5 answers
Sophie
Student
Quincy, Illinois
1
Question
Asked
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What jobs involve animals?
I have thought about becoming a veterinarian, but there are plenty of other jobs. I thought about wildlife biologist, but I want to know if there are any other jobs out there that would suit me maybe a little bit better...? My passions are dogs, books, astronomy, and wildlife. I would prefer a job somewhere in that area, even though I'm only 12, why not look into careers?
#animals
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5 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
So Sophie, You want to work with animals – here are FIVE career options that are on the wild side,
1) WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHERS
Wildlife photographers provide publications with images of animals, plants and environments from across the globe, although some self-publish as independent artists. In addition to understanding photographic techniques and methods, they must also comprehend the subjects of their images. Because photographers often work on a freelance basis, there are no strict educational standards in the field since clients purchase rights to the photographs themselves. Although post-secondary education in the field may be preferred, possessing hands-on skills with a camera, being able to develop and edit pictures, and possessing raw vision and talent may easily substitute for formal education.
2) WILDLIFE VETERINARIANS
The typical duties of a wildlife vet may include sedating animals for procedures, performing exams, giving vaccinations, taking blood samples, administering fluids, performing surgeries when needed, prescribing medications, evaluating and treating wounds, taking x-rays and ultrasounds, cleaning teeth, assisting with captive breeding programs, and providing intensive care for very young animals abandoned by their parents. All wildlife veterinarians graduate with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, which they earn by completing a demanding course of study that covers both small and large animal species.
3) WILDLIFE REHABILITATORS
Wildlife rehabilitators are responsible for nursing sick, abandoned, and injured animals to prepare them for release back into the wild. Most positions are at rehabilitation centers located in densely populated areas, and many of these are voluntary or unpaid. There are typically no formal education requirements for this career, although college coursework or a degree in a wildlife-related field (zoology, wildlife biology, ecology) can provide valuable knowledge.
4) WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS
Wildlife biologists study plants and animals in their natural habitat, often spending long periods outdoors to monitor behavior and collect data. They may use their findings to write scientific research papers, inform habitat programs, or improve human-wildlife interaction, and they also help spread awareness about nature conservation. They may work outdoors, inside a lab, or in an office, and traveling to remote locations for long periods is common. Because this job market is highly competitive, those who want to be a wildlife biologists have to go directly to the Master of Science from their Bachelor’s Degree.
5) ZOOLOGISTS
Zoologists are biological scientists who study animals. They observe animals both in their natural habitats and in the laboratory in order to learn as much as possible about animal life. Zoologists study the origin and development of animal species, the habits and behavior of animals, and the interaction between animals and their environment. They also do research to learn how animal diseases develop and how traits are passed from generation to generation. You generally need a doctoral degree to become a zoologist. You should major in zoology or biology as an undergraduate.
Trying to think out side the Box – John
1) WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHERS
Wildlife photographers provide publications with images of animals, plants and environments from across the globe, although some self-publish as independent artists. In addition to understanding photographic techniques and methods, they must also comprehend the subjects of their images. Because photographers often work on a freelance basis, there are no strict educational standards in the field since clients purchase rights to the photographs themselves. Although post-secondary education in the field may be preferred, possessing hands-on skills with a camera, being able to develop and edit pictures, and possessing raw vision and talent may easily substitute for formal education.
2) WILDLIFE VETERINARIANS
The typical duties of a wildlife vet may include sedating animals for procedures, performing exams, giving vaccinations, taking blood samples, administering fluids, performing surgeries when needed, prescribing medications, evaluating and treating wounds, taking x-rays and ultrasounds, cleaning teeth, assisting with captive breeding programs, and providing intensive care for very young animals abandoned by their parents. All wildlife veterinarians graduate with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, which they earn by completing a demanding course of study that covers both small and large animal species.
3) WILDLIFE REHABILITATORS
Wildlife rehabilitators are responsible for nursing sick, abandoned, and injured animals to prepare them for release back into the wild. Most positions are at rehabilitation centers located in densely populated areas, and many of these are voluntary or unpaid. There are typically no formal education requirements for this career, although college coursework or a degree in a wildlife-related field (zoology, wildlife biology, ecology) can provide valuable knowledge.
4) WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS
Wildlife biologists study plants and animals in their natural habitat, often spending long periods outdoors to monitor behavior and collect data. They may use their findings to write scientific research papers, inform habitat programs, or improve human-wildlife interaction, and they also help spread awareness about nature conservation. They may work outdoors, inside a lab, or in an office, and traveling to remote locations for long periods is common. Because this job market is highly competitive, those who want to be a wildlife biologists have to go directly to the Master of Science from their Bachelor’s Degree.
