mental well-being.
- Handling, restraining, transporting, and transferring animals safely and humanely.
- Keeping accurate records of animal diet, health, behavior, and activities.
- Educating the public about animal care, conservation, and welfare.
The average salary for an animal handler in the United States is $30,170 per year or $14.50 per hour. However, the salary may vary depending on the type of work, the location, the experience level, and the education level of the animal handler. The salary range for animal handlers is between $19,000 and $40,000 per year.
The education requirements for an animal handler may also vary depending on the specific role and employer. However, the minimum requirement is usually a high school diploma or GED. Some employers may prefer or require animal handlers to have some postsecondary education or training in animal science, biology, veterinary technology, or a related field. Animal handlers may also need to obtain certifications or licenses from state or national organizations depending on the type of animals they work with. For example, animal trainers may need to be certified by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) or the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). Animal handlers who work with exotic or endangered animals may need to be licensed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
To become a successful animal handler, one needs to have certain skills and qualities such as:
- A passion for animals and a commitment to their welfare.
- Good knowledge of animal behavior, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and diseases.
- A strong sense of responsibility and attention to detail.
- A high level of physical stamina and endurance.
- A willingness to work in various weather conditions and with potential hazards.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills with both animals and people.
- An ability to work independently or as part of a team.
- Flexibility and adaptability to changing situations and demands.
The Emotional Importance of Having a Job that Helps Animals
Animals are an integral part of our lives and our planet. They provide us with companionship, emotional support, and various services that enhance our well-being. However, many animals are also facing threats from human activities, such as habitat loss, poaching, overexploitation, and climate change. Therefore, it is essential to protect and care for animals, not only for their sake but also for ours.
One of the benefits of having a job that helps animals is that it can improve one’s mental health. According to several studies, pets and other animals can have positive effects on human mental health, such as reducing stress, depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Pets can also increase one’s self-esteem, happiness, and social skills. Moreover, working with animals can provide a sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment to one’s life. For example, veterinarians can save lives and heal wounds; wildlife conservationists can protect endangered species and restore habitats; animal therapists can help people cope with various challenges and disorders; animal welfare advocates can fight for animal rights and prevent cruelty; and animal educators can raise awareness and inspire action for animal issues.
Another benefit of having a job that helps animals is that it can improve the well-being of animals. Animals are sentient beings that have physical and emotional needs, such as food, water, shelter, health, safety, comfort, and social interaction. By helping animals, one can ensure that these needs are met and that animals are treated with respect and compassion. For instance, veterinarians can prevent and treat diseases and injuries; wildlife conservationists can reduce human-animal conflicts and promote coexistence; animal therapists can enhance the quality of life and reduce suffering; animal welfare advocates can improve the living conditions and legal status of animals; and animal educators can foster empathy and responsibility among the public.
Having a job that helps animals is not only beneficial for the animals themselves but also for the people who work with them. Working with animals can improve one’s mental health by providing emotional support, happiness, and satisfaction. It can also improve the well-being of animals by ensuring their basic needs are met and their dignity is respected. Therefore, having a job that helps animals is a noble and worthwhile pursuit that can make the world a better place for all living beings.