Fun Careers With Creatures

Careers with animals offer the chance to get up-close and personal with different kinds of animals.

People interested in working with animals have a wide and diverse career field open to them. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment growth for animal care and service workers is expected to increase 20 percent or more between 2008 and 2018. With a range of experience levels, salaries and employers, the field offers individuals the opportunity to explore their passion for animals and get paid to do it.

Animal Groomer

Groomers often need to style their clients' fur in consideration of an upcoming pet show or contest.

Animal groomers typically work with pets such as cats and dogs, but may also care for horses, rabbits and guinea pigs. They are responsible for beautifying the animals brought to them, which means brushing fur, clipping nails and a bathing process. It may also include painting their nails and adding an ornamental ribbon or bow.

Groomers serve more than just a superficial purpose. They ensure pet health by finding parasites and skin sores or inflammations during regularly scheduled grooming sessions.

To advance in this career, a love of animals and skill with scissors and clippers in essential. While not required, certification and training at a grooming school can help you establish credibility and gain practical knowledge. Groomers may either open their own grooming business and work for themselves or work for a larger company. Options include pet stores, grooming salons, dog kennels and animal hospitals.

According to the May 2009 Occupational Employment and Wages News Release, the average annual salary for non-farm animal caretakers, including pet groomers, is $21,830.

Zookeeper

Zookeepers often work with animals from all over the world.

Zookeepers help manage nearly every facet of animal care at a zoo. Their responsibilities may include preparing food for the animals, feeding them, cleaning cages and monitoring the animals to make sure they are staying healthy.

A degree in zoology, animal science, conservation biology or similar field is essential for an entry-level position. The Spring 2001 Occupational Outlook Quarterly reports that competition for positions in zoos is fierce. Hands-on experience in a zoo, even if just a volunteer position, can help a job seeker land a paying gig.

Along with other animal caretakers working outside of a farm setting, the average annual salary for zookeepers is $21,830, based on the May 2009 Occupational Employment and Wages News Release.

Pet Sitter

It's important to know whether the pet needs to be let outdoors or if it must stay inside.

When long hours at work or a vacation keeps pet owners from taking care of their animal friends, they call professional pet sitters. Pet sitters perform a number of tasks, from walking the dog and brushing the cat to setting out food and changing the litter box.

They also look after the residence while the owner is away-picking up mail, turning lights on and off, making sure it’s securely locked-and as such, provide a deterrent to theft and vandalism. To care for the animals, they may visit multiple times per day or stay overnight, depending on the owner’s preferences.

Pet Sitters International and other agencies offer accreditation, however, none is required to start a successful pet sitting business. A thorough understanding of animal care, however, is essential. Expertise in areas such as animal first aid or obedience training may help expand your list of clients.

In 2008, PSI reported that 98 percent of pet sitting business were independently owned. Pet sitters may choose to charge per visit or per hour, charging extra in case of emergencies or unusual circumstances.

The average annual salary for pet sitters is $37,337 on average, as reported in the 2008 PSI State of the Industry Survey.

Animal Handler

Handlers may be required to explain their techniques to visitors if they work in a zoo or aquarium.

For a truly hands-on career with animals, becoming an animal handler is the way to go. Handlers focus on working with animals to accomplish a variety of goals, including entertainment, research, conservation and education.

This occupation can comprise distinctly different duties. Performing with trained marine animals, wrangling an iguana for a movie, reintroducing a wild animal to a national park, preparing bison for transport and training cats for animal therapy to be used in a nursing home are all mentioned in "Ferguson's Careers in Focus: Animal Care."

However, it’s not all fun and interesting. Handlers must be responsible for basic care of the animals under their watch, which includes feeding them, administering medicine and cleaning up after them. While not required, a degree in a veterinary science can help you land a job as an animal handler. Real-world experience working with animals is another way to boost your credentials for potential employers.

Animal handlers earn, on average, $57,000 a year, according to the State University website.

Animal Breeder

Horse breeders have their own specific niche area within the job market.

Animal breeders traditionally work with livestock to encourage and monitor species propagation on a farm or ranch. Sometimes called animal technicians, breeders rely on the science of genetics to produce optimal offspring. That may mean larger animals that provide more meat or, in the case of pets, it could mean trying to obtain a specific coat color.

A research intensive field, breeders are expected to keep track of several generations worth of genetic lineage and understand the pros and cons of mating different species. While more jobs are available in breeding livestock or poultry, breeders specializing in horses and dogs are also common. A degree in animal science or animal husbandry is advisable for those entering this career field.

Animal breeders earn an average annual salary of $35,210, as of the May 2009 Occupational Employment and Wages News Release.

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