Agricultural Careers With Animals

Agricultural Careers With Animals

The agricultural industry is one of the largest employers in the United States, employing approximately 2% of the population. However, agriculture is also one of the most dangerous industries to work in, as it has a higher fatality rate per 100,000 workers than any other industry. Agricultural workers must be careful when working around large animals due to this high fatality rate. Agricultural careers with animals are some of the more dangerous agricultural careers because they involve animals that are powerful enough to kill humans if they are not handled correctly.

Animal Care Tending

Animal care tending is an agricultural career that involves taking care of animals such as horses and cows on a farm. Animal care tenders must be able to handle large animals without being hurt by them or causing them any harm. They must also understand how to properly feed and care for these animals so that they can maintain a healthy lifestyle while living at the farm or ranch where they work. A common job title for someone who works in this field would be “stockman,” since they often work directly with livestock such as cattle or sheep.”

Agricultural Careers With Animals

Jobs that help animals are in no short supply. Due to global changes, land development, and natural disasters animals are often displaced from their owners or habitats. There is much work to do when it comes to conservation, relocation, and animal care.

We’ve put together a list of animal-related jobs, including high-paying jobs working with animals, and the education requirements needed to kickstart each career. Learn about these impactful professions and how they can make a difference.

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Careers Working With Animals

There are many careers involving animals for pets and wildlife lovers. When deciding how to work with animals, many often look to veterinary careers. While there are many veterinary specializations and career options, there are also several other types of animal-related jobs to consider – like marine careers.

Perhaps you’re passionate about wildlife rehabilitation or instead, you may be looking for one of the numerous unusual animal jobs such as a snake venom milker. We’ve compiled an animal careers list describing the many types of animal jobs out there to inspire you.

Infographic depicting the average and top wages for the highest paying careers working with animals

Careers in Animal Rescue

Those with a passion for wildlife conservation may find their calling in animal rescue. Animal rescue jobs are so much more than caring for injured and orphaned animals. While ensuring these animals are rehabilitated, planning is also necessary for their eventual release back into the wild. Other animal rescue career opportunities are available for overseeing education and volunteer programs.

While a college degree isn’t required to work in animal rescue, it is encouraged. Not only can a degree open many doors career-wise, but it may also be necessary for some higher-level roles in medicine and research. Animal rescue workers must be willing to work in a variety of environments. Time will be spent outdoors when on a rescue and when it comes time for release in the wild. Therapy, surgeries, and other procedures will be completed in an animal center.

Recommended Degree Program: B.S. in Animal Health and Behavior

  • Marine Rescue Officer
  • Wildlife Rehabilitator
  • Animal Shelter Technician
  • Animal Shelter Managers
  • Animal Health Inspector
A baby sea turtle in a bowl held by a human

Veterinary Careers

There are many different areas a veterinarian may specialize in. For example, a wildlife veterinarian will work with a variety of wildlife, including exotic species. On the other hand, a small animal veterinarian is most likely to work with domesticated cats, dogs, and birds. A career as a veterinarian requires a considerable amount of education. Vets must have a four-year degree, continue on to complete a doctorate program, and finally, pass a state exam to become licensed.

Other veterinarian careers to consider that require fewer years of college are veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants. Both are key roles in caring for and treating animals with responsibilities from assisting with exams, filling prescriptions, and updating records. Communication, compassion, and critical thinking are essential skills and traits to be successful in a veterinary career.

Recommended Degree Program: B.S. in Animal Health & Behavior

Jobs Working With Wild Animals

Working with wild animals is certainly not for the faint at heart. These individuals must have a true passion for animals and wildlife preservation. While some wildlife workers may specialize in one or two types of animals, others may work with a variety of wildlife, from snakes to tigers. Due to the nature of work, these individuals must be highly detailed, excellent communicators, and must be in good physical condition.

