Do you have a passion for animals but don’t know how to turn it into a career? Don’t worry; there are plenty of ways to work with animals without having an expensive degree. Whether you want to become an animal trainer, entrepreneur, dog walker, vet assistant, or zookeeper, many options don’t require higher education.
You can start by volunteering at your local animal shelter or zoo and gain valuable experience working with animals. Volunteering will help you learn more about the different types of jobs available in the field and give you hands-on experience with various species of animals.
You can also look for internships at wildlife sanctuaries or research centers where you can get paid while learning more about the profession and gaining practical skills. With some hard work and dedication, finding meaningful employment working with animals is possible, even if you don’t have a college degree!
Animal Trainer
Animal trainers can work with various species, whether dogs, parrots, hippos, or guinea pigs. You don’t need a college degree to become an animal trainer, but you must understand animal behavior. You can get a head start at home by reading some of the top animal behavior books. Plus, you’ll need to develop the skills necessary to train animals.
Many animal trainers learn on the job, gaining knowledge from experienced professionals or attending courses through organizations like Animal Behavior Institute or Karen Pryor Academy. There are also organizations like the CCPDT that provide certifications in animal training. Gaining certifications may not require a college degree, but they will need experience and passing a certification exam.
Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary assistants usually do not require the same degree as a licensed vet tech. If you like the work, you should advance your career and enroll in a vet tech program. We have an article that will help you learn about the differences between a vet tech and a vet assistant. In short, a veterinary assistant can be a way to learn about the veterinary field while gaining experience.
You’ll be able to help in the clinic and gain knowledge of animal care. Often, you’ll be responsible for cleaning cages, walking dogs, giving medications, and helping vets with examinations. You may also learn how to interact with clients, which is a big part of veterinary medicine.
Dog Walking
Dog walking can be a rewarding career option for someone who loves animals and wants to help others. It’s flexible, so you choose how much you want to work each week and how many dogs you’d like to walk.
You also have the autonomy of either working for an established dog walking service or creating a business where you can set your schedule and prices. The ability to pick up extra hours here and there makes dog walking ideal for anyone looking for supplemental income or full-time work.
Whether part-time or long-term, dog walking offers a fulfilling job that helps people and animals alike.
Animal Care Business
Working with animals can be a rewarding career for anyone who has a natural affinity for them. An animal care business allows professionals to take part in making animals’ lives better- it’s not just about petting and playing!
If you are wondering how to work with animals without a degree, this is one fantastic option. Working as an animal care provider can include various options, such as cat sitting, bird sitting, dog walking, and dog boarding. By providing excellent customer service and taking extraordinary care of their four-legged clients, people can find professional fulfillment in this job.
It takes a certain amount of dedication and knowledge to succeed in the industry. A welcoming personality and a passion for helping animals are essential. Those with these qualities will find an animal care business gratifying and profitable!
Dog Handler for Conservation Detection Dogs
Conservation detection dogs are highly trained to use their scenting ability to help protect our environment. Did you know that there are dogs that can sniff out invasive mussel species? Not only that, but they can also detect minuscule snails and invasive plant species.
Surprisingly, you don’t need a college degree to become a conservation detection dog handler, but it can’t hurt, either. What is required is knowledge of biology, positive reinforcement training techniques, scent detection, and invasive species. You can seek employment with a well-established company like Working Dogs for Conservation or Mussel Dogs, INC.
Wildlife Rehabilitator
Working with animals as a wildlife rehabilitator can sometimes require a degree. However, state-by-state certifications and licensing are necessary.
Wildlife rehabilitators rescue, nurture and treat animals injured in the wild and provide temporary shelter until they are well enough to return to their natural environment. A wildlife rehabilitators will have professional licensing, but they obtain most of their education through experience.
You can acquire these skills by attending workshops in your local area. With the worldwide need for licensed rehabbers increasing yearly, this profession will always have work.
You can find work by volunteering with a local wildlife rescue or starting your organization. Many squirrels, opossums, raccoons, foxes, beavers, and other wildlife need help.
Pet Groomer
Most pet groomers have obtained a license to operate. However, you can learn the trade by working with an established pet groomer and receiving on-the-job training. Some certification programs can help you get started.
Pet grooming is excellent for those who want to work with animals but don’t necessarily have a formal education or degree in veterinary medicine. Pet groomers are responsible for bathing, cleaning, and clipping the fur of their client’s pets. They can also provide primary care such as brushing teeth, cleaning ears, and trimming nails.
The key to becoming a successful pet groomer is understanding different breeds, their behavior, coat type, and other characteristics. Groomers must have excellent customer service skills and the ability to build trust with the animals and their human counterparts.
Plus, if you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you start your pet grooming salon!
Zoo Keeper
Becoming a Zoo Keeper is the perfect career choice for anyone passionate about caring for and providing enrichment to animals. To get started, begin by volunteering at local zoos and animal sanctuaries, which are great ways to garner experience within this highly competitive field.
Additionally, any schooling focused on animal health, conservation, or behavior can help distinguish you from others in the same field. The most crucial aspect of becoming a Zoo Keeper is having the right attitude — being kind, patient, and able to interact with animals and people.
As a zookeeper, you will assist with maintaining an animal’s enclosure and creating enrichment items such as toys. With hard work and dedication, you can pursue one of the most rewarding professions available — and make a difference in how the planet’s creatures are cared for and respected!
If your ultimate life goal is to become a zoo vet, then learn how to become a zoo vet here.
Pet Photographer
A pet photographer is a great way to combine your artistic talent and love for animals. You can learn the basics of animal photography and editing by taking classes or workshops and acquiring experience with different types of cameras.
The key to becoming a successful pet photographer is capturing images that showcase their subject’s personality and spirit. A great pet photographer knows how to create unique environments that bring out the animal’s best attributes.
Just like in any profession, networking plays a significant role in success. Building relationships with pet owners, veterinarians, and animal shelters are crucial to access clients. You can also market yourself by attending pet events or creating an online portfolio.
Pet photography provides a unique and rewarding way to combine your passion for animals and photography! You can even start a YouTube channel highlighting your photography skills!
Animal Shelter
There are so many types of jobs and opportunities within an animal shelter. If you like paperwork, you can help with the adoptions, and if you love people, you can become an adoption counselor. If you love to be outside and take care of animals, you can help with animal maintenance.
If you’re looking for a great way to make a difference in the lives of animals while gaining valuable career experience, consider starting your journey with an animal shelter. Animal shelters need volunteers as well as full-time and part-time employees.
To become an employee at an animal shelter, you’ll need to have a passion for animals and be good with people. In addition, many shelters require certification courses in first aid and CPR. With that in mind, a shelter job is one of those great animal jobs for teens.
Final Thoughts for “How To Work With Animals Without A Degree?”
These are just a few unique ways to work with animals without needing a college degree. With the right experience and knowledge, you cannot limit what you can achieve in the field. With hard work and dedication, you can find employment doing what you love – working with animals! Don’t let a lack of higher education hold you back from achieving your dreams; it is possible to have a successful career working with animals without having an expensive college degree.
Good luck on your journey! We hope these tips help you on your way to finding meaningful employment doing what you love.
Happy Animal Caring!