Top Careers With Animals: Unique Jobs for Animal Lovers

Published on: April 12, 2023

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your love for animals into a career, you’re not alone. From hands-on animal care to scientific research and education, there are countless jobs working with animals that offer both purpose and professional growth. Whether you're looking for entry-level opportunities or advanced professions, exploring different careers with animals can help you find a role that matches your skills, interests and passion for helping living creatures. 

Why Pursue a Career Working With Animals? 

For many people, animals offer a sense of connection, comfort and purpose. That’s why so many are drawn to careers working with animals — roles that combine personal passion with professional impact. Be it in the realm of conservation, healthcare or hands-on animal care, these animal-related jobs can be both emotionally rewarding and in high demand. Ranging from research to entry-level support work, there are ample opportunities to build a meaningful future.  

Top Careers With Animals 

There exists a vast range of careers with animals that span industries. No matter if you're pursuing advanced education or exploring entry-level options, the following animal-related jobs offer diverse pathways for those passionate about working with animals. 

Healthcare and Veterinary Careers 

Offering structured career paths in clinical and health-related environments, these roles focus on the medical and nutritional well-being of animals: 

• Veterinarians diagnose, treat and prevent illness in animals through exams, surgeries and preventive care. This advanced animal care profession requires a doctoral degree in veterinary medicine and offers a direct path into one of the most respected professions in animal health. 

• Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians with procedures, lab tests and patient monitoring. These animal-related jobs usually require an associate degree and serve as excellent entry-level roles in clinical environments. 

• Animal nutritionists evaluate the dietary plans of pets, livestock and wildlife and develop feeding plans to improve health and manage disease across various species. Most positions require a bachelor’s or master’s degree, and the role is common in farms, zoos and pet food companies. 

• Veterinary assistants handle feeding, grooming and basic care duties in clinics and hospitals. Among jobs working with animals, being a vet assistant is ideal for gaining experience, as it often requires only a high school diploma or certificate training. This role can be an excellent starting point for those planning to pursue advanced veterinary or healthcare careers, as it provides hands-on exposure to animal care in a clinical setting. 

Behavioral and Therapy Careers 

Careers in this category involve understanding and shaping animal behavior or using animals as part of therapeutic support for humans. 

• Animal behaviorists assess and modify problematic behaviors in animals, often requiring advanced degrees in animal science or psychology. Aiming to improve animal welfare through behavior modification techniques, they work in private practice, shelters or research settings. 

• Dog trainers and other animal trainers teach animals specific skills or behaviors, ranging from basic obedience to specialized tasks. While formal education isn't always required, certifications and hands-on experience are beneficial for career advancement. 

• Animal-assisted therapists integrate animals into treatment plans to support patients' mental and emotional well-being. Typically, they are licensed mental health professionals who have received additional training in animal-assisted therapy techniques. 

Wildlife and Environmental Careers 

These professions enable you to work directly with animals in their natural environments — focusing on conservation, research and public protection. 

• Wildlife biologists study animals in their natural habitats in the context of their behavior, population dynamics and conservation. A bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, zoology or ecology is typically required; advanced roles may necessitate a master’s or doctoral degree.  

• Zoologists examine animal species, their behaviors and interactions within ecosystems. Most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in zoology or a related field, and research roles often demand advanced degrees.  

• Marine biologists explore ocean ecosystems, studying marine organisms and their environments. Entry-level roles typically require a bachelor’s degree in marine biology or a related discipline; specialized research positions may call for a master’s or doctorate. 

• Conservation officers enforce laws protecting natural resources and wildlife, often working in parks or wilderness areas. While some positions accept an associate degree, many require a bachelor’s in criminal justice, biology or environmental science, along with law enforcement training. 

• Animal photographers promote awareness and appreciation for animals and their natural habitats through their stunning visual images. An animal photographer photographs animals to create stunning images that showcase their unique beauty, personality and characteristics. Understanding animal behavior is key to working closely with animals to capture the perfect shot. These photographers may then sell their images to clients for commercial purposes (such as advertising, magazines and websites) or even offer services to individuals for personal use (such as pet portraits or wildlife photography).   

Research and Lab-Based Careers 

These roles support scientific discovery, combining hands-on animal care with data-driven research in lab and academic settings. 

