Animal Care Careers
Vets, vet techs, zookeepers, groomers, wildlife biologists, trainers — working with animals.
Working with animals takes many forms — clinical veterinary medicine, zoological care, grooming and training, wildlife biology, and animal-control roles. Some paths require doctorates; others are entered through certification or apprenticeship.
31 careers in this collection
Animal Chiropractor AVCA
Chiropractic care for animals
Equine Veterinarian
Provide veterinary care for horses
Exotic Animal Veterinarian
Reptile, bird, small mammal vet
Military Veterinarian
Serve as a US Army veterinarian
Veterinarian
Protect animal health and welfare through medical and surgical care
Veterinary Surgeon (Specialist)
Perform specialty veterinary surgery
Wildlife Veterinarian
Provide vet care to wildlife in research and rehab settings
Zoo Veterinarian
Provide veterinary care for zoo and aquarium animals
Dog Trainer (Behavior Specialist)
Behavior modification + obedience
FWS Special Agent (Wildlife)
Wildlife trafficking + poaching
Wildlife Biologist
Study and protect wildlife species and their habitats to ensure biodiversity and ecological health for future generations
Animal Feed Nutritionist
Livestock ration formulation
Animal Geneticist
Apply genetics to livestock and companion animals
Animal Scientists
Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.
Animal Breeders
Select and breed animals according to their genealogy, characteristics, and offspring.
Dog Breeder Professional
AKC breed preservation
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals.
Wildlife Rehabilitator
Injured wildlife recovery
Wildlife Photography Tour Leader
Lead wildlife photography expeditions to remote locations for professional and amateur photographers
Animal Trainers
Train animals for riding, harness, security, performance, or obedience, or for assisting persons with disabilities.
Dog Trainer
Train dogs and coach their owners
Pet Groomer
Bathe, cut, and style pets in grooming salons
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics.
Dog Musher (Iditarod Pro)
Compete in Iditarod and other professional sled dog racing events
Sled Dog Tour Operator
Operate dog sledding tourism experiences in winter resort and backcountry settings
Zoo Education Guide
Conduct animal education programs and guided zoo tours for visitors
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals
Attend to live farm, ranch, open range or aquacultural animals that may include cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses and other equines, poultry, rabbits, finfish, shellfish, and bees.
Animal Caretakers
Feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise, or otherwise provide care to promote and maintain the well-being of pets and other animals that are not raised for consumption, such as dogs, cats, race horses, ornamental fish or birds, zoo animals, and mice.
Dog Walker / Pet Sitter
Walk and care for dogs for working owners
Pet Cremation Specialist
Pet aftercare services
Zookeeper Specialist
AZA zoo animal care
Median annual wage figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023, for the occupation each career is classified under. Careers with no published federal figure show none.
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