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Canine Careers: Five jobs where you can work with dogs

11/09/2011 |

You've probably heard the saying “Find a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” If you’re a dog-lover, your dream job might be working with canines.

Lots of careers include hands-on involvement with man’s best friend, but keep in mind there are risks such as being bitten or scratched and dealing with aggressive and fearful animals.

Check out these five careers that involve working with dogs:

ANIMAL BEHAVIORISTS/TRAINERS
The goal of behaviorists and trainers is usually to help pet owners get rid of unwanted behavior. With a lot of patience, they help transform unruly, obnoxious dogs into calm, controllable companions.

Trainers can take classes to receive certification as a professional trainer. They have to deal with aggressive animals and owners who may not follow their advice regarding the pet, which can be frustrating.

With dedication and some luck, this field can lead to training dogs for film, television and commercials. Trainers to “canine stars” usually study animal health, and their jobs entail preparing animals for what is required to star in a film. They need the ability to read animals to ensure a dog is right for a project. Overall, their focus is to keep the dog happy and healthy.

DOG GROOMERS
Dog groomers enjoy the satisfaction of turning a shaggy, possibly smelly dog into a clean, perfectly groomed pet in just a couple of hours. They build relationships with their clients (both the dogs and their owners) and can often be self-employed out of their homes.

Dog groomers can even be mobile, operating their business out of a van that visits clients’ homes. They get to spend lots of hands-on time with pets – a typical appointment might include bathing, drying, brushing and cutting hair. More detailed appointments might involve polishing a pup’s nails or dyeing its hair. Groomers often get creative with hair bows or bandanas.

They can receive professional training at schools such as the licensed and accredited New York School of Dog Grooming.

DOG BREEDERS
Though it sounds simple, dog breeding involves more than letting purebred dogs have puppies and selling them. Breeders also have to be vigilant about maintaining breed standards and keeping dogs healthy.

It is a good idea to start a career in breeding as a hobby and network with experienced, reputable breeders. Breeding takes a serious investment of time and money, and making a profit can take years. Many breeders do it as a second job because the profit margins can be slim.

KENNEL/DOGGIE DAYCARE WORKERS
A great way to begin a career working with dogs is by working at a kennel or doggie daycare center. You can usually be hired with no previous experience and receive training onsite.

The job might involve supervising playtime for dogs staying for the day or feeding and cleaning up after dogs boarding for several days. Although it is a messy job with little pay, dedicated workers can eventually manage or own their own boarding kennel or doggie daycare. Some doggie daycares are so upscale, they offer orthopedic pet beds and color TVs tuned to Animal Planet.

VETERINARIAN/VETERINARY TECHNICIAN
Perhaps the most gratifying dog-related career is working to help sick pets feel better. But veterinarians also have to bear the pain of seeing animals die and endure serious pain. They risk being bitten, scratched and urinated on, and they have to euthanize animals to relieve their suffering.

That being said, veterinarians get to see animals all day and can make a substantial amount of money. On the flip side, they have to pay for veterinary school and commit two to four years to earn a degree. It’s a good idea to talk to vets in your area about entry-level work and volunteer opportunities to see if you enjoy it before committing your career to it.