6 wild jobs for animal lovers

Working with animals is a fun, interesting, and fulfilling experience for many people. By choosing a career that involves animals, you can help the environment, educate others, save lives, and much more. Here's some information about the best jobs for animal lovers, their requirements, and their average pay rates.

Zookeeper

Zookeepers care for animals at zoos and animal rehabilitation centers. These passionate individuals feed and groom animals, clean their enclosures, and observe their behavior. They also answer important questions for the public about animals' natural habitats, diets, places in food chains, and responses to humans in the wild. Many zookeepers also train animals to make interactions with them easier and entertain visitors. For example, they teach large animals, such as lions, to stay calm during examinations, reducing the need for sedation and restraints.

Zookeepers at animal rehabilitation centers often help treat injured animals and prepare them for release back into the wild. Instead of training them to tolerate people, they minimize contact to prevent these creatures from acting overly friendly to humans after release.

Typically, zookeepers have a bachelor's degree in animal science or biology. Internships and volunteer opportunities can help you get an entry-level position in zookeeping. On average, these professionals make around $15.45 per hour.

Animal trainer

Animal trainers perform many of the same tasks as zookeepers but specialize in animal behavior. While some work with animals in zoos, others help train dogs and other pets. Some animal trainers even help make movies and TV shows by working with animal stars. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for animal trainers and care workers should grow by 29% by 2031, much faster than most other occupations.

Trainers who work with pets usually need a high school diploma, while those who work with exotic animals in zoos or aquariums often have a bachelor's degree in biology, marine biology, animal science, animal behavior, or a similar field. Animal caretakers and trainers in the United States earn an average of $16.60 per hour.

Veterinarian

A veterinarian, often called a vet, is a doctor who provides animal health care. Veterinarians have a variety of duties, including:

Conducting examinations
Diagnosing illnesses and behavioral problems
Performing surgeries
Prescribing medication
Cleaning animals' teeth
Providing dental treatments, such as pulling decayed teeth
Euthanizing animals that don't respond to treatment

"By choosing a career that involves animals, you can help the environment, educate others, save lives, and much more."

There are several types of veterinarians. Small animal or companion animal vets treat mostly cats and dogs, but they may also see other common pets such as guinea pigs, rabbits, or ferrets. Exotic animal veterinarians treat animals at zoos and aquariums, as well as exotic pets such as snakes and lizards.

Large animal veterinarians treat farm animals such as horses and cows. While some of them work at animal hospitals, most prefer on-site visits due to the challenges involved in transporting these large creatures. Laboratory veterinarians participate in animal research for universities and pharmaceutical companies. They monitor and record changes in the animals' health and provide necessary treatment.

Veterinarians in the United States must have a bachelor's degree in biology or a related field and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. They must also pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination and any required state exams. With a post-doctoral education, veterinarians can specialize in fields such as oncology or cardiology. Veterinarians make an average of $62.10 per hour.

Veterinary technician

Veterinary technicians help veterinarians examine and treat animals. They assist with checkups, prepare animals for surgery, sterilize medical instruments, administer medications, and conduct tests such as X-rays or blood analysis. Vet techs in the United States need an associate degree in veterinary technology and are required to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam. These professionals can't treat animals on their own and must work under the supervision of veterinarians. A veterinary technician earns an average of $19.60 per hour in the United States.

Marine biologist

A marine biologist studies animals, plants, and microscopic life forms that live in the ocean and other marine environments. These professionals often spend lots of time on boats or diving underwater to observe animals and other organisms in their natural habitats. Other duties of marine biologists can include:

Performing research in a lab using special equipment
Gathering and analyzing samples of water, plants, and microorganisms
Researching different ecosystems and species
Promoting environmental sustainability and marine preservation
Providing medical treatment for sick or injured marine animals
Estimating population numbers for threatened and endangered species
Tracking migration patterns and reproductive behaviors
Writing scientific reports and research papers
Compiling research data from other scientists
Giving lectures and presentations at museums, aquariums, zoos, and other institutions to educate people about marine life

Marine biologists need a bachelor's degree in marine biology. Many have a master's degree or a doctorate as well. Marine biologists earn an average of $34.90 per hour.

These wild jobs for animal lovers are ideal for people who want fun, fulfilling work. Professionals in these fields can educate others and make people and animals happier. To look for these positions, you can upload your resume to CareerBuilder.