Jobs in wildlife may require that work be completed in a variety of environments. Some days may be spent outdoors, others in a conservation habitat, and some days office or lab work may be necessary. Wildlife careers aren’t solely for those wanting to work directly with animals. There are many administrative career options as well such as project planning and managing educational programs.

Recommended Degree Program: B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology

Jobs Working With Aquatic Animals

Do you enjoy being in or near the water? If so, aquatic animal-related jobs may be a great fit for you. These workers may find themselves by the ocean, at an aquarium, marine park, or even on dry land. Some aquatic jobs may require scuba diving deep into the ocean or a tank at an aquarium, but not all aquatic careers require that you get wet.

An aquarist with marine life in an aquarium

To be successful in working with aquatic animals, one must be curious-minded and observant. After all, you want to know where a whale, shark, or dolphin might be while swimming in their tank.

There are many careers an aquatic animal worker may pursue. Marine mammal trainers will often work with dolphins and whales at parks and zoos. Aquarists may be responsible for a variety of fish at aquariums. Those who prefer to keep their feet dry may opt to work at a museum. These workers typically have a bachelor’s degree at minimum in addition to other certifications such as scuba diving and CPR.

Recommended Degree Program: B.S. in Marine Biology

Jobs Working With Dogs

For all you dog lovers, there are many potential careers working with dogs. These types of jobs require a high level of energy and plenty of patience. Dogs love activity and some have a hard time holding still. Physical strength is a must as well in case you have to carry a dog or are out for a walk with a leash-puller.

A college degree isn’t typically required to work with canines, but it is helpful. In a degree program, you’ll acquire and build many useful skills such as animal behavior, training, and how to treat illnesses and injuries – and may advance into advanced roles faster.

There are many ways to find careers with dogs. Dog walkers and sitters may find postings on job boards or in apps geared toward pet care. Groomers can find jobs at pet stores or might even consider starting their own business. Police dog handlers usually have a degree in criminal justice and begin with years of training in the field as an officer.

Recommended Degree Program: B.S. in Animal Health & Behavior

  • Dog Walker
  • Groomer
  • K9 Unit Officer/Trainer

Unusual Animal Jobs

Perhaps you’re looking for a more unique role. There are many jobs for animal lovers that are little-known, yet make a big difference. What are some of these unusual jobs with animals?

A relocation worker will move animals from overcrowded or kill shelters to other no-kill facilities. For those looking for something on the wild side, consider becoming a snake venom milker. These workers extract venom from snakes to make anti-venom to treat snake bites in both humans and other animals.

Milking a snake: Image by Alexandra Lysenko from Pixabay

Even with the best handlers, animals can be unpredictable. Having careful attention to detail is a must when working with any animal, wild or domesticated. Workers in even the most unusual types of jobs must have a passion for animal welfare. Whether a college degree is required is dependent on the job. However, completing a degree program will enhance your skills and can help you develop your career.

Recommended Degree Program: B.S. in Wildlife Biology

  • Snake Venom Milker
  • Relocation Worker
  • Animal Scientist

High Paying Animal Jobs

When considering a career path, salary often becomes a factor. Many jobs with animals that pay well are geared toward research, science, and conservation. Money may not be as much as a priority to some, but living expenses don’t go away. You can certainly earn a decent salary while following your passion for working with animals. Take a look at this animal science careers list and salaries to get a better idea of job outlook and pay.

Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife biologists spend much of their time out in the field, making it a great occupation for those with a love for the outdoors and travel. During these travels, biologists study animals, their habits and behaviors like how they interact with humans and other animals. Much of their field research involves conducting experiments to make these discoveries.

Wildlife biologists can be found in the office or lab on occasion, studying specimens, or creating reports. Most wildlife biologist jobs require a bachelor’s degree at a minimum with some employers preferring a graduate degree and even a Ph.D. for higher-level research and lab work.

Veterinarian

A veterinarian is one of the highest-paying animal careers. There are many different types of veterinary jobs. Mixed practice veterinarians work with both small and large animals, domestic or exotic. Others may specialize in working with companion animals such as dogs and cats.

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