- Choose A Career
Embarking on a fulfilling career often starts with aligning your profession with your passions. If you have a love for animals, the job market in 2026 presents an extensive array of opportunities. From veterinarians to dog walkers, whether you’re equipped with formal qualifications or simply a deep-seated passion for animals, there are many paths to explore.
Below is a comprehensive list to guide you through various career options. As you browse, consider your experience level, skill set, and career aspirations, which will enable you to navigate your journey effectively.
Key Takeaways:
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The top three careers for animal lovers are pet sitter, pet groomer, and animal handler.
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Most of these positions require at least a high school diploma, with many benefiting from specialized training or a bachelor’s degree.
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Most roles involve close interaction with animals and necessitate a foundational understanding of animal behavior.
The 21 Best Careers For Animal Lovers
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Pet Store Employee
Average Salary: $21,000
This entry-level position is ideal for those starting their careers in animal care. Like many retail roles, essential customer service skills and a passion for animal welfare are necessary. Responsibilities include cage maintenance, pet food sales, and engaging with customers.
Job responsibilities include:
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Assist customers with inquiries and provide animal care advice.
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Maintain cleanliness of the store, including aquariums and animal cages.
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Monitor the health of pets available for sale.
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Stock shelves and manage inventory records.
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Average Salary: $25,400
As a dog walker, you can enjoy a flexible work schedule, whether employed by a company or freelancing. This role requires physical stamina and excellent communication skills to engage with clients and care for various dog breeds.
Job responsibilities include:
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Record details of each walk, including duration and any unusual behavior.
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Ensure dogs have access to fresh water and food.
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Plan and execute walking routes as agreed upon with dog owners.
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Dispose of pet waste responsibly.
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Ensure the safety of dogs and others during walks.
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Inform owners of any health issues observed during walks.
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Average Salary: $25,200
Similar to dog walking, pet sitting offers flexibility in your work hours, allowing you to cater to your schedule. Pet sitters are responsible for a range of duties, including feeding, exercising, and providing companionship to pets.
Job responsibilities include:
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Meet with pet owners to gather essential care information.
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Ensure pets have fresh food and water at all times.
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Administer medications as directed by pet owners.
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Groom pets according to their needs.
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Provide updates to pet owners during their absence.
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Average Salary: $25,800
Dog trainers play a crucial role in developing obedience and behavior in dogs, building strong relationships with both dogs and their owners. Effective training techniques and a safe environment are essential for success.
Job responsibilities include:
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Design and implement training programs for various behavioral issues.
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Teach commands to both dogs and their owners.
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Guide owners on reinforcing positive behavior.
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Identify and communicate additional behavioral concerns to clients.
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Schedule training sessions and manage client communications.
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Average Salary: $23,300
Pet groomers fulfill a necessary role for pet owners who may lack the time or skills to groom their pets. With the rise of social media, creative groomers can showcase their work and attract clients.
Job responsibilities include:
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Groom pets according to breed-specific standards.
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Provide creative grooming services, such as styling and adding accessories.
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Ensure pets are safe and comfortable throughout the grooming process.
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Accommodate special requests from pet owners.
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Animal Blogger
Average Salary: $52,000
If writing is your forte and you have a passion for animals, consider becoming an animal blogger. This role allows you to share insights, advice, and stories related to animals, appealing to a niche audience.
Job responsibilities include:
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Create engaging and informative content for your blog.
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Promote your blog across various social media platforms.
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Build connections with fellow bloggers and industry experts.
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Conduct interviews and research relevant topics.
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Edit and refine your content before publication.
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Average Salary: $24,200
Animal handlers work in various environments, from zoos to farms, ensuring animals’ needs are met. This role requires knowledge of animal behavior and care.
Job responsibilities include:
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Evaluate and adjust training programs based on effectiveness.
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Maintain clean and safe living environments for animals.
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Report any injuries or medical issues to supervisors.
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Keep accurate records of animals’ health and training progress.
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Average Salary: $87,200
If you’re interested in academia, consider becoming an animal researcher. This role involves conducting studies, teaching students, and publishing findings in scientific journals.
Job responsibilities include:
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Design and execute research studies in animal science.
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Supervise student research and lab work.
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Collaborate with farmers and industry stakeholders.