• Laboratory animal caretakers provide daily animal care in research settings, including feeding, cleaning and monitoring health. These positions are great for gaining practical experience in animal care and research environments, making them valuable stepping stones for students who plan to pursue further education in animal science or biology. 

• Animal geneticists study genetic traits to improve breeding, productivity and disease resistance. These professions typically require a bachelor’s or advanced degree in animal science or genetics. 

Hands-On Care and Support Roles 

If you enjoy daily, direct interaction with animals, these practical careers offer meaningful ways to provide care and supervision.  

• Kennel managers oversee daily operations of boarding facilities, ensuring animals are properly fed, exercised and cared for. They supervise staff, maintain cleanliness and coordinate with clients. A high school diploma is typically required, with experience in animal care preferred.  

• Animal shelter workers provide daily care for homeless animals — including feeding, cleaning and monitoring health. They assist with adoptions and educate the public on responsible pet ownership. These entry-level positions often require a high school diploma and on-the-job training.  Working in this role can offer valuable hands-on experience with animals, helping to build practical skills and connections for students pursuing careers in animal welfare, veterinary science or related fields. 

• Farm animal caretakers tend to livestock by feeding, watering and monitoring health. They may assist with breeding and maintain living environments. Most roles require a high school diploma as well as overall physical stamina. 

Education and Outreach Careers 

These careers combine a passion for animals with a drive to educate the public, often in zoos, schools or nonprofit settings. 

• Zookeepers care for animals in zoos by managing feeding, habitat maintenance and health monitoring. They also engage in public education through talks and demonstrations. Most positions require a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology or a related field, along with hands-on experience. Zookeepers need a deep understanding of animal behavior along with knowledge of nutrition, animal husbandry and veterinary care. 

• Humane educators develop and deliver programs that teach compassion and responsible animal care. They often work in schools, shelters or community organizations. A bachelor's degree in education or a related field is typically required, supplemented by experience in teaching and animal welfare. 

Career Snapshot: Salary, Education and Outlook 

Animal care careers offer a range of opportunities with varying educational requirements and salary prospects. Entry-level positions, such as animal caretakers, typically require at least a high school diploma and provide on-the-job training.  

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), animal care and service roles had a median annual wage of $33,860 as of May 2024, while positions like animal trainers made a median salary of $38,750. More advanced professions have the potential for much higher salaries — with zoologists and biologists earning $72,860 per year and veterinarians earning $125,510 per year.  

Certain areas of the field are experiencing substantial growth. For instance, employment of veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers is projected to grow 19% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. This positive outlook makes careers working with animals both accessible and promising for those passionate about animal care.  

Where Do People Work With Animals? 

People pursuing careers working with animals find opportunities in diverse settings:  

• Veterinary clinics and hospitals are common workplaces for veterinarians, veterinary technicians and assistants who provide medical care to pets and livestock.  

• Animal shelters and rescue organizations employ staff to care for homeless animals and facilitate adoptions.  

• Zoos and aquariums offer roles for zookeepers and aquarists, focusing on animal care and public education.  

• Research laboratories and universities hire laboratory animal caretakers and animal geneticists to support scientific studies.  

• Farms, wildlife reserves and conservation organizations provide opportunities for those interested in fieldwork and environmental stewardship. 

How to Start a Career With Animals 

Embarking on a career with animals begins by identifying your specific interests — be it veterinary care, wildlife conservation or animal-assisted therapy. Research various roles to understand their educational requirements and daily responsibilities. From there, gaining hands-on experience through volunteering at shelters, internships at zoos or assisting in veterinary clinics can provide valuable insights and skills. You may pursue relevant certifications or degrees to enhance your qualifications and job prospects. Networking with professionals and joining industry organizations can also open doors to opportunities in this field.  

Forge Your Own Path Toward a Career With Animals at Husson  

Whether you're interested in veterinary care, wildlife research or therapeutic roles, there are numerous fulfilling careers with animals to explore. A strong educational foundation can help you succeed in entry-level positions to advanced professions (and anywhere in between).   

At Husson University, our Bachelor of Science in Animal-Assisted Therapy and Bachelor of Science in Animal Care and Behavior programs are designed to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in a wide range of animal care fields, depending on their interests. Request more information or apply today to get started!