Best Careers for Animal Lovers

diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.

research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.

conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.

Entomologists study how insects interact with their environment. They use their research to help manage pests in agriculture and residential, commercial, or industrial settings.

Marine Biologists study marine life in their natural habitats. A typical day may involve diving among reefs to collect samples and analyzing the samples in a lab.

The farrier usually travels to farms and trims and puts shoes on horses. They usually have clients that they see regularly.

Zoo Curators are responsible for the care of animals at the zoo. They monitor the health of animals based on reports submitted by zoo employees.

Dog Trainers use a variety of techniques to help owners teach their dogs new or improved behaviors. They may also work individually with dogs to train them for specialized activities such as herding sheep or assisting blind people.

select and breed animals according to their genealogy, characteristics, and offspring. May require knowledge of artificial insemination techniques and equipment use. May involve keeping records on heats, birth intervals, or pedigree.

handle animals for the purpose of investigations of mistreatment, or control of abandoned, dangerous, or unattended animals.

The main responsibility of a horse trainer is to train horses to improve their performance for specific activities or events such as riding or showing. They assess the abilities of horses and correct negative behaviors.

train animals for riding, harness, security, performance, or obedience, or assisting persons with disabilities. Accustom animals to human voice and contact; and condition animals to respond to commands. Train animals according to prescribed standards for show or competition. May train animals to carry pack loads or work as part of pack team.

attend to live farm, ranch, or aquacultural animals that may include cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses and other equines, poultry, finfish, shellfish, and bees. Attend to animals produced for animal products, such as meat, fur, skins, feathers, eggs, milk, and honey. Duties may include feeding, watering, herding, grazing, castrating, branding, de-beaking, weighing, catching, and loading animals. May maintain records on animals; examine animals to detect diseases and injuries; assist in birth deliveries; and administer medications, vaccinations, or insecticides as appropriate. May clean and maintain animal housing areas. Includes workers who shear wool from sheep, and collect eggs in hatcheries.

Pet Sitters typically provide care for pets while owners are away. They often stay in the owner’s home, which allows the pet to remain in familiar territory.

Dog Groomers wash and cut dog hair, trim nails, and occasionally brush dogs’ teeth. They often give dogs specific hairstyles based on the instructions of the dog owner.

feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise, or otherwise care for pets and other nonfarm animals, such as dogs, cats, ornamental fish or birds, zoo animals, and mice. Work in settings such as kennels, animal shelters, zoos, circuses, and aquariums. May keep records of feedings, treatments, and animals received or discharged. May clean, disinfect, and repair cages, pens, or fish tanks.