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What kind of jobs are available to someone who is not a vet and just graduated with a masters in shelter medicine.?
I am a career changing professional looking for a job in animal welfare.
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2 answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Kymberlee !
Congratulations on obtaining your Masters Degree in Shelter Medicine ! That is wonderful !Your inquiry has given me a lot to think about.
The careers you can have with your Masters Degree, other than being a Veterinarian (but you can be a Veterinarian if you wanted), are: Veterinary Technician, Shelter Administrator, Animal Control Officer, Public Health Worker related to animal shelters, and an Animal Welfare Educator. I am sorry to know that this was not made known to you through your path for your Masters Degree. There are some things to consider if you want to pursue these careers in a Lab, Veterinary Hospital, Department of Health office, Animal Shelters or Veterinary Office.
Being that you are in Bishop, you will have to first compile a list of prospective employers within the range between Yosemite and Death Valley National Park. Did you attend a University out of town and move back to Bishop ? I was wondering which college you received your Masters Degree from. Even though your charming town of Bishop has a very low population (under 4,000) it has a very high percentage of white collar professionals. Your first step would be to make a list of animal hospitals, labs, veterinary offices and such. This way, when you decide upon a niche, you can send resumes to the places you're interested in. Your nearest Department of Health is the Inyo County Health and Human Services office in Independence. You can find the employers for the other careers by doing a search online.
Pursuing Animal Welfare can come within any of the niches that I've mentioned. Return to your Masters Program campus or call them to ask about any research opportunities or animal welfare projects that you may be involved in. It will be rewarding and fantastic to do hands on work caring for, protecting and advocating for animals. This can be done in any one of the niches I've mentioned and research opportunities may come along with it.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best in this most superb career !
Congratulations on obtaining your Masters Degree in Shelter Medicine ! That is wonderful !Your inquiry has given me a lot to think about.
The careers you can have with your Masters Degree, other than being a Veterinarian (but you can be a Veterinarian if you wanted), are: Veterinary Technician, Shelter Administrator, Animal Control Officer, Public Health Worker related to animal shelters, and an Animal Welfare Educator. I am sorry to know that this was not made known to you through your path for your Masters Degree. There are some things to consider if you want to pursue these careers in a Lab, Veterinary Hospital, Department of Health office, Animal Shelters or Veterinary Office.
Being that you are in Bishop, you will have to first compile a list of prospective employers within the range between Yosemite and Death Valley National Park. Did you attend a University out of town and move back to Bishop ? I was wondering which college you received your Masters Degree from. Even though your charming town of Bishop has a very low population (under 4,000) it has a very high percentage of white collar professionals. Your first step would be to make a list of animal hospitals, labs, veterinary offices and such. This way, when you decide upon a niche, you can send resumes to the places you're interested in. Your nearest Department of Health is the Inyo County Health and Human Services office in Independence. You can find the employers for the other careers by doing a search online.
Pursuing Animal Welfare can come within any of the niches that I've mentioned. Return to your Masters Program campus or call them to ask about any research opportunities or animal welfare projects that you may be involved in. It will be rewarding and fantastic to do hands on work caring for, protecting and advocating for animals. This can be done in any one of the niches I've mentioned and research opportunities may come along with it.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best in this most superb career !
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Kymberlee! Congrats on earning your master’s in shelter medicine! 🐾 That’s amazing! Now, let’s talk about all the pawesome job options for you. Here’s a list to get you started—along with some humor, of course, because who says animal welfare can’t have a little fun? 🐕🐈
1. Animal Shelter Manager 🏠🐶
What you’ll do: Oversee operations, manage staff, handle animal care, and make sure all the furry residents have a cozy place to sleep (and snacks... lots of snacks).
Humor: Basically, you’ll be the boss of all the pets who definitely think they run the place. But don’t worry, you’ll have the final say on snack distribution.
Tip: Reach out to local animal shelters and inquire about management or leadership roles—they might need someone with your background to take charge!
2. Animal Welfare Advocate/Consultant 📝
What you’ll do: Work with government agencies, non-profits, or even businesses to improve animal welfare policies, promote animal rights, and educate communities on responsible pet care.
Humor: It’s like being the superhero of the animal kingdom, but without the cape (unless you want to wear one—totally your call).
Tip: Non-profits and advocacy groups are always looking for passionate people to help with campaigns, so this could be your chance to shine!
3. Animal Behaviorist or Trainer 🐾
What you’ll do: Work with animals in shelters to train them or help address behavioral issues, preparing them for adoption.
Humor: You might end up being the “dog whisperer” or the “cat negotiator.” Imagine your conversations with cats—“Listen, Fluffy, I know you’re mad about the vet, but we have to work on this.”
Tip: Some additional certifications or training in behavior might help here, but your degree will give you a solid foundation.
4. Veterinary Technician or Assistant 🏥
What you’ll do: Help out veterinarians with medical care for shelter animals—handling everything from routine exams to emergency treatments.
Humor: Think of yourself as a sidekick to the vet—kind of like Robin to Batman, but with more bandages and less fighting crime.
Tip: Some shelters need additional veterinary support, and your expertise in shelter medicine will make you an amazing asset!
5. Animal Rescue Coordinator 🚑
What you’ll do: Coordinate animal rescue operations, from organizing transportation to finding foster homes, especially for animals in high-risk situations.
