Fetching Careers: 16 Jobs Where You Can Work With Dogs
They say that a dog is mankind’s best friend. Some people love dogs so much that they choose to work with them professionally.
As the numbers of service and companion dogs, as well as family pets, continue to grow, demand will grow for people trained and specialized in caring for dogs. Based on the sheer number of photos and cute dog captions we all see on Instagram each day, other dog-related employment can also be expected to increase.
The typical entry-level dog care worker has a high-school diploma or the equivalent, and most workers learn the skills they need through on-the-job training without needing certifications. Some jobs may require attending a specialized school, such as a pet grooming school. Dog trainers can take courses at community colleges, vocational schools or private institutions. Some roles, such as a vet, require a college degree.
Groups such as the National Dog Groomers Association of America, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters and Pet Sitters International all offer certification programs. Many U.S. states require animal care and service workers who are self-employed to have a business license.
The market for all animal care workers is expected to grow 16 percent from 2018 to 2028, a higher rate than the average of other professions.
Here’s a list of 16 jobs that may be perfect for you if you love dogs, and estimates of what salary you can earn.
Salary range for animal care and service workers in 2018: $23,760 to $38,640
Dog groomers help clients’ dogs stay clean, with neat, well-trimmed fur. Regular grooming care will prevent dog fur matting or shedding, and can detect if dogs have fleas or rashes. While dog groomers only need a high-school diploma, they need to apprentice and train with an experienced groomer. They can also attend grooming schools.
Salary range for animal care and service workers in 2018: $23,760 to $38,640
Dog sitters look after pets while their owner is away from home, either at work or traveling. A dog sitter will usually be expected to walk, feed and even play with their charges, and keep a dog to its routine.
Dog sitting can range from hosting pets in the sitter’s own home, to visiting and walking dogs each day, to staying in the owner’s house. Dog sitters with more skills or experience may also bathe, groom or even train dogs.
If emergencies arise, a dog sitter will be expected to have the animal treated by a vet. Pet Sitters International offers certification as a professional pet sitter.
Salary range for animal care and service workers in 2018: $23,760 to $38,640
Dog kennel attendants are similar to dog sitters in that they take care of dogs while their owners are traveling or away. This job requires a high-school diploma and offers on-the-job training; most employers will seek people with previous experience looking after dogs. Both the Humane Society of the United States and the American Humane Association offer classes for kennel workers.
Salary range for animal care and service workers in 2018: $23,760 to $38,640
A dog walker is similar to a dog sitter, caring for pets when the owners are away or at work. However, dog sitters normally just exercise dogs. They need to be fit, enjoy walking and have good upper body strength, particularly if they walk several dogs at the same time.
Dog walkers don’t need any experience to start, but owners often prefer to hire walkers who have referrals from other clients or who run a dog walking business. There are schools for dog walking, such as The Dog Walking Academy, which can train people in dog handling, canine first aid and other skills. Some states require dog walkers to have a license.
Salary range for animal control workers in 2018: $23,160 to $58,220
This field offers a range of jobs, from dog wardens and dogcatchers, to animal cruelty investigators to animal control officers. Animal control workers require skills in investigation, direct animal care, and public outreach and education. They may respond to calls about injured, lost or abused animals. They also may need to control and restrain animals, investigate pet abuse, give care to a sick or wounded animal, or transport an animal to a shelter or animal hospital. Animal control workers may also have to testify in court about animal abuse.
Salary range for animal trainers in 2018: $20,270 to $55,760
Pet trainers don’t need any formal education, and usually have on-the-job training by apprenticing or volunteering for an experienced trainer. To be an effective dog trainer, a person needs certain qualities: a calm manner, endless patience and empathy for dogs.
Trainers may lead a class for dogs or puppies, train animals one-on-one or work with rescue dogs before re-homing them. The Humane Society of the United States offers classes for dog trainers.
Salary range for animal trainers in 2018: $20,270 to $55,760
Service dogs are specially trained to assist owners with certain tasks or skills. For example, seeing-eye dogs can direct and lead people with partial- or full-sight disabilities, warning them of obstacles or potential hazards. A seizure alert dog is trained to detect the signs of an impending seizure, warn their owner and then assist the person during or after the incident.
This type of dog training is specialized and may require more education than a high school diploma, such as a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science, courses at community colleges or vocational schools, or certification from a professional organization or training program. Many specialized trainers get their start by volunteering or apprenticing with a professional trainer, shelter or obedience school, such as Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Salary range for veterinarians in 2018: $56,540 to $162,450
A veterinarian is an animal doctor who treats both illness and injuries in animals, and helps them to stay healthy. Their job involves making a diagnosis, prescribing medicines, carrying out surgery, giving vaccinations and advising owners on pet care. While some vets treat a wide range of animals, others choose to specialize in certain ones, such as horse or farm vets, or cats and dogs, or even wildlife.
