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Working With Animals: How to Turn Your Passion Into a Profession

If you are an animal lover looking for career options for working with animals, you might be facing some barriers: years of education required, lack of availability in your area, and so on. Well, you do not have to go to college for eight years to become a veterinarian or move to a big city to pursue your passions.

Here are some jobs working with animals with little or no experience necessary that also pay a good salary. Keep reading. 

Pet Groomer

Median salary: $35,521

Credentials: high school diploma or equivalent and/or 0-2 years of experience 

Pet groomers get to work with all types of domesticated animals to help them look and feel their best. Groomers provide cosmetic services typically including washing and cutting, trimming and styling an animal’s fur, dental care, nail trimming, and interacting with pet owners. Pet grooming is a fine option for working with animals no experience necessary. 

However, you should know how to stay calm under pressure, soothe agitated or anxious pets, and work with a team. 

Veterinary assistant

Median salary: $31,631

Qualifications: high school diploma or equivalent, 0-2 years of experience, and/or certification 

Veterinary assisting is one of the most popular and rewarding careers working with animals and healthcare. Vet assistants work in clinical settings and animal hospitals. 

A vet assistant performs tasks alongside a vet such as preparing and sterilizing equipment, feeding, bathing, exercising, and weighing pets. An assistant also administers medication, collects samples, and helps restrain pets during procedures. 

Kennel Attendant

Median salary: $21,260

Qualifications: high school diploma or equivalent

Kennel attendants are responsible for the care of pets while their owners are away. Job duties include feeding, watering, and exercising animals, regularly cleaning kennel areas, and administering medications. Kennel attendants must have the physical strength and stamina to keep up with high-energy pets and the ability to lift heavy objects and animals. 

Cat Behaviorist

Median salary: $31,977

Qualifications: experience with cat training or ownership, certification where applicable 

A cat behaviorist studies the body language, actions, and temperaments of cats. This is to help support and advise pet owners with their behavioral issues. A cat behaviorist works one-on-one or with the owners to better understand how they all interact. 

Dog Trainer 

Median salary: $33,945

Qualifications: high school diploma or equivalent, a certificate, training under a seasoned dog trainer, and/or 0-3 years of experience in a related field 

The role of a dog trainer is to create or abide by a training program to help improve a dog’s interactions and comfort levels with humans, deal with problem behaviors, and teach those methods to the dog owners. It goes beyond the basics of sitting and staying, and you can even get a job training service animals. 

Check out this program to learn how to become a dog trainer and jumpstart your career. 

Pursuing Your Passion Of Working With Animals Simplified 

Working with animals is not only a rewarding experience, it is attainable with little to no experience. You can become a pet groomer, kennel attendant, or dog trainer with some online learning and dedication. Has this article helped you?

Then check out the rest of our site for more career advice and tips like this!