Animal lovers can work with animals daily.
Working with animals can be a rewarding career for many people. It can be a great way to turn a passion into a livable income. While some careers require advanced education, not all of them do. Because there are many paths to working with animals, it's wise to explore all of your options.
Animal Behaviorist
Animal behaviorists work to resolve behavior problems in household pets and other animals. Some problems they treat include aggression, separation anxiety, and fear. Behaviorists evaluate the animal in its regular environment, and then they create a treatment plan. Behaviorists can work in many environments, including zoos, veterinarian offices, and conservation groups. According to the North Carolina Association for Biomedical Research, most careers in this field require an advanced degree, such as a masters Or Ph.D, but some might only require a B.A. or B.S. Degree. The association also states that the salary ranges from $35,000 to $90,000 as of 2010 depending on the specific job and where the behaviorist is employed.
Zoologist
Zoologists are scientists who study animals. They work with animals in the wild, but they also can work with animals in a laboratory setting. Zoologists can find careers in a research-based environment and they also can work for private businesses. Some career opportunities include wildlife education, wildlife rehabilitation, and zookeeper work.
The NCABR says that people interested in a zoology career should strongly consider completing graduate-level work, even though some opportunities are available for those with a bachelor's degree. The association also states that the average salary is $47,740, with it topping out at about $71,000.
Veterinarian
Veterinarians care for many types of animals. They not only work in private practices caring for pets, but they also care for and treat animals on farms, in laboratories, and at zoos.
In order to be a veterinarian, you need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from a four-year accredited university. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 28 colleges are accredited, so admission is very competitive. After completing your education, you need to pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam in order to be licensed. The BLS states that the median annual salary for veterinarians was $79,050 in May 2008.
Pet Sitter
If you are looking for a career working with animals that does not require advanced schooling, then pet sitting might be for you. Pet sitters look after pets while the owner is away. Their job is to carry on the daily care routine that the pet owner has in place. According to Pet Sitters International, pet sitting is a fast-growing home-based industry. Many pet sitters are self-employed, so earnings can vary. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for animal caretakers was $19,360 in May 2008.
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