Get your dream job working with animals

Start your career working with animals

Did watching Crufts make you want to quit your day job and start working with animals? Could you make money being a dog walker? Have you always wanted to be a vet or work in an animal shelter, a zoo or pet shop?

There are more jobs working with animals than you might think. Here are five jobs you may not have thought of:

Falconer – since 2000 BC people have been training birds of prey. In 2016 you can find falconers at zoos, or putting on educational displays for school children.

Aquarist – an aquarist sets up aquarium exhibits and makes sure the fish stay healthy. You might even have to put on your diving gear.

Beekeeper – care for bees and collect the honey that they produce. Work might include maintaining the hives and protecting the bees from cold weather.

Farrier – specialists in horse hoof care, farriers are responsible for trimming hooves and putting shoes on horses.

Wildlife photographer – you can combine two passions with this career. If you have the patience to wait for a great shot and are prepared to travel the world, this could be your perfect job.

How do you know if working with animals is for you?

• Do your research – finding out more through study can be the perfect way to test the waters.
• Volunteer – your local animal shelter may let you help out and it will also look great on your CV!
• Try it out – if you see yourself as a great pet-sitter, then look after a dog for a friend. Hands-on experience will tell you if you are cut out to take the next step in your career.

Changing career can be a scary thought, but getting a qualification can make you more likely to get a job working with animals. You can train in everything from animal care and animal psychology, to dog grooming and fishkeeping.