Animal care could describe various occupations, dealing with different types of animals and different aspects of animal handling. Individuals in this profession could perform a wide range of duties, from dog obedience training to researching medical problems in animals. For those who have a passion and love for animals, a career in animal care may be just the right thing for you. Whether you love working with cats, dogs, horses, livestock, fish, wildlife or all of the latter, there are numerous certificates and degree programs that could help you pursue a career in this rewarding field.
When most people think of a career in animal care,
the first title that comes in mind is a veterinarian. Individuals in this profession care for the overall health of pets, livestock, zoo animals, and other animals in several different settings. They may also conduct research and diagnose health problems in animals. In order to qualify as a veterinarian, students must complete a 4-year degree program at an accredited college of veterinary medicine. Compensation is usually very rewarding, in the more than comfortable zone of over $70,000 in earnings annually.
Animal lovers who do not prefer to attend a 4-year college in veterinary medicine could still participate in the animal care industry in professions such as veterinary assistant, veterinary technician, animal assisted therapist, animal attendant, animal behaviorist, animal breeder, animal technician, animal trainer, animal groomer and zookeeper. For these vocations, they will simply need to complete a 2-year, associate’s degree or certificate in order to begin their career advancement in animal care. Median salaries range from $20,000 to $35,000 depending on your chosen title of profession, location, type of employer, experience and education level.
If you decide to pursue a career in animal care, you should possess certain characteristics such as patience, love and care for animals and self-motivation because it may take a long period of time before you can learn how to handle animals safely, caringly, and correctly.
Choose an online school that offers animal care degrees:
