Employment in the animal care field is expected to grow by 16 percent through 2032, much faster than the average for all careers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Many people have pets and are concerned with their pets' care. Owners who work full-time away from their homes will also want their pets cared for in their absence. Dog-walking services, pet sitting and in-house care, boarding facilities, kennels, and such that provide assistance with the daily care of an animal for the working or traveling owner are far more prevalent and successful than before.
Veterinary services are also on the rise, with the increased number of pets and the increased awareness on the part of owners that vet services are essential to an animal's well-being. Additionally, opportunities should be strong for caretakers at shelters and rescue leagues.
There is a high turnover in the profession. This is due in part to the seasonal nature of some of the jobs, the low pay, and the lack of advancement opportunities in the field. Wildlife sanctuaries, release and rescue programs, shelters, and zoos and aquariums are heavily dependent on charitable contributions and fund-raising efforts. Staff employment can be tied to the rise and fall of donations. Many of these institutions rely heavily on volunteer labor. As such, the competitiveness for the paid jobs is quite high.
Less favorable job opportunities are predicted for animal caretakers in zoos and aquariums, as these are the most sought-after positions, partly because of the ability to work with exotic and wild species. Aspiring animal caretakers will find few openings in these facilities.
Graduates of veterinary technician programs have the best employment prospects. Laboratory animal technicians and technologists also have good opportunities. Increasing concern for animal rights and welfare means that these facilities are staffing more professionals to operate their labs.
- Agribusiness Technicians
- Agricultural Consultants
- Agricultural Equipment Technicians
- Agricultural Pilots
- Agricultural Scientists
- Animal Behaviorists
- Animal Breeders and Technicians
- Animal Handlers
- Animal Physical Therapists
- Animal Trainers
- App Services Workers
- Aquaculturists
- Aquarists
- Arborists
- Beekeepers
- Biosecurity Monitors
- Botanists
- Chemists
- Cleaning Service Owners
- Dairy Products Manufacturing Workers
- Dry Cleaning and Laundry Workers
- Ecologists
- Farm Crop Production Technicians
- Farm Equipment Mechanics
- Farmers
- Farmers' Market Managers/Promoters
- Fishers
- Food Technologists
- Funeral Home Workers
- Genealogical Researchers
- Grain Merchants
- Grounds Managers
- Groundwater Professionals
- Home Health Care Aides
- Horticultural Inspectors
- Household Workers
- Housekeepers and Maids
- Landscapers
- Lawn and Gardening Service Owners
- Life Coaches
- Meatcutters and Meat Packers
- Molecular and Cellular Biologists
- Mortuary Cosmetologists
- Nail Technicians
- Nursery Owners and Managers
- Organic Farmers
- Painters and Paperhangers
- Personal Care Aides
- Pest Control Workers
- Pet Shop Workers
- Pet Sitters
- Professional Organizers
- Range Managers
- Rewilders
- Soil Conservationists and Technicians
- Soil Scientists
- Spa Managers
- Swimming Pool Servicers
- Tattoo Artists
- Taxidermists
- Tobacco Products Industry Workers
- Veterinarians
- Veterinary Technicians
- Zoo and Aquarium Curators and Directors
- Zookeepers