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Featured Article Working with Animals
April 30, 2004
Many share a feeling of kinship with animals, yet few
consider working with four-legged creatures as a career. Being a vet is just
one of many careers that involves working with animals on a regular basis.
Types of Positions Work in this area ranges from positions that involve daily, hands-on engagement with animals to management and support functions within organizations geared toward animal welfare that may have relatively little direct animal contact. Listed below are just some of the possibilities. Veterinarian Becoming a veterinarian (DVM) is often the first option that comes to mind when people think about a career working with animals. Diagnosing illnesses or injuries, handling emergency medical situations, and interacting with pet owners are all a part of a veterinarian's daily routine. The path to becoming a veterinarian is challenging given the competitiveness of getting into veterinary medical school. Veterinary Technician Veterinary Technician is an alternative role that allows you to work closely with animals in many of the same ways as a vet. For some, this is a good career choice from the start. For others, it can serve as a sound "plan B" if you don't get into vet school. In addition to these career paths, zookeepers and animal trainers also work directly with animals as their primary job functions. Working in a veterinary clinic can be very rewarding knowing you are improving the quality of life for pets as well as often saving the lives of animals. However, it is difficult when an animal cannot be saved despite appropriate care or when pet owners contribute to animals' suffering out of ignorance or selfishness. Volunteer Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator positions (e.g., with a municipal or nonprofit animal rescue shelter) are attractive to people who have a love of animals and possess strong people and administrative skills rather than a strong scientific bent. This type of job requires the ability to find a good "match" between volunteers and the work that needs to get done. Listening to staff, providing appropriate training, and coordinating volunteers are all key components of this job. In addition, keeping the organization's vision and goals in mind are vital in implementing a top-notch volunteer program. For those who might be interested in managerial/supervisory roles, being an operations director of an animal facility might be a good fit. In making sure the buildings and environment are conducive to animal care and employee satisfaction, you would deal with both animals and people on a daily basis. For positions involving coordinating/supervising staff or volunteers, working with people can be both rewarding and challenging. Pulling a team together to help animals brings satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. State Park Ranger State Park Ranger positions include a lot of variety. Conducting campfire programs, dealing with domestic animals, protecting wildlife and engaging in law enforcement are all a part of this occupation. In addition, the majority of time is spent outside which is a rarity in many careers. Like any career field, there are rewards and challenges associated with this type of position. As a state park ranger, seeing children's eyes light up when they learn something new or observe wildlife can be most satisfying. On the other hand, dealing with law enforcement issues can be extremely challenging. Career Advice Before you decide to pursue a career working with animals, carefully consider your level of commitment and your ability to create effective boundaries between your life and your work. Working with animals is very emotional. Ask yourself if you really want to work with animals as a career or if it a better fit for you to interact with animals a hobby. If you know in your heart you want to work with animals, start by getting experience. This will help to clarify the capacity in which you want to work with them. Consider volunteer experiences that will expose you to various segments of the field. Hands-on experiences, whether they are internships, part-time jobs or volunteer positions, will help you to figure out what you like and what is right for you. Pursue positions that deal directly with animals as well as those involving research. Attend orientations put on by various organizations to learn about the different kinds of volunteer opportunities. For example, the East Bay SPCA and Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) hold formal orientations on a monthly basis. Also, consider exploring wildlife rehab organizations that have volunteer positions. If you know you want to pursue veterinary medicine, keep in mind you will need a well-coordinated plan, including various hands-on experiences, to be successful at getting into vet school. Really focus on animals as your core career choice. Tips about Veterinary Medicine Prior to Vet School
During Vet School
Plan B It is good to have a back up plan if you don't get into vet school. The majority of people don't get in the first time they apply. Consider the following options:
 Additional Resources
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