The animal care industry in general is expected to grow rapidly over the next several years, with many new job opportunities becoming available. Those occupations related to pets have an especially promising outlook because pet ownership is on the rise and many owners are willing to invest substantial amounts of money in the care and grooming of their pets.
The outlook for occupations related to the care of wild animals is less certain. Popular concern for wildlife is high, but public funding for park rangers and other wildlife caretakers is limited. Furthermore, competition for such jobs is very high and turnover is low, resulting in comparatively low salaries and few job openings. As in all fields, animal care jobs can always be found by people with the right combination of education, experience, determination, and concern for animals; unlike many other fields, animal lovers can often create their own jobs.
According to the American Horse Council Foundation’s 2023 Equine Economic Impact Survey, direct and indirect jobs linked to the equine industry totaled 2.2 million in 2023. The employment total was reported along with data indicating that the sector’s economic impact reached $177 billion that year. This was a significant increase from $122 billion in 2017. “The equine industry’s ripple effect extends beyond the traditional sectors, influencing a broad spectrum of industries,” the study noted. “From agriculture and tourism to veterinary services and technology, the survey showcases the interconnectedness of the equine world with other economic realms.”
The U.S. Department of Labor reports that there were 57,900 animal trainers and 364,600 nonfarm animal caretakers employed in the United States in 2023. The majority worked as nonfarm animal caretakers in boarding kennels, animal shelters, stables, grooming shops, animal hospitals, and veterinary offices. A significant number also worked for animal humane societies, racing stables, dog and horse racetrack operators, zoos, theme parks, circuses, and other amusement and recreations services. The department predicts that employment in this sector of animal care will grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2033. Animal caretakers will experience a 17 percent increase in employment, while trainers will see employment rise by 6 percent.
The research group IBISWorld indicated that the U.S. veterinary services market grew at a compound annual rate of 3.2 percent between 2019 and 2024, including a 1.3 percent increase in 2024, specifically. After reaching $65.9 billion that year, revenues were forecast to continue growing between 2025 and 2030. “Many pet owners are increasingly willing to pay for new treatments, opening the door for veterinarians to offer a broader range of services to attract pet owners,” the firm stated. Veterinarians are expected to experience much faster than average growth through 2033, with employment rising by 19 percent, according to the DOL. Professionals in this field are providing many of the same advanced procedures that historically have been reserved for human patients, including kidney transplants and cancer treatment.