If you really love dogs, you might want to consider a career working with these beautiful, sweet animals. There are a lot of different jobs with dogs out there, so you have plenty of options.
Want to learn more about the best jobs with dogs? Here are just some of the careers to choose from if you want to make the commitment to work with dogs on a full-time basis.
Veterinarian
Veterinarians put in a lot of time before they can work with dogs, or any other type of animal. They must first earn a four-year college degree, and then, they’ll put in another four years at a veterinary school before they can start a practice. Some vets will specialize in various areas of animal medicine to broaden their skills. This, of course, will require more training.1 But if you love to help animals, this is probably the best career you could choose.
The average salary for a veterinarian is about $89,000. However, vets can make anywhere from $52,000-$160,000, or more.2
Veterinary Technician
If you’re not ready to make the commitment to eight years (or more) of intensive schooling, you might want to consider being a veterinary technician. The skillset required of vet techs is still very impressive. They learn how to do many different things, such as taking x-rays, getting animals ready for surgery, taking blood, and much more. It typically takes two years to earn a degree in the field.3
Vet techs aren’t in it for the money. Like a lot of jobs with dogs, vet techs’ salaries aren’t that large. They possess several important skills, but the average salary is about $32,500. They tend to range from $22,000 to $43,000. If you love dogs and other animals, however, you’ll play an important role in keeping them healthy and happy.4
Dog Sitter
A lot of people have dogs, but they also like to travel. And, unfortunately, there are many times where pet owners simply can’t take their dogs with them when they leave town. Instead of asking friends, family members or neighbors to check in on their dogs while they’re gone, a growing number of pet parents are turning to dog sitters.
A dog sitter is a great alternative to a kennel. A sitter can come to your home several times a day. In some instances, sitters can stay – either overnight, or for several days in a row, if necessary.
Of all the jobs with dogs, pet sitter is one of the most important. You’ll get to take care of dogs, while giving their owners peace of mind.
If you want to be a professional pet sitter, you typically won’t need to take any classes to become certified, though having animal first aid training is always a good idea. But you may need to go through the steps necessary to become insured and bonded. You might also need a license. As your client list grows, make sure you get plenty of good references you can show to other prospective customers.5
If you have the skillset and patience to be a dog sitter, you could make a career out of it. You can set your own hours, as well. Sitters who work a couple of weeks a month will usually make around $1,000 or so. Those who do it full time can make $3,000 or more each month, depending on the number of dogs they take care of each week.6
Certified Dog Trainer
A certified dog trainer must be patient, and they must have the skills to help turn rambunctious dogs into obedient companions. To become a certified dog trainer, you’ll need to learn special techniques, such as positive reinforcement, verbal cues, clicker training, and hand signals. You’ll have to also be able to do a good job of teaching pet owners the skills they’ll need to reinforce your training once they get back home. There is no formal education needed to become a trainer, but you’ll probably want to become certified if you want to make a career out of it. Certification classes typically involve clinics, lectures, and more.7
Like many jobs with dogs, the amount you make can vary. The average salary for a dog trainer, however, is about $30,000.8 But that doesn’t mean you can’t make much more if you have a large number of clients.
Dog Groomer
Dog groomers will usually go through some sort of apprentice program, which will usually take about two months. This is where they will learn tasks such as bathing dogs, clipping their nails, cleaning their ears, and trimming their fur. Some groomers will go through certification programs to show they have the skills necessary to perform this type of work.
If you become a dog groomer, you might work in one of several different places. For example, you might find a job in a pet store, a kennel, a shelter, or a vet’s office.9 You’ll need a fairly broad skill set if you want to make this your career, but you’ll be making dogs look great.
The average salary for a dog groomer is about $23,000. However, groomers can make $32,000 or more in some areas of the country.10
Dog Walker
Being a dog walker is great if you love dogs and love exercise. You can make a little bit of extra money walking dogs in your neighborhood, or you can make it a career. As time goes by, you might even be able to start your own business, hiring other walkers as your client list grows. The average salary for a dog walker is about $25,000.11 But that number can grow substantially as you bring in more business.
Wrapping it Up
These are just a few of the jobs with dogs that you might want to investigate if you’re thinking of a career working with animals. There are a lot of rewarding, fun careers for you to choose from. You might want to consider volunteering at a local animal shelter, to see if you think this line of work will be right for you.
Learn More:
Domestication of Dogs: The Complex History of Man’s Best Friend
11 Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
The Yellow Dog Project (what is it!?)
Sources
1.https://vbs.psu.edu/majors/vbs/steps-to-becoming-a-veterinarian
2.https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/veterinarian/salary
3.https://www.navta.net/page/faqs
4.https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/veterinary-technologist-and-technician/salary
5.https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/travel/how-to-select-a-pet-sitter/
6.https://www.thesimpledollar.com/how-to-make-money-dog-sitting-through-rover/
7.https://www.thebalancecareers.com/dog-trainer-125612
8.http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes392011.htm
9.https://study.com/articles/Dog_Groomer_Salary_Duties_and_Requirements.html
10.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/animal-care-and-service-workers.htm
11.https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/dog-walker-salary-SRCH_KO0,10.htm