Employers
Animal handlers are employed by zoos, aquariums, parks, animal shelters, movie studios, research laboratories, animal breeding facilities, rodeos, and museums. There are about 268,830 nonfarm animal caretakers in the United States. According to the Department of Labor, the states with the highest concentration of jobs for animal handlers are Kentucky, Idaho, Missouri, Iowa, and Virginia.
Starting Out
Depending on the area of animal care in which you want to work, you may be able to find many great opportunities. A high school job or internship is a good start; experience with animals is what is most important to employers hiring handlers. Any volunteering you've done will also look good to an employer because it shows that you have a personal dedication to the care of animals. Kennels, petting zoos, museums, and animal shelters often run job postings on their Web site and on employment Web sites, as well as in the classified sections of newspapers. These positions are frequently available due to the lower pay and some of the hazards involved in handling animals.
Jobs with zoos in major cities, or with animal shows, can be highly competitive. If you're hoping to work in a larger, more famous zoo, you should first pursue experience with a smaller zoo. Jobs working with marine mammals are also difficult to get; because there are few marine animal shows in the country (such as those performed at Sea World parks), you may first have to pursue experience with internships and college programs.