There's More to Working With Animals Than Becoming a Veterinarian

Maybe you're squeamish or the thought of injured animals makes you sad. Or maybe you don't feel like dedicating years and years (and lots of money) to a formal education. Or maybe you just aren't that into medicine, science, etc. Whatever the reason, there's a whole other side to working with animals that's in the care giving capacity. Think of all the people you trust your pets with when you're not around-from your dog walker, to your cat sitter, to your groomer, to your kennel operator-all of these people have one very important thing in common. They are caring for your animal(s).

People who work in non-medical pet care giving tend to like animals and enjoy being around them. These jobs don't pay as much as, say, a veterinarian at a busy practice or a television show host, so most people who work these kinds of jobs aren't in it for the money so much as the reward of helping animals (and their people) live the lives to which they are accustomed. In short, these people like to work directly with their clients (pets) and the pets' human companions.

First up are professional pet sitters, who are tasked with unique responsibilities. In most cases, they take care of their charges in their client's homes, so not only do they hang out with and entertain cats and dogs (and maybe even birds, fish or lizards), but they also need to be discreet and trustworthy. Being licensed and bonded, as well as having liability insurance, helps alleviate any qualms clients may have in this regard. Most pet sitters belong to Pet Sitters International (PSI), and some also become PSI-Accredited. Along the same lines, professional dog walkers/runners deal directly with dogs and their owners, and are also often in their client's homes when they are away at work or on vacation, so being licensed and bonded helps gain credence with clients.

Taking it a step further are doggie day care providers, who offer pet sitting in groups in their own home or in a professional facility. Some doggie day care providers offer the works, such as swimming and play time, and others are no-frills and the animals spend most of the day in crates. The more successful doggie day care providers offer play time, individual walks, and nice cozy "apartments" for dogs to nap in.

Pet boarders/kennel operators offer extended stays beyond that of doggie day care, so that people can leave their cats, dogs, birds, fish and sometime seven lizards in safe custody and under watchful, caring eyes. Again, some pet boarders/kennel operators offer bells and whistles such as individual play time and walks, and some are no frills.

Animal grooming is sometimes offered at kennels, doggie day care centers, and veterinary offices, as well as pet supply stores. Other animal groomers work out of their home or even take it on the road by offering mobile services. Animal groomers enjoy not only working closely with animals, but also getting their hands dirty and then making something pretty out of all the mess. Animal groomers must understand various breeds (mainly cats and dogs) and know both how to groom them and how to groom them in such a way that is considered acceptable (also knows as the breed standard). Animal groomers should have at minimum a business license and liability insurance, and a degree from a professional grooming school is also a good idea (this isn't required, but really, who is going to trust a groomer with one?). In addition, the National Dog Groomers Association of America offers groomer certification, and they are also the only school for pet groomers recognized at a national level.

For animal lovers who are compassionate and enjoy one on one time with dogs and cat (as well as birds, fish and other creatures), a career in non-medical pet care giving is a good choice. As these careers typically require less formal schooling and training, they are also good door openers to other animal related careers.