Anyone wanting to become a vet has to first complete a Bachelor’s Degree, with a required list of science courses, and then attend a veterinary medicine school for three years. Graduates must then pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam before they can practice. While most vets prefer to treat pets in a private clinic, some specialize in large, exotic or zoo animals.
Salary range for veterinarian assistants in 2018: $19,950 to $38,890
Veterinary assistants help veterinarians with animal care and routine tasks. They are likely to treat a range of animals, not just dogs, but may work for a practice that treats just cats and dogs.
Veterinary assistants only need a high school diploma, as most are trained on the job. However, to be considered for a higher salary or to get promotions, veterinary assistants often choose to get certified through a program or vocational school.
Salary range for veterinary technicians in 2018: $23,490 to $50,010
Veterinary technicians work in a veterinary practice and carry out medical testing to help diagnose an animal’s injury or illness. Veterinary technicians are also likely to work with a range of animals, but can specialize in cats and dogs.
This job requires finishing a two- or four-year college-level program with the American Veterinary Medical Association. Veterinary technicians must then pass an exam and become registered, licensed or certified, depending on which state they want to work in.
Salary range for animal breeders in 2017: $25,590 to $69,130
Breeders choose and breed dogs according to bloodlines and certain desired characteristics, such as breed, intelligence or temperament.
Being a dog breeder is demanding, as they work to ensure their dogs are fed, cared for and active. Breeders must keep accurate records with health and development data of their dogs. A good breeder ensures they sell dogs only to homes where they will be treated well. Experienced dog breeders can charge top prices for purebred animals.
Breeders need to have a high school diploma and learn skills through on-the-job training by apprenticing or volunteering for an experienced breeder.
Salary range for photographers in 2016: $19,110 to $76,220
People with a passion for photography and a love for dogs can combine the two to become a dog photographer. Just as with any photography business, it’s a good idea to create a niche market to reduce competition. Some dog photography specialties include pet portraits, dog show photography, shelter dog portraits or marketing and advertising shoots. Some photographers sell s to stock photo sites or pet magazines.
Numerous online courses teach pet photography, for beginning to intermediate level students.
Some photographers run their own studio or work as a mobile photographer. Another possible job is working for a company that makes pet products or food, or for a website or publication that focuses on dogs.
Salary range for animal care and service workers in 2018: $23,760 to $38,640
Dog show handlers are typically freelance contractors who travel around the country showing dogs for private clients at competitive dog shows. Some handlers work with specific breeds, while others may specialize in certain types of dog handling, such as agility trials or obedience.
Handlers must be familiar with the protocols for each show. They need to arrange daily exercise, conditioning, grooming and obedience training for their clients’ dogs, and ensure that each dog’s medical and dietary requirements are fulfilled. Handlers must not only be able to relate well to dogs and understand canine behavior, they also need to be able to relate well to clients, show judges, breeders, other competitors and veterinarians.
Salary range for animal care and service workers in 2018: $23,760 to $38,640
Salary range for massage therapists in 2018:$21,340 to $78,280
Animal massage therapists work mostly with dogs and horses, using massage techniques on muscles and soft tissues. They are trained in animal health, including knowledge of anatomy and physiology. Dog massage can relax muscles, stimulate circulation and help increase range of motion, and improve a dog’s physical well being.
Animal massage therapists work together with veterinarians and dog owners to evaluate any physical issues a dog may have and come up with a treatment plan. They may work at veterinary practices, kennels, dog grooming salons or pet stores.
Therapists in this field need a good working knowledge of dog physiology, as well as animal first aid training. Most therapists take a training program in animal massage. Some states require them to be certified.
Salary range for police and detectives in 2018:$36,550 to $106,090
K9 officers are police who work with a trained police dog as part of their job. K9 officers must complete police academy training and spend one to two years as a patrol officer before they are eligible to apply for a canine unit.
K9 officers can expect to work irregular hours, particularly nights and weekends, and be consistently on call, as canine units are in high demand. Common K9 unit tasks are to help search for missing people or find drugs. A K9 officer’s dog will stay with the officer both on the job and at home, so the bond is a close one.
Having an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree (i.e., in criminal justice) is not a job requirement but improves a candidate’s chance for getting into a K9 unit.
#1: Dog Walker
Dog walkers take pups out for exercise, either once a day or as needed. Some dog walkers work at larger facilities, such as daycare centers with enough residents to require a specialized walker.
How to Get the Job: Dog walking has no special requirements other than physical mobility and the ability to hold one or more leashes, although experienced dog parents are better at managing dogs during walks and are more likely to get these jobs.
Spend Less Time Working, and More Time with Your Dog
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Do you love to bake, be creative and make tails wag? Being a dog treat baker is a fun job you can do with your dog to share healthy treats with more pet parents! Gourmet, healthy, and beautiful handmade treats, dog cupcakes, and birthday cakes are all the rage for pet parents. As a dog treat baker, you can come up with fun creations for different holidays and special events to keep your customers coming back.
