Getting a Job with Animals?

I am very interested in starting a job in the pet industry:
-grooming
-veterinary care
-training
-pet sitting
-pet photography(working w/ business’ for covers of mags, foods, ext.)
-pet rescues
and any others anyone can think of.
Would anyone please like to tell me the pro’s and con’s of any jobs and what I need to do to get started in the field now (in high school at the moment) and what I should do in the future. Also if you have any information on how much approx. it takes to get into the field and become successful. I do have experience with animals and I currently own/pay for 2 dogs right now (trained them both myself but get them groomed professionally) if that matters at all.
Thanks for any and all advice.

I have recently finished my B.S. in animal behavior/anthrozoology, and will be moving on to a PhD. I work with rescues, rehab, training, and public education. I spent a lot of years researching a similar career desire as you. Other than being a vet or vet tech there are few marketable degree’s for working with companion animals unless you get your PhD in Psychology (become a pet therapist/behaviorist, this is the traditional Skinner rout) or a hard science PhD in EcologyEvolutionBehavior (think Jane Goodall), Wildlife Management, or Animal Husbandry, and then apply these towards companion animals. There are also a couple Animal Behavior PhD programs in the US. A B.S. in any animal field will allow you to be qualified as an assistant only. I have spent most of my time volunteering/internships, This is critical if your serious about the field. Also, as the vet tech said, ours is not a profitable career in even the slightest way (ie I have the education of a chemist with the pay of a janitor). Your education is extremely important (I have everything from calculus to organic chem and physics) work hard in math and science. If math isn’t exactly your strong suit, follow the psychology, business rout. I even have a friend who works in animal related non-profit organizations as a public relations specialist (she started out as a journalist). Finally, check out anthrozoology.org and the ISAZ. I know you will find something to suit you! I may not be rich, but I’m happy!

Your PetShop.Biz Deserves To Have The RIGHT People Working For You

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