Switching Careers to Work With Animals: Education Paths to Consider

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Curious about ditching the desk job to work with animals?

You’re not alone. More people are switching careers to enter the animal field than ever before, and the opportunities in this expanding area of employment are real.

Here’s the good news:

Career changers don’t have to start from scratch. With the right educational path, they can pivot into this rewarding line of work faster than they might think.

Why Animal Careers Are Booming Right Now

Animal care jobs are exploding with opportunity.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of animal care and service workers will increase by 11% from 2024 to 2034. This is much faster than the average for all occupations.

But there’s more.

An estimated 81,700 openings for animal care workers are expected each year over the next decade. Many of these openings are created by animal workers who retire or change to different roles. This creates space in the industry for career changers who are ready to start.

Pet ownership is at an all-time high. More households than ever before view their pets as a member of the family. Pet owners are willing to spend more money on quality animal care than in years past.

This creates demand for professionals who are trained to understand animal health and behavior.

Education Paths That Fit Working Adults

Switching careers to work with animals while managing life and work responsibilities is no easy feat.

The good news is that working adults have flexible education options that are designed specifically to fit their needs. For those interested in working in veterinary facilities, animal training, wildlife conservation, or another animal field, there is a path forward.

Animal Health and Behavior Degrees, for example, cover broad areas of animal study and prepare working adults for a number of career opportunities. The best programs cover essential topics such as animal psychology, animal nutrition, animal wellness, and behavior modification techniques.

Those interested in working as animal behavior specialists will appreciate pursuing an animal behavior degree online. Studying online offers maximum flexibility for people who can’t afford to put their careers or families on hold. Online programs offer asynchronous study options that allow students to complete coursework on their own time while building the credentials employers want to see.

Smart, right?

The main education paths to consider include:

Associate Degrees: Completed in about 2 years. Ideal for entry-level positions, including veterinary assistants or animal shelter jobs.
Bachelor’s Degrees: Completed in about 4 years. Paves the way for animal training, zookeeping, wildlife rehab, and management jobs.
Certificates: Shorter-term programs that focus on a single skill or area of study. Can be used to build credentials quickly.

Matching the appropriate education level to specific career goals is key. An associate degree may be enough for people who want to work as an animal caretaker. Bachelor’s degree or higher education is ideal for research, training, and more advanced work.

How Online Degrees Make the Switch Easier

Time is one of the biggest hurdles for career changers.

The reality is that most people can’t leave their jobs and focus on full-time education. This is where the power of an online degree comes into play for those who want to become animal professionals.

Online programs have come a long way. No longer are they considered a subpar education. In fact, many employers now see online degrees as equal to those received through traditional formats.

According to a survey from NACE, 87.4% of employers hired a graduate with an online degree. The same employers also paid the online graduate the same starting salary as they would a graduate from an in-person degree program.

Huge for those who are changing careers.

Online animal science and behavior programs typically offer virtual lectures, online discussion forums, and remote internship opportunities. Courses are designed to be completed around existing work and family schedules.

Some online programs also provide hybrid options that combine online learning with supervised hands-on experiences at local animal shelters, rehabilitation centers, and veterinary clinics.

Top Jobs You Can Land With the Right Training

The real question for most career changers is: What kind of work can I actually get after completing education?

Turns out there are more options than people realise. The animal industry has a host of career paths across different work settings and specialities.

Animal Trainer: Animal trainers work with dogs, service animals, horses, and sometimes even zoo animals. Their work is teaching and training animals to perform specific behaviors. This job requires a deep understanding of animal psychology.
Veterinary Technician: Veterinary technicians work under veterinarians to support them with exams, procedures, and day-to-day animal care in the facility. Vet techs often have to complete additional certification at the state level. Great for people interested in animal medical care.
Animal Shelter Manager: Shelter managers are tasked with running the daily operations of rescue and animal shelters. They coordinate the work of other staff and volunteers, process adoptions, and ensure animal welfare standards are being met.
Wildlife Rehabilitator: Wildlife rehab professionals work with injured, sick, or orphaned wild animals. The goal is to treat them so they can be released back into the wild. This work typically requires specialised training and permits.
Zookeeper: Zookeepers work with exotic and farm animals in zoos or research settings. They perform daily animal husbandry, food prep, and health checks. Competition for these jobs can be high, so education and experience count.
Animal Behaviourist: Animal behaviorists analyse animal behavior and implement intervention strategies. This role typically requires advanced education but can be very rewarding.

The variety of work available is impressive. Someone who loves wildlife can take a very different path than someone interested in domestic animals. Education makes all these paths possible.

Making the Transition Smoother

The reality is that no career change is completely easy.

But there are things working adults can do to make the transition easier and smoother. The first thing to do is some research into specific roles. Not every animal career will be the right fit for personal interests or lifestyle needs. For example, not all animal jobs require working nights and weekends.

Volunteering is another smart step to take. Local animal shelters, rescue groups, and veterinary clinics are always in need of help. This provides practical experience while earning an animal science degree or certificate.

Networking is key too. Talking with professionals already working in the animal field can provide access to job opportunities and advice. There are plenty of industry associations and online communities where people can start networking now.

Finally, students can accelerate the process by choosing an education program that provides career support. Accredited programs typically offer assistance with job placement, resume building, and connections to employers who are actively hiring.

Wrapping Things Up

Switching careers to work with animals is entirely possible.

Animal care jobs are growing at a fast clip. Employers accept and respect online credentials. There are education paths for working adults who can’t afford to quit their jobs and go back to school full-time.

Remember these points:

Animal care jobs are expected to grow 11% in the next decade
Online degrees are legitimate and result in pay that is equal to in-person degrees
There are multiple career paths from animal training to veterinary work to wildlife rehab
Volunteering and networking help people switch careers faster

Animal industry employment is real for people who are willing to take the time to pursue the right education. With an Animal Health and Behavior Degree, career changers can gain the credentials and knowledge they need to land rewarding jobs that help animals every day.

Desk jobs can wait.