Teens and careers: Jobs with animals

If your teen has a passion for animals and dreams of a career working with them, you're in the right place. Let's dive into the diverse world of animal careers, understanding the job landscape, necessary skills, and where to seek opportunities. Use our actionable advice to help guide your teen toward fulfilling careers with animals.

Can you make money in careers with animals?

The short answer is, yes! There are plenty of satisfying and well-paying jobs in the animal industry, from veterinary professionals to pet groomers and trainers. But it’s important to know that some of these careers may require additional education and special training beyond high school.

Popular jobs with animals as the focus

There are countless exciting job opportunities out there for animal lovers. From working with household pets to wildlife conservation, here are some popular careers your teen might be interested in:

Veterinarian

This is probably the most well-known animal-related job. A veterinarian is a licensed medical professional who assesses and treats sick or injured animals. It requires a college degree and specialized training, but the reward of helping animals every day can be highly fulfilling for people who want jobs with animals. 

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There are also many different types of veterinarians, from small animal vets to zoo veterinarians. If your teen wants to work with animals but is also business-minded, you might also help them look into careers as a veterinary practice manager or veterinary hospital manager and other related paths. 

Zoologist

If your teen has a fascination with exotic animals and their behavior, they might enjoy being a zoologist. These professionals study animal behaviors, habitats, and relationships to better understand and protect them. A degree in biology or zoology is typically required for this career. 

Animal trainer

If your teen has a knack for working with animals and enjoys teaching, they might thrive as an animal trainer. This job involves training animals to perform specific behaviors or tasks, such as obedience training for household pets or teaching dolphins tricks at a marine park. While no formal education is required, experience working with animals is essential.

Wildlife rehabilitator

For teens who not only love animals but also have a heartfelt desire to see them recover and flourish in their natural habitats, becoming a wildlife rehabilitator can be an incredibly rewarding path. These dedicated individuals care for injured, sick, or orphaned wild animals with the goal of returning them back to the wild. While specific permits and licensure can be required, which varies by state, this career is heavily dependent on hands-on experience – typically under the tutelage and supervision of a professional wildlife veterinarian – and a deep commitment to conservation.

Pet groomer

If your teen has an eye for detail and a gentle touch, a career as a pet groomer might be the perfect fit. Pet groomers help maintain a pet’s appearance, often working in pet stores, local grooming businesses, or running their own grooming services. You can enter this career through vocational training or apprenticeships. It’s a fun opportunity for animal lovers to combine creativity with animal care.

Marine biologist

Your teen's love for the ocean and its creatures could lead to a big career splash in marine biology. Marine biologists study the life forms found in ocean environments, from microscopic plankton to massive whales. It usually requires an advanced degree to delve into research and academia, but there are many entry-level positions that allow teens to get their feet wet in this fascinating field as they continue their schooling.

How can you give your child a head start in careers with animals?

Is your teen ready to look for jobs with animals? Here are some things you can do as a parent to support and guide them along the way:

Volunteering

Encourage volunteer work or part-time jobs that involve working with animals, such as at a local animal shelter or pet store. This will allow your teen to gain hands-on experience and decide if they truly enjoy working with animals.

Networking

Help your teen research different careers in the animal industry, and connect them with professionals in those fields for informational interviews. This can help give them a deeper understanding of what the job entails and help them make more informed decisions.

Community classes

Support your teen's education by encouraging courses in biology, zoology, or animal sciences at their school or in extracurricular classes. These subjects will provide a solid foundation for future studies in animal-related careers.

Seasonal programs

Consider enrolling your teen in summer camps or programs focused on animal care or conservation. This can give them a taste of what it's like to work with animals and help them develop important relevant skills.

Home responsibilities 

Allow them to contribute to pet care at home: If you have pets, consider allowing your teen to have more responsibility in their care. Caring for a pet is a great way to develop responsibility and empathy toward animals, which are essential qualities in animal-related careers.

First jobs

Help your teen start a local dog-walking or small pet-sitting job to get a taste for different animal personalities and responsibilities. It can also be a good entry level start to their resume.  

Try on a few hats

Encourage your teen to explore different types of jobs within the animal industry, as there are many options beyond just being a veterinarian. They might discover a passion for something they never knew existed.

Are jobs with animals right for your teen?

A career working with animals can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding with a wide range of paths, education and experience required. Encourage your teenager to gain hands-on experience, explore different options within the animal industry, and continue their education to pursue their dream job. With your support and guidance, your teen can be on their way to making a difference in the lives of animals every day. 

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