Science labs offer a number of animal welfare job opportunities.
Animal welfare jobs include veterinary care, animal behaviorists, animal attendants, groomers and pet sitters. Businesses in the industry, such as private animal boarding facilities, retail pet stores and professional breeders may employ one or more of these types of employees. Most animal welfare positions require some type of formal training, such as a specific animal care certification or a college, depending upon the type of work.
Veterinary Care
Veterinarians and veterinary technicians provide medical care and support to injured or sick animals. Veterinarians and veterinary technicians work in private practice, research facilities, animal hospitals and zoological settings. Veterinarian careers require a four-year veterinary degree, two to three years of residency experience and state veterinary licensing.
Veterinary technicians act as nurses for veterinarians. They assist in the care of animal patients and work in the same business settings. To become a veterinary technician, students must obtain an associate's degree in veterinary care and pass a state certification.
Wildlife Rehabilitators
Wildlife rehabilitators care for wild animals by providing medical, supportive retaining and physical rehabilitation. Wildlife rehabilitators are required to have either a veterinary degree or a veterinary tech certification. A career in wildlife rehabilitation also requires specific training in the care, feeding and release of wild animals. Many states require wildlife certification training and licensing for wildlife rehabilitators. Once licensed, wildlife rehabilitators can work as independent consultants or employees for animal shelters, wildlife refuges and zoos.
Animal Behaviorists
Applied animal behaviorists study and modify animal behavior, such as training elephants to lift their feet for grooming, stopping excessive barking in dogs and training therapy animals. Applied animal behaviorists specializing in dog training do not require a college education; dog training itself requires that students apprentice with an experienced trainer. A certified professional dog trainer is an advanced dog training certification received after formal training and testing from an approved animal training institution.
Applied animal behaviorists that want to work within animal laboratory, zoo or private animal rescue institutions must have an advanced applied animal behaviorist certification. To qualify for advanced certification, individuals require a veterinary degree or master's in biology, as well as five years of field experience in applied animal behavior.
Animal Attendants
Animal attendants require little or no training, though most businesses prefer high school graduates. Animal attendants work in retail pet stores, kennels and shelters. Their responsibilities include feeding, watering, grooming, bathing and exercising animals. Animal attendants seeking employment with aquariums, scientific laboratories or zoos require a college degree in biology or animal science.
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