To get into animal care work, you generally need to follow a structured approach involving career planning, education, certification, and gaining hands-on experience. This field offers diverse opportunities, each with specific requirements.
How to Get into Animal Care Work?
Entering the animal care field involves a combination of education, practical experience, and a clear understanding of your desired career path. It's a rewarding area for those passionate about animal welfare.
1. Decide on a Career Path
The animal welfare field encompasses a wide array of roles, each demanding different skills and offering unique benefits. Before embarking on your journey, it's crucial to explore and select a specific career path that aligns with your interests and long-term goals.
Some common animal care career paths include:
- Veterinary Assistant/Technician: Assisting veterinarians with examinations, procedures, and animal care.
- Zookeeper: Caring for animals in zoos, including feeding, cleaning enclosures, and monitoring health.
- Animal Shelter Worker: Providing direct care for animals in shelters, facilitating adoptions, and assisting with intake.
- Animal Control Officer: Responding to animal-related calls, enforcing animal laws, and rescuing animals.
- Dog Trainer/Behaviorist: Working with pet owners to address behavioral issues and teach obedience.
- Groomer: Providing hygiene services such as bathing, brushing, and trimming fur.
Consider what type of interaction you desire with animals, the work environment you prefer (e.g., clinical, outdoor, shelter), and the level of responsibility you wish to undertake.
2. Complete the Educational Requirements
Once you've identified a career path, the next step is to fulfill the necessary educational qualifications. These can vary significantly depending on the role.
- High School Diploma or GED: Many entry-level positions, such as animal caretaker or kennel attendant, may only require a high school diploma.
- Certificates or Diplomas: Programs lasting from a few months to two years are available for roles like veterinary assistant, grooming, or dog training. These provide specialized skills and knowledge.
- Associate's Degree: An Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) is often required for veterinary technicians. These programs typically take two years and include a mix of classroom learning and practical experience.
- Bachelor's Degree: For roles like marine mammal trainers, wildlife biologists, or certain management positions in animal welfare organizations, a bachelor's degree in animal science, biology, zoology, or a related field may be necessary.
- Doctoral Degree: A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) is required to become a licensed veterinarian. This is an extensive program typically lasting four years after undergraduate studies.
3. Earn Certifications if Necessary
While not always mandatory, certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications, demonstrate your expertise, and improve your job prospects in many animal care roles.
- Veterinary Technicians: Must be credentialed (certified, registered, or licensed) to practice in most states after passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
- Professional Groomers or Trainers: While not always legally required, certifications from professional organizations can build client trust and validate your skills.
- Specialized Certifications: Some roles might benefit from specific certifications in animal CPR, first aid, or handling exotic animals.
Research the specific certifications relevant to your chosen career path and geographic location.
4. Gain Experience Caring for Animals
Practical experience is invaluable in the animal care field. Many employers prioritize candidates who have demonstrated hands-on experience, even for entry-level roles.
- Volunteering: Offering your time at local animal shelters, rescues, or humane societies is an excellent way to gain experience. You'll learn about animal handling, cleaning, feeding, and observing animal behavior.
- Internships: Many educational programs include internships, providing supervised practical experience in a professional setting. You can also seek out independent internships at vet clinics, zoos, or animal control facilities.
- Shadowing: Spending time observing professionals in your desired field can offer insight into daily tasks and responsibilities.
- Entry-Level Positions: Roles like kennel assistant, pet sitter, or dog walker can provide foundational experience and help you build a professional network.
The combination of formal education, relevant certifications, and hands-on experience will significantly strengthen your profile and help you successfully enter the diverse and rewarding world of animal care work.