To do this job, you need to know what ingredients are safe for dogs and which aren’t. Dog treats should look good, taste great and be healthy for our pups! When you’re getting started, try selling your treats at local farmer’s markets, maker fairs or at your local pet supplies store. And of course, make sure to take lots of fun photos to promote your brand on Instagram!
I’ve interviewed a lot of women who’ve created successful dog treat businesses! If you’re looking to start your own business, listen to my conversation with Minyoung of Dog Barkery Academy. She has a whole course that walks you through everything you need to do to launch your treat businesses! Taking a course like this will save you so much time versus figuring it out on your own!
Many pet owners work all day and need to leave their dogs at home alone. It’s not unusual for these owners to return home to find hyperactive or stressed-out dogs. When you are busy working long hours, it’s hard to give your dog the time they need, and that’s where doggie daycare can be a real lifesaver. Among all the jobs looking after dogs, working at a doggy daycare is a dream job for someone who has a lot of energy and loves to play with dogs all day.
Doggie daycare works a lot like daycare for children. The hours can be long and you’ll have to clean up after the dogs, but you’ll also get to have a ton of fun tiring them out! Working in a doggy daycare you’ll get to interact with tons of different dogs, so it’s important that you’re familiar with the behavior traits of a variety of different breeds, and that you are trained to prevent dog-dog aggression and break up fights (yes, they do happen sometimes).
You’ll spend your days supervising playtime, giving belly rubs and doing lots of cleaning. Doggy daycares usually wash tons of blankets, towels and toys every day to keep everything fresh and clean for the pups.
If you have enough room at your house, you might even be able to set up an In-Home Dog Daycare. In-home or private daycares can usually be run by one or two people and are restricted to a low number of dogs being cared for at any given time. Keep in mind that you will need space for your canine guests to play and sleep when they’re in your care, as well as play equipment such as play structures, toys, and even water features for hot days.
Additionally, you’ll need care-related equipment such as kennels and cages, food and water bowls, dog beds, leashes, treats, and cleaning supplies.
Don’t forget to check your state and local laws and regulations to determine the licenses or permits you need to start your own dog care business. Each state has different requirements for opening a business and specific health and safety regulations for animal-related businesses.
Want to learn more about the doggy daycare business? Listen to this podcast episode:Episode 23: Candace D’Agnolo of Pet Boss Nation Episode 102: Launch and Grow a Profitable Dog Daycare Business
If you have a huge heart for dogs (and other pets) and you are looking for jobs that involve dogs, then you might want to work at an animal rescue. The stories you hear and dogs you meet will definitely tug at your heartstrings, but you will make a huge impact on their lives. Working at an animal shelter can be a highly rewarding career with opportunities to take on challenges that can help you develop unique skills and knowledge of animals.
Dogs come into rescues for all sorts of reasons, so you’ll need to be flexible and ready to lend a hand however you can. That might include going out to pick up dogs in need, feeding, walking and caring for the dogs in the shelter’s care and helping with adoptions.
Animal shelters also need people who are good at marketing and fundraising. So if you have experience planning events or managing social media, this would be a unique place to offer your skills and let you work with dogs.
Ok, you might think that from all the exciting jobs working with dogs this is definitely not one you’d expect to see on the list. We don’t usually think that a delivery truck driver job involves a lot of dogs… but I found a whole Facebook group dedicated to dogs that UPS drivers meet along their routes!
According to the employee-run page, “UPS drivers deliver packages all day long. During each day, drivers encounter many dogs, most friendly and some not so nice. When time permits, drivers snap a photo and send it to UPS Dogs. Our followers love the photos and the stories told as we share our love of these special relationships with these lovable creatures.”
A growing career path for dog lovers is pet photography. Being a photographer takes creative ability, patience, and lots of practice. When you add in a furry, wiggly subject it gets even more challenging! But it’s so worth it! Dog photographers capture our pets in a way that we never could on our camera phones. The s they create become a lasting way to remember our dogs for many years to come.
To become a pet photographer you’ll need to learn a lot about photography and unique skills that help you get the perfect shot of dogs. That might include going to people’s homes, traveling to unique locations, or learning just the right word to get a dog’s attention.
This is a very entrepreneurial career choice, so you’ll also want to learn about pricing, sales, and marketing to make your pet photography business a success! Check out my Amazon recommendations for camera and office equipment to run your pet business.
5 jobs I give my dog
There’s nothing quite as rewarding as coming home from work to find your dog waiting for you. A big smile, wagging tail, and boundless excitement…what could be better than that?
Well, how about spending all day surrounded by dogs — and getting paid for it? It’s possible if you manage to snag one of the jobs on this list.
Below, you’ll find 24 of the best jobs for dog lovers on the market. These occupations are fun, rewarding, sometimes lucrative, and they’re perfect for anyone who enjoys the company of canines.