Animal Jobs A-Z: 40+ Jobs That Work With Animals

By Joseph Schifano | April 4, 2025

Animal lovers everywhere are looking for ways to turn their passion into a career. In this guide, we've compiled a comprehensive list of diverse animal jobs to appeal to the many different kinds of people who want to work with animals. From therapy dogs to wildlife conservation, this collection dives into pet jobs, veterinary jobs, and other jobs that study animals.

At The Academy of Pet Careers, we understand the desire to make your love for animals a lifestyle. That's why our school puts our students on track toward accomplishing that very goal. If you've ever considered a job in animal care, this guide will explore just some of the animal career options available to you.

Pet Jobs

Pet jobs typically refers to job opportunities or occupations involving animal care, management, training, or medical treatment of pets. These jobs can vary widely. They might include roles such as pet sitters, dog walkers, pet groomers, pet trainers, or roles within pet stores.

Additionally, a pet job might also refer to an errand or task related to the care and maintenance of pets. This includes activities such as feeding, grooming, walking, or taking the pet to a veterinarian. Many pet jobs do not require a college degree, but having one can open doors for higher-level positions. These jobs have a focus on animal welfare, rehabilitation, and advocacy, rather than veterinary care.

Animal Behaviorist

An animal behaviorist is a professional who studies and analyzes the behavior of animals. They typically focus on understanding their instincts, learning patterns, and social interactions. They may work with a variety of animals and employ techniques such as observation, experimentation, and behavior modification to help improve animal welfare and address behavioral issues. Animal behaviorists can share similar job descriptions with dog trainers, but their main focus is addressing underlying mental and emotional issues that impact unwanted behaviors.

Animal Shelter Worker/Volunteer

An animal shelter worker or volunteer is an individual who assists in the day-to-day operations of an animal shelter or rescue organization. Their responsibilities include feeding the animals, cleaning kennels, socializing with the animals, assisting with adoptions, and providing general support to the shelter staff. Their primary goal is to provide care and temporary housing for animals in need.

Bather/Brusher

Boarding & Daycare Technician

Dog Trainer

A dog trainer is a professional who uses various techniques and methods to train dogs and modify their behavior. They regularly work with dogs of different ages, breeds, and temperaments. Trainers teach skills and manners, address behavioral issues, and enhance communication between dogs and their owners. Most dog trainers generally focus on skills and manner training. Animal trainers formulate individual training plans for the animals they work with. Dog trainers do not need a license to practice, but they can become certified dog trainers if they want to specialize in a specific area like dog sports or service dog training, or if they simply want to increase their prospects.

Dog Walker/Pet Sitter

A dog walker or pet sitter is an individual who provides physical activity and animal care for pets when their owners are unable to do so. They may take dogs for walks, engage them in play activities, provide meals, administer medication if needed, and ensure the general well-being of the pets under their care. Pet sitters help animals get exercise, and sometimes even train them, along with feeding and cleaning them.

K9 Police Officer

A K9 police officer is a law enforcement professional who works with specially trained dogs in police operations. These dogs, often referred to as police dogs or K9s, are utilized in tasks such as tracking suspects, detecting drugs or explosives, search and rescue operations, and apprehending criminals. K9 police officers handle and care for their police dogs and maintain a strong bond with them.

Pet Adoption Counselor

Pet Bereavement Counselor

A pet bereavement counselor provides emotional support and guidance to individuals who are grieving the loss of a pet. They help pet owners navigate the grieving process, cope with the loss, and provide a safe space for expressing their feelings. Pet bereavement counselors may offer individual or group counseling sessions, and they may also educate pet owners about end-of-life care and pet loss resources.

Pet Breeder

Pet Groomer/Stylist

A pet groomer or stylist is a professional who provides grooming services to pets. They do many of the duties associated with a bather/brusher but have a higher level of skill when it comes to trims and haircuts. Some specialize in specific animals or breeds, or they can can even become certified pet groomers if they want to increase their prospects. Pet groomers may also perform nail trims, ear cleaning, and other aesthetic services to enhance the appearance and hygiene of pets.

Pet Photographer

Veterinary/Medical Jobs

Veterinary careers include various professional roles that involve caring for the health of animals. This can include direct animal care roles, such as veterinarians who diagnose and treat medical conditions in animals, and veterinary assistants and technicians who assist in providing medical care. Other roles may include veterinary pathologists who study diseases in animals, or veterinary epidemiologists who study disease patterns and outbreaks.

Moreover, some veterinary jobs are in academia, research, public health, and the pet food and animal pharmaceutical industries. Regardless of the specific role, individuals in veterinary jobs use their knowledge of animal science and medicine to improve animal welfare, protect public health, and contribute to scientific research.