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Veterinary Technician/Technologist
Average Salary: $33,200
Veterinary technicians and technologists provide essential support to veterinarians, performing technical procedures and ensuring the well-being of animals under care. A two-year associate’s degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree is typically required.
Job responsibilities include:
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Assist in surgeries and emergency medical procedures.
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Maintain compliance with health and safety regulations.
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Conduct laboratory tests and prepare documentation.
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Average Salary: $111,000
Veterinarians are responsible for diagnosing and treating illness in animals, requiring extensive education and licensing. They provide critical care for pets and livestock alike.
Job responsibilities include:
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Examine and diagnose health issues in animals.
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Develop treatment plans and prescribe medications.
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Perform surgical procedures and emergency care.
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Veterinary Surgeon
Average Salary: $212,400
Veterinary surgeons perform intricate surgical procedures on animals, requiring advanced skills and education. This role is among the most challenging yet rewarding for animal lovers.
Job responsibilities include:
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Assess and diagnose patients before surgery.
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Perform surgical procedures and post-operative care.
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Maintain patient medical records and ensure compliance with ethical standards.
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Average Salary: $43,300
Animal control officers work closely with communities, handling various animal-related situations, including rescue and enforcement of animal laws.
Job responsibilities include:
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Respond to emergency calls regarding animals.
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Investigate animal-related incidents and report findings.
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Educate the public on animal welfare laws.
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Average Salary: $53,600
This role involves investigating cases of animal cruelty, requiring strong analytical skills and the ability to handle potentially dangerous situations.
Job responsibilities include:
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Conduct investigations into reports of animal abuse.
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Interview witnesses and gather evidence.
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Document findings and enforce animal protection laws.
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Average Salary: $30,000
Animal photographers capture images for various purposes, including pet portraits and wildlife photography. This career allows for flexible working arrangements.
Job responsibilities include:
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Plan and execute photography sessions.
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Edit and enhance photographs using software.
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Manage a portfolio of images for clients.
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Average Salary: $46,300
Animal-assisted therapists use animals to help clients with mental health challenges, requiring a background in psychology and animal care.
Job responsibilities include:
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Collaborate with healthcare professionals for therapy plans.
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Monitor animal behavior during therapy sessions.
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Provide feedback to clients on their progress.
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Average Salary: $23,000
Animal caregivers are essential for ensuring the well-being of animals in various settings. This role often involves hands-on care and attention to animals’ needs.
Job responsibilities include:
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Provide daily care and companionship to animals.
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Monitor animal health and report issues.
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Maintain cleanliness in animal living spaces.
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Zookeeper
Average Salary: $25,100
Zookeepers care for animals and educate the public about wildlife. This role combines animal welfare with customer interaction.
Job responsibilities include:
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Maintain animal habitats and ensure cleanliness.
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Monitor animal behavior and health.
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Assist in educational programs for zoo visitors.
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Average Salary: $24,860
Wildlife rehabilitators provide care for injured or orphaned wildlife, working to return them to their natural habitats.
Job responsibilities include:
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Provide medical care to injured wildlife.
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Coordinate with veterinarians for treatment plans.
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Monitor rehabilitated wildlife before reintroduction.
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Average Salary: $31,200
Conservation officers work to protect wildlife and natural resources, enforcing regulations and educating the public.
Job responsibilities include:
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Monitor and protect state lands and wildlife.
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Respond to environmental emergencies and educate the public.
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Facilitate conservation initiatives and community events.
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Average Salary: $35,300
Animal breeders focus on improving livestock and breeding pets, requiring knowledge of genetics and animal care.
Job responsibilities include:
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Evaluate animals for breeding viability.
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Manage breeding programs and ensure animal welfare.
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Provide care for animals before and after breeding.
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Average Salary: $52,200
Marine biologists study aquatic ecosystems, requiring advanced education and a commitment to marine conservation.
Job responsibilities include:
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Conduct research on marine species and ecosystems.
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Analyze the impact of human activity on marine life.
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Publish findings and contribute to conservation efforts.
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Final Thoughts
Now that you have a clearer understanding of the careers available for animal lovers, take time to reflect on what you want from a career in animal care. Explore the diverse opportunities ahead, and let your passion guide you to a fulfilling profession.
- Choose A Career
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
Expert
Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.
