There are such a wide variety of options available for those that wish to pursue a career with animals, it can be difficult to choose from all the possible careers! Deciding what kinds of animals you want to work with and the kind of environment that you would like to spend your work days will be the key to narrowing down your options. It’s useful to have an idea of some of the most common routes that people take, while also keeping an eye on more alternative options. Think about the specifics of the animal-focused career that you’re dreaming of, and commit to the level of education that may be required. Your career will be much more positive as a result, and you could land the job of your dreams.
Medical and Veterinary
This is the most common route for those that wish to pursue a career that involves the care of animals. The best thing about becoming a medical vet is that you will be making a positive impact on a large number of animals’ lives. Even within this category, there are a wide variety of career types to look into, with everything from academic roles to lab work being very prolific. If you are looking for vet & pet jobs, you will need to undergo rigorous training. However, there is an increasing need for vets, especially in Australia. You will need some extensive education, and a degree in veterinary medicine is usually considered the basic starting point before you start looking at specialities.
Animal Trainer
If you want to help animals interact more safely and responsibly with humans, becoming an animal trainer can be very rewarding. Using systems of enrichment that promote more positive behaviour, an animal trainer can find themselves with a diverse range of potential options when it comes to their full-time career. When training can be aimed at either protection, detection, or even entertainment, this is a career choice that will not be limiting when it comes to scope. Many animal trainers opt to work in a self-employed capacity, so it may not be for everyone. However, training police dogs to help prevent crimes, teaching horses to be more relaxed around humans, or even working with a circus to help animals perform entertaining actions in a safe and healthy way, can all be incredibly satisfying. Some animal trainers even work on film sets, so you could also get a taste of Hollywood glamour too!
Animal Control Officer
Some people do not care for their animals very well, which is where you will come in as an Animal Control Officer. Making sure that animal owners are sticking to the legal requirements of animal ownership, this role can be investigative but does have potentially high-stress levels. This is not a career for everyone, but it can be very satisfying, especially when it comes to animal rescue. Often, Animal Control Officers work closely with law enforcement officers and animal shelters, so if the idea of protecting and rescuing animals that have not had the best lives appeals to you, this could be a very satisfying career choice.
Having such a multitude of options available to you can be both intimidating and liberating. Do your research and look for the kind of animal career that most appeals to you. Once you have some idea of the field you want to work in, it’s time to focus on your education and ensure that you make the right decisions that will lead you to your dream job.
Is working with animals a goal of yours? Share with us how you making it become a reality in the comments below.
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