Animal Chiropractor

Animal Massage Therapist

An animal massage therapist specializes in providing therapeutic massages for animals. Through the use of various techniques such as Swedish massage, acupressure, and myofascial release, they aim to reduce muscle tension, alleviate pain, improve circulation, and promote relaxation in animals. Animal massage therapists often work closely with veterinarians and other animal welfare professionals.

Animal Nutritionist

An animal nutritionist is an expert in the field of animal nutrition. They study the dietary needs and requirements of different animal species and develop balanced and appropriate nutrition plans. In nutrition roles, creativity and a passion for animals are essential. Animal nutritionists often work with pet owners, farmers, and animal-related industries to ensure optimal health, growth, and performance of animals through proper nutrition. They can also work with on-site veterinarians to find foods that are beneficial for an animal's needs. Working as an animal nutritionist often requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree with a heavy emphasis in animal science.

Pet CPR & First Aid Instructor

A Pet CPR & First Aid Instructor is an individual who specializes in teaching others how to provide emergency care and lifesaving techniques to pets. They are knowledgeable in pet CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and first aid procedures, and they possess the necessary skills to train pet owners, animal professionals, and first responders in these techniques. Their role is to educate and empower individuals with the knowledge and skills required to respond effectively in critical situations, such as providing immediate care to pets experiencing cardiac arrest, choking, bleeding, or other emergencies.

Veterinarian

A veterinarian, also known as a veterinary doctor or vet, is a medical professional who diagnoses, treats, and prevents diseases and injuries in animals. They provide medical care, perform surgeries, administer vaccines, prescribe medications, and offer general health advice to pet owners or animal caretakers. Veterinarians must earn a bachelor's degree, complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, and pass a state exam to become licensed. They may work in private practices, animal hospitals, research institutions, or government agencies. Veterinarians also have the highest income potential in the veterinary field.

Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Technician

A veterinary technician, like a veterinary assistant, is a professional who assists veterinarians in providing care to animals. They perform tasks such as taking patient histories, administering medications, collecting samples, conducting laboratory tests, assisting in surgeries, and providing nursing care. While the roles are similar, there are key differences between veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants, like education and licensure. Veterinary technicians require a two-year associate's degree in veterinary technology and must pass a licensing exam.

Veterinary Receptionist

Large Animal Jobs

Large animal jobs refer to occupations and roles that involve working directly with large animals. These jobs typically require specific skills, knowledge, and qualifications in areas like veterinary science, zoology, biology, or animal husbandry.

Examples of large animal jobs include large animal veterinarians, zookeepers, animal behaviorists, wildlife rehabilitators, livestock managers, and marine mammal trainers. Each of these roles typically involve the care or study of large animals such as horses, elephants, lions, or whales.

Equine Therapist

Farrier

Large Animal Veterinarian

Livestock Manager

Wild Animal Jobs

Wild animal jobs refer to a broad spectrum of professional occupations and roles that involve interacting with wild animals. These roles can be found in various sectors such as scientific research, public service, healthcare, education, and non-profit work.

Each of the following jobs requires a specific set of skills and knowledge about animals in the wild and their habitats. Moreover, they all play a vital role in conserving wildlife and ecosystems. They raise public awareness about the importance of biodiversity and environmental preservation.

Animal Control Officer

Apiarist/Beekeeper

Conservation Officer

A conservation officer, also known as a game warden, is a law enforcement professional responsible for protecting wildlife and enforcing conservation laws. They monitor and manage wildlife populations, investigate wildlife-related crimes, enforce hunting and fishing regulations, and educate the public on conservation practices. Conservation officers often work in natural parks, reserves, and rural areas, and they typically complete training in environmental management and law enforcement.

Wild Animal Photographer

Wildlife Forensic Scientist

A wildlife forensic scientist applies scientific techniques and analysis to investigate crimes related to wildlife, such as poaching, illegal trade, or environmental offenses. They examine evidence, conduct DNA analysis, identify species, and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings. Wildlife forensic scientists play a crucial role in enforcing wildlife protection laws and supporting wildlife conservation efforts.

Wildlife Rehabilitator

A wildlife rehabilitator is an individual who provides care, treatment, and rehabilitation to injured, orphaned, or sick wild animals. They assess and stabilize animals, provide medical treatment, and facilitate their recovery and eventual release back into their natural habitats. Wildlife rehabilitators may work in specialized wildlife rehabilitation centers or collaborate with wildlife agencies and veterinarians.

