When asked what their dream job is, some kids respond, “When I grow up, I want to be a veterinarian.” Of course, given the level of education needed for this profession, the cost of student loans, and the level of commitment, that changes for some people once they reach adulthood. However, the desire to care for animals and love of animals may still exist.
Finding a career that pays well enough while also being enjoyable is one of the more challenging tasks that job seekers must complete. To a certain extent, the proverb “Do what you love and the money will follow” is true. But whether you like it or not, money is important and must come first. The key is finding a balance. Doing what you love in exchange for money, as opposed to doing what you love in the hopes of making money
You can achieve this balance if working with animals is your area of passion and what motivates you to get out of bed in the morning. According to 2015 U.S. Census data, the average salary for a position caring for animals is $55,775. S. Census data. Aside from working with animals as a veterinarian, there are many other jobs that pay well. These positions pay about that median salary or even more.
15 Awesome Jobs for Animal Lovers
15 jobs for saving animals
As previously mentioned, those who are interested in rescuing or assisting animals can find a variety of positions that allow them to interact either directly or indirectly with wildlife. These professionals often work within the research or medical fields. The following list of 15 potential jobs that involve saving animals may be of interest to you:
An animal control officer’s main duties include upholding the law and ensuring that animals are treated humanely. These experts frequently work with stray, abandoned, or distressed animals and look into cases involving animal welfare. Animal control officers must therefore be aware of and take the proper safety precautions to ensure both their own and the animals’ wellbeing. They respond to calls from the community, rescue injured or trapped animals, impound animals as necessary, and inspect facilities where animals are kept, such as kennels, pet stores, or stables.
An animal adoption specialist’s main responsibilities include overseeing the adoption procedure, which frequently takes place at animal shelters. These experts assist in finding loving homes for injured or abandoned animals. Their main duties involve selecting applicants for adoption, processing applications, monitoring interactions between prospective adopters and animals, and keeping records of adoptions. They may also conduct follow-up visits to check on the welfare of adopted pets and instruct adopters on proper pet maintenance.
An animal caretaker’s main responsibilities include feeding, grooming, and caring for animals. These specialists can work in a variety of settings, such as zoos, aquariums, animal shelters, and farms. The typical responsibilities of animal caregivers can vary depending on their place of employment, but they generally monitor the animals under their care and support their overall well-being. Their duties include maintaining habitats, caring for animals, keeping an eye on their behavior and health, and giving them companionship and exercise.
Primary responsibilities: A veterinary technician assists veterinarians in providing care and treatment for animals. They frequently land jobs at zoos, research facilities, and veterinary hospitals. These experts provide medical assistance, disperse medication, and gather and examine lab specimens. They can also conduct diagnostic procedures on sick or injured animals, including X-rays. They are responsible for getting animals and surgical equipment ready, documenting medical histories, corresponding with owners, and keeping an eye on patients’ health.
Primary responsibilities: A veterinary assistant helps a team of experts treat and care for animals. These professionals frequently find employment at veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, or research facilities where they are supervised by veterinarians or animal scientists. They support medical professionals by setting up the necessary equipment and surroundings for procedures and examinations. Their typical duties include speaking with animal owners or caregivers, monitoring the health of the animals, feeding and bathing the animals, and carrying out lab work like drawing blood or gathering samples.
An animal technician’s main responsibilities include looking after and maintaining the welfare of the animals used in research laboratories. These professionals work at veterinary clinics or adoption centers. It is the duty of animal technicians to keep an eye on the health and behavior of the animals and to notify their superiors or medical personnel of any changes. Their main responsibilities include maintaining animal records, feeding and watering animals, and cleaning the living quarters of animals.
A zookeeper’s main responsibilities include caring for the animals in zoos. Additionally, they might deal with animals kept as pets or for other reasons like research or conservation. These specialists give animals food, water, and basic veterinary care, like giving them medicine. They must also keep an eye on the animals and notify veterinarians of any changes in their behavior or health. Their main duties include bathing and grooming animals, maintaining habitats, organizing training and exercise sessions, and instructing zoo visitors.
A park ranger’s main responsibilities include managing state and federal parks and forests. These individuals patrol the park grounds and uphold pertinent rules and laws intended to protect the environment and wildlife. Some rangers work in regions where they must defend exotic wildlife from dangers like poachers, depending on where they are located. As part of their duties, they guide tours, help with conservation efforts, pick up litter, clear trails, and conduct rescues.
A wildlife forensic scientist’s main responsibilities are to look into animal-related crimes. Despite the fact that they may not regularly interact with animals, these professionals’ work can still benefit them. These experts can help with smuggling, animal cruelty, environmental damage, poaching, and other criminal investigations. Visits to crime scenes, evidence gathering, lab sample analysis, and report writing are among their main duties. Wildlife forensic scientists may occasionally testify in court cases as expert witnesses.
Primary responsibilities: A veterinarian is a doctor who focuses on caring for animals. They may choose to focus on a specific species of animal, such as small, large, or exotic, and work in zoos, vet offices, or animal shelters, among other places. They are primarily responsible for inspecting, diagnosing, and treating sick or hurt animals. To support the health and safety of their animal patients, veterinarians also carry out operations, tend to wounds, and give medications as necessary. To make sure the animals receive the proper pre- or post-operative care, they may also speak with the animals’ owners or caregivers.
Additional careers for saving animals
There are many additional professions that offer opportunities to save animals in addition to the ones mentioned above. Here are 10 additional jobs that may interest you:
FAQ
What is the best job for protecting animals?
Conservation officer This animal career may be a great fit for you if you’re passionate about protecting wildlife and have a flair for the law. Earning potential: In 2019, the average yearly wage for conservation officers was $57,500.
What job saves animals in the wild?
- Wildlife veterinarian.
- Wildlife biologist.
- Wildlife forensic technician.
- Conservation officer.
- Wildlife technician.
- Wildlife rehabilitator.
- Wildlife photographer.
- Advocate or administrator for wildlife conservation.
What job helps animals the most?
Volunteering with shelters, humane societies, wildlife rehabilitation programs, breed rescues, and other similar organizations helps people interested in a career in animal rescue and welfare gain valuable experience.
