Animal Lovers Have an Abundance of Career Choices
Author: Paula Fitzsimmons

Lots of people -- and you may be one of them -- would like a career involving animals. For one reason or another, they put their dreams aside, often in the belief that their choices are limited. Veterinarian and zookeeper are two of the animal-related professions that often come to mind. But not everyone has the desire to go through over four years of grueling veterinary training, or to compete with large numbers of overqualified applicants for the privilege of cleaning zoo poop.

So what if you are still determined to base your career around animals? Don’t despair. Here are just a handful of alternative professions that just might suit your interests and abilities.

1. Grant Writer. Many nonprofits – such as shelters, conservation and animal welfare organizations – rely heavily on outside funding to stay afloat. As a grant writer, your challenge would be to write proposals that generate income for your group.

2. Boarding Service. Offer basic services, or create a four-star resort where your clients are treated like royalty. You can even create a specialty niche, such as boarding cats, birds or horses.

3. Massage Therapist. We humans are not the only ones who can benefit from therapeutic massage. With the proper training, you might be able to find work in a variety of settings, including veterinary hospitals, pet daycare facilities and private practices.

4. Lobbyist. If you are assertive and articulate, you might want to consider becoming a lobbyist. Conservation and animal welfare groups need passionate people who can persuade lawmakers to side with their platforms.

5. Veterinary Informatics Specialist. This is a relatively new specialized computer field. You might be responsible for developing software programs used by veterinarians, educators and pharmacists.






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Paula Fitzsimmons has written numerous articles for animal and companion bird magazines, and is the author of the highly-praised "105 Careers for Animal Lovers." Her bachelor of science degree is from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. There is additional information about her booklet, as well as articles about animal-related careers on her website at www.pjpublications.com.

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