5) ZOOLOGISTS
Zoologists are biological scientists who study animals. They observe animals both in their natural habitats and in the laboratory in order to learn as much as possible about animal life. Zoologists study the origin and development of animal species, the habits and behavior of animals, and the interaction between animals and their environment. They also do research to learn how animal diseases develop and how traits are passed from generation to generation. You generally need a doctoral degree to become a zoologist. You should major in zoology or biology as an undergraduate.
Trying to think out side the Box – John
Courtney Mahar
Marketing Specialist
5
Answers
California, California
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
Good question Sophie! In my opinion, it is never too early to get started. I recommend volunteering at a local animal shelter (this would tie to dogs), zoo, wild animal park, etc. This provides you with some experience working with animals to help you learn and determine what type of career you may be interested in pursuing in the future. It also looks great on your resume and college applications.
Allie Schrock
Primatologist
2
Answers
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Updated
Allie’s Answer
Hi Sophie, this is a great question! I also thought about becoming a veterinarian when I was younger, but I realized that wasn't the best fit for me, and now I'm a scientist who studies primates (monkeys, apes, and lemurs). The other answers have offered great advice and some other career options that are out there that involve animals, but one thing that helped me when I was deciding on a career path was thinking about what exactly I want to be doing on a day-to-day basis at work.
Small animal vets spend most of their time inside and interact with dogs, cats, and their owners. There are also large animal and equine vets that may get to spend more time outside or in a farm-like setting and caring for animals like cows, goats, or horses. Wildlife veterinarians can have various types of responsibilities like working at zoos or wildlife rehabilitation centers.
Outside of veterinary work, there are scientists who study animals in different ways. Field biologists spend lots of time outside to observe animals and collect different types of data to learn about animals and their environment, which sometimes involves long trips to cool faraway places. Some scientists study animals in labs run by universities or the government to learn about things like psychology and neuroscience. Zookeepers work at zoos or wildlife parks, usually doing things like preparing animals' food and feeding them, making them fun toys, and observing the animals to make sure they are happy.
I'm a scientist at a university, which means I get to spend some time observing animals and collecting data, but a lot more of my time is devoted to reading about other studies done on animals, writing about my research, and analyzing data. I decided this was the best path for me after volunteering at vet clinics and animal shelters, talking with different kinds of scientists about their work, and trying things out. If you see something that interests you, whether it be a zoo, veterinary hospital, a scientist, or something else, try reaching out to ask them about what their job is like, or even if they need volunteers. The worst thing that happens is they don't respond. Gathering experience and knowledge is the best thing you can do.
Best of luck to you!
Small animal vets spend most of their time inside and interact with dogs, cats, and their owners. There are also large animal and equine vets that may get to spend more time outside or in a farm-like setting and caring for animals like cows, goats, or horses. Wildlife veterinarians can have various types of responsibilities like working at zoos or wildlife rehabilitation centers.
Outside of veterinary work, there are scientists who study animals in different ways. Field biologists spend lots of time outside to observe animals and collect different types of data to learn about animals and their environment, which sometimes involves long trips to cool faraway places. Some scientists study animals in labs run by universities or the government to learn about things like psychology and neuroscience. Zookeepers work at zoos or wildlife parks, usually doing things like preparing animals' food and feeding them, making them fun toys, and observing the animals to make sure they are happy.
I'm a scientist at a university, which means I get to spend some time observing animals and collecting data, but a lot more of my time is devoted to reading about other studies done on animals, writing about my research, and analyzing data. I decided this was the best path for me after volunteering at vet clinics and animal shelters, talking with different kinds of scientists about their work, and trying things out. If you see something that interests you, whether it be a zoo, veterinary hospital, a scientist, or something else, try reaching out to ask them about what their job is like, or even if they need volunteers. The worst thing that happens is they don't respond. Gathering experience and knowledge is the best thing you can do.
Best of luck to you!
Shelby Montgomery
Strategic Giving Manager, North America
7
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Shelby’s Answer
Hi Sophie, if you are interested in helping animals you can look into working for a non profit organization that focuses on providing animals with shelter or their essential needs.
Best,
Shelby
Best,
Shelby
Riley Carr
Business Analyst
179
Answers
Hollywood, Florida
Updated
Riley’s Answer
Something you may not have thought of is becoming a zookeeper or marine biologist! Being a zookeeper will get you close interactions with animals every day, and you could become involved in your zoos conservation program to help save animals and their environments. Marine biology is also a great field that will get you involved with saving marine life and the ocean.