Humor: You’ll be the “emergency response team” for animals in distress—basically, an animal superhero with a well-organized Google Calendar. 🦸♀️
Tip: Many animal rescue organizations need help with logistics and organizing foster programs, so start contacting them for opportunities.
6. Pet Adoption Specialist 💖
What you’ll do: Match animals in shelters with loving families. You’ll work to ensure that animals get the right home for their needs and preferences (like, you know, a home with plenty of toys and belly rubs).
Humor: You’ll be like a matchmaker—but for animals. “And you, Sir Fluffington, would be perfect for the Smith family—your shared love of squeaky toys and afternoon naps is a match made in heaven!”
Tip: Many shelters have dedicated adoption specialists. Your expertise in shelter medicine will give you an edge when it comes to matching animals with families.
7. Community Outreach Coordinator 📣
What you’ll do: Educate the public on responsible pet ownership, animal welfare issues, and ways to support shelters. It’s all about spreading the word and making people fall in love with animals (and not just the ones that look cute on Instagram).
Humor: You’ll be the “animal ambassador” who’s here to tell everyone about the greatest pet adoption stories—move over, cute dog videos!
Tip: If you’re good at public speaking or have a knack for organizing events, this could be the perfect gig to get the word out and make a real impact.
Anyways,
There are plenty of opportunities in animal welfare, even without being a vet! Your background in shelter medicine is incredibly valuable in all of these roles. Just take a deep breath, dive into networking with local shelters, rescue groups, and animal welfare organizations, and remember, the world definitely needs more animal lovers like you in the industry. 🐕💖🐱
Go make a difference and give those animals the love they deserve (and the attention, let’s be honest—who can resist a puppy?). 🐾
1. Animal Shelter Manager 🏠🐶
What you’ll do: Oversee operations, manage staff, handle animal care, and make sure all the furry residents have a cozy place to sleep (and snacks... lots of snacks).
Humor: Basically, you’ll be the boss of all the pets who definitely think they run the place. But don’t worry, you’ll have the final say on snack distribution.
Tip: Reach out to local animal shelters and inquire about management or leadership roles—they might need someone with your background to take charge!
2. Animal Welfare Advocate/Consultant 📝
What you’ll do: Work with government agencies, non-profits, or even businesses to improve animal welfare policies, promote animal rights, and educate communities on responsible pet care.
Humor: It’s like being the superhero of the animal kingdom, but without the cape (unless you want to wear one—totally your call).
Tip: Non-profits and advocacy groups are always looking for passionate people to help with campaigns, so this could be your chance to shine!
3. Animal Behaviorist or Trainer 🐾
What you’ll do: Work with animals in shelters to train them or help address behavioral issues, preparing them for adoption.
Humor: You might end up being the “dog whisperer” or the “cat negotiator.” Imagine your conversations with cats—“Listen, Fluffy, I know you’re mad about the vet, but we have to work on this.”
Tip: Some additional certifications or training in behavior might help here, but your degree will give you a solid foundation.
4. Veterinary Technician or Assistant 🏥
What you’ll do: Help out veterinarians with medical care for shelter animals—handling everything from routine exams to emergency treatments.
Humor: Think of yourself as a sidekick to the vet—kind of like Robin to Batman, but with more bandages and less fighting crime.
Tip: Some shelters need additional veterinary support, and your expertise in shelter medicine will make you an amazing asset!
5. Animal Rescue Coordinator 🚑
What you’ll do: Coordinate animal rescue operations, from organizing transportation to finding foster homes, especially for animals in high-risk situations.
Humor: You’ll be the “emergency response team” for animals in distress—basically, an animal superhero with a well-organized Google Calendar. 🦸♀️
Tip: Many animal rescue organizations need help with logistics and organizing foster programs, so start contacting them for opportunities.
6. Pet Adoption Specialist 💖
What you’ll do: Match animals in shelters with loving families. You’ll work to ensure that animals get the right home for their needs and preferences (like, you know, a home with plenty of toys and belly rubs).
Humor: You’ll be like a matchmaker—but for animals. “And you, Sir Fluffington, would be perfect for the Smith family—your shared love of squeaky toys and afternoon naps is a match made in heaven!”
Tip: Many shelters have dedicated adoption specialists. Your expertise in shelter medicine will give you an edge when it comes to matching animals with families.
7. Community Outreach Coordinator 📣
What you’ll do: Educate the public on responsible pet ownership, animal welfare issues, and ways to support shelters. It’s all about spreading the word and making people fall in love with animals (and not just the ones that look cute on Instagram).
Humor: You’ll be the “animal ambassador” who’s here to tell everyone about the greatest pet adoption stories—move over, cute dog videos!
Tip: If you’re good at public speaking or have a knack for organizing events, this could be the perfect gig to get the word out and make a real impact.
Anyways,
There are plenty of opportunities in animal welfare, even without being a vet! Your background in shelter medicine is incredibly valuable in all of these roles. Just take a deep breath, dive into networking with local shelters, rescue groups, and animal welfare organizations, and remember, the world definitely needs more animal lovers like you in the industry. 🐕💖🐱
Go make a difference and give those animals the love they deserve (and the attention, let’s be honest—who can resist a puppy?). 🐾