Exotic Animal Jobs

Exotic animal jobs refer to professions or roles that involve working with non-domestic or foreign species, often unique, rare, or unusual animals not typically found in a traditional domestic context. These jobs can be in a variety of fields such as zoology, veterinary medicine, wildlife conservation, animal behavior studies, animal training, wildlife photography, animal education, and more.

Examples might include an exotic animal vet, a zookeeper at a zoo specializing in exotic animals, a wildlife conservationist working with endangered exotic species, or a wildlife photographer capturing images of exotic animals in their natural habitats.

Aquarist

An aquarist is a professional who specializes in the care and management of aquatic animals and their habitats. They work in aquariums, zoos, or research facilities, ensuring the well-being of marine and freshwater species. Aquarists are responsible for maintaining water quality, designing and enriching habitats, feeding animals, monitoring animal welfare, and educating the public about aquatic life.

Exotic Animal Trainer

An exotic animal trainer is a professional who specializes in working with and training animals that are not commonly found in domestic settings. These trainers possess the knowledge and skills to handle and train a wide variety of non-native animals, such as large cats, reptiles, birds, primates, and other unique species. Exotic animal trainers may find employment in zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, circuses, theme parks, film and television productions, and other institutions that house and showcase exotic animals.

Exotic Animal Veterinarian

An exotic animal veterinarian specializes in the medical care and treatment of exotic species, which can include reptiles, birds, small mammals, and other non-traditional pets. They possess specialized knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat a wide range of health issues in these unique animals. Exotic animal veterinarians may work in zoos, wildlife rehabilitation centers, or private practices.

Zookeeper

Jobs that Study Animals

Jobs that study animals refer to professions or roles in which individuals research, observe, analyze, and document animal behaviors, physical characteristics, habitats, and interactions. These jobs often fall within fields such as zoology, veterinary science, marine biology, ethology, wildlife biology, and conservation science.

They may involve tasks such as conducting fieldwork to study animals in their natural environments, carrying out laboratory experiments, compiling data for research studies, or contributing to conservation efforts. Examples of these jobs include zookeepers, wildlife biologists, marine biologists, veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and ecologists.

Cetologist

Entomologist

An entomologist is a scientist who specializes in the study of insects. They examine insect anatomy, behavior, classification, ecology, and their impact on ecosystems and human activities. Entomologists may work in fields such as agriculture, public health, biodiversity conservation, or research and contribute to understanding insect species and developing insect control strategies.

Ethologist

An ethologist is a scientist who studies animal behavior, particularly focusing on understanding their natural instincts and evolutionary adaptations. Ethologists conduct research on various species to investigate behaviors such as mating, communication, foraging, and social interactions. Their findings contribute to our understanding of animal behavior and aid in conservation efforts.

Herpetologist

Ichthyologist

Mammologist

Marine Biologist

A marine biologist is a scientist who studies marine organisms, their ecosystems, and the impact of human activities on the marine environment. They research marine species, habitats, and processes, and may specialize in areas such as marine conservation, fisheries management, marine ecology, or marine mammalogy. Marine biologists may work in research institutions, government agencies, or conservation organizations.

Ornithologist

Wildlife Biologist

A wildlife biologist studies various aspects of wildlife species, including their behavior, ecology, distribution, and population dynamics. They conduct research, collect and analyze data, and contribute to wildlife conservation efforts. Wildlife biologists study life in wild habitats, specifically undomesticated animals. They may work in research institutions, government agencies, or conservation organizations. Most wildlife biologist jobs require at least a bachelor's degree, with many employers preferring a graduate degree.

Zoologist

Key Takeaways

There are so many animal career opportunities to consider. We covered over 40 of them, ranging from the companionship of therapy dogs to the conservation of wildlife. However, there are still even more to be explored; the possibilities are vast and varied for animal lovers. That said, education, experience, and even certification are important considerations for these job opportunities. If you're inspired to start a life working with animals, The Academy of Pet Careers provides a direct pathway to a career in the pet industry. Between our dog training school, dog grooming school, and veterinary assisting school, you are bound to find something you love.

Joseph Schifano

Joseph Schifano is the President of The Academy of Pet Careers and the Founder of DogNerdly.

With over 20 years of professional pet experience, Joseph began his journey as the owner/operator of a successful seven-figure pet care business. He later acquired The Academy of Pet Careers, aiming to elevate the quality of care provided by industry professionals. This position enabled him to connect with leading experts in the field and deepen his knowledge in all aspects of pet care.

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Posted in Animal Behavior, Dog Grooming, Dog Training, Veterinary