Intro: Dr. Doolittle probably had the ultimate animal health care job, talking with the animals to find out exactly what was going on with them. Few, if any, animal health care workers are actually "animal whisperers" like Dr. Doolittle, but there are many other ways to work in animal health care. Animal health care jobs are as varied as those who choose to work those vocations. Animal health care jobs can be fulfilling, exciting and challenging.
Step 1: Veterinary technicians are much like "animal nurses." Many parts of the world call them "veterinary nurses." Their duties are much like those of nurses who care for humans. Many veterinary technicians choose specialties such as geriatrics, reproductive health, research and animal behavior while attending college. Animal behaviorists are much like psychologists or therapists for animals. They assess the animal's behavior and decide if there is a problem. Animal behaviorists will then work with the animal and its owner to overcome any issues regarding the animal's behavior. Many are employed in veterinary clinics or in animal shelters and rescues. Some animal behaviorists will have a private practice. Veterinary assistants are known as the backbone of veterinary medicine. They are the cleaners, feeders and watchers of the animals. Many times, the veterinary assistants spend the most amount of time with the animals. Veterinary assistants are usually paid the least of animal health care workers, despite the difficulty of their jobs. Groomers are considered to be animal health care jobs. Many health issues are caused by poor grooming, such as skin ulcers and dry or oily skin. Poor grooming can be a symptom of many health problems that animals can have, such as diabetes, cancer and other health concerns. Groomers alert the animal's owners of problems so the animal can be seen by a veterinarian or animal behaviorist. Marine biologists care for all sorts of marine life. They often work directly with animals. Many monitor habitat and climate changes. Marine biologists study marine animal behavior and document changes in population as well as research areas such as nutrition and reproductive health. Wildlife officers are responsible for rescuing wildlife and removing injured or sick animals. Many times they help oversee the recovery of the animals and then release them back into the wild. Wildlife officers also maintain the wildlife park or area and law enforcement, as well as taking a census of the wildlife on a regular basis. Usually, these are government jobs, whether at a local, state or federal level. A degree, license or certification may be required, depending on the specific area and job requirements in that area. An animal welfare officer is a challenging career in animal health. Often they are also considered to be law enforcement jobs, yet many are employed by animal shelters and rescues. A degree, certification or license may be required. Many are veterinary technicians. Animal welfare officers are responsible for conducting inspections of animal shelters and rescues, slaughter and breeding facilities, the personal residences and farms of animal owners and zoos and wildlife reserves. They are specially trained to recognize signs of illness, abuse and neglect. Animal welfare officers may be able to issue citations and even arrest those violating laws concerning animals. They work both in uniform and as undercover officers. Animal nutritionists or dietary specialists require a degree. Veterinarians and, occasionally, veterinary technicians hold these positions. They can work at ranches, wildlife reserves, animal shelters and veterinary clinics. Animal nutritionists may also work for companies that manufacture food for animals or with research programs. Zookeepers are also animal health care jobs. Zookeepers may or may not have to be veterinarians, depending on the zoo. They are responsible for all aspects of caring for animals in the zoo. Zookeepers are responsible for maintaining health and safety codes, the zoo's breeding program, selecting animals for the zoo and the creation of the animal's habitats in the zoo. Many times, zookeepers participate in research programs. Zoo handlers are often veterinary technicians that assist the zookeepers. Depending on the specific zoo, they may only be required to be veterinary assistants. They administer medications, feed and water the animals and alert the zookeeper to any medical conditions that need to be addressed. Veterinarians are the doctors for animals. Just as with physicians, they are able to choose a specialty such as orthopedics, internal medicine or emergency medicine. Veterinarians can also choose they type of animals they want to care for, such as large animals, exotics and wildlife or livestock. They are not limited to only working in a clinic or hospital but can also have mobile clinics. Veterinarians can work in animal shelters and rescues, zoos, wildlife reserves or large corporations such as food manufacturers, dairy companies and pharmaceutical or research facilities. Teaching is also an option for veterinarians, whether that is a school of veterinary medicine or a college that offers a veterinary technician program.
Step 2: Many animal health care jobs take years of formal education and training. To be a veterinarian, it takes an undergraduate degree (usually 4 years) plus at least 2 years in a school of veterinary medicine and additional time as a veterinary intern and resident. Many animal behaviorists also have a bachelor's degree as well as a master's degree. This is also common to those doing animal research. Some groomers spend weeks to several months training in formal classes. Veterinary assistants, not to be confused with veterinary technicians, usually receive on-the-job training that is often equivalent to a probationary period most employers offer.
Step 3: Many people think that animal health care jobs are limited to a veterinary practice, when the opposite is true. There are many positions available other than those normally found in a veterinary clinic or hospital. The pay scale for the different animal health care jobs is often not as high as some would expect. Many are minimum wage jobs but make up for their lack of pay with a great sense of satisfaction in one's work. Although the higher paying animal health care jobs require substantial education and training, many can be easily obtained by completing on-the-job training.
Step 4: Both the animals and those working in animal health care benefit. The lives of the animals are greatly improved by receiving the medical care they need and deserve. The animal health care worker benefits by knowing they helping animals. They also learn valuable life skills such as compassion and empathy. The future looks bright for animal health care workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these jobs are expected to grow at a much higher rate than the average. This is largely due to the fact that pet owners are treating their pets more like family members and are willing to pay more for their care. The only exceptions to this are for wildlife officers and animal control officers. Despite the increase in animal abuse, neglect and other crimes against animals, these jobs are not projected to see much growth.
Step 5: Jobs in animal health care are not for the faint of heart, those with a weak stomach and those who are not willing to devote countless hours working towards a degree or license. Pay scales are often low, and the hours are not typically 9 to 5. Animal health care jobs require a love of animals and their owners and a devotion to improving those lives.
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