So what are the top jobs working with animals? That’s sort of a trick question, as it really depends on what you’re skills and aptitudes are, and what type of work you’re interested in doing.

For example, working in an animal shelter might be the first choice for one person, but another would find the work too difficult due to the fact that so many animal shelters have to euthanize pets due to overcrowding. Or if you’re not comfortable with the idea of cutting into an animal, a career as a veterinary surgeon probably won’t appeal to you.

But don’t get discouraged. There are plenty of other options, and lots of jobs working with animals that will allow you to spend your works days surrounded by animals, while still earning a good living. Be aware that some animal-related jobs aren’t high-paying, but don’t discount the benefits of working at a job that you love doing.

Some of the following jobs are pet-related businesses that you can start with little or no formal training. Others are more technical, and will require at least a four-year college degree to get started. Some are even volunteer positions that don’t require any training, but can be valuable ways to get experience in the animal care field. So there are a lot of options available, no matter what your education or skill level.

Here then are some of our top jobs working with animals:

• Veterinarian. Veterinarians are the doctors of the animal world, and this is probably the top job in the animal care field. Veterinarians often open their own practice, or work at an established animal hospital, clinic, shelter or zoo. This is a job working with animals that does require a college degree, in addition to receiving a license from the state in which the vet plans to practice.
  
  
• Veterinary technician. This is a very popular job in the animal care field, and demand is growing as more and more animal hospitals and clinics open up around the country. Vet techs work closely with veterinarians, and assist in surgeries, perform screenings and routine health checks, give vaccinations, draw blood, perform x-rays, and help with the general care of the animals at the facility.
  
  
• Pet sitting business. This is an easy one to start, with little or no start-up capitol or experience. Many people don’t want to leave their dog or cat at a kennel when they leave town, and many petsitters also serve as house sitters while the pet owner is away.
  
  
• Dog trainer. With more and more dogs in this country, there’s a greater need to have them trained. Many dog owners don’t have the time or patience to do this work themselves, and so they hire a dog trainer to do it for them. There are a number of colleges around the country that specialize in dog training, and offer hands-on experience working with professional animal trainer.
  
  
• Wildlife rehabilitator. This is challenging and rewarding work, as wildlife rehabilitators make a difference by helping wild animals in need. As the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico proved, wild animals are in constant danger of being caught in man-made disasters, and workers are needed to help rescue these unfortunate animals. Wildlife rehabilitators help clean animals, bandage their wounds, feed and water them, give blood and other tests, and more.
  
  
• Pet Groomer. Many people treat their dogs and cats as part of the family, and are willing to pay to have them cleaned and groomed on a regular basis. Many pet groomers report having more work than they can handle after a year or two in business. A pet groomer needs to be experienced in a wide variety of breeds, as each one requires different grooming practices. There are schools around the country that offer courses in pet grooming, and these can usually be completed in less than one year.
  
  
• Zoologist. A zoologist is a specialist who is trained to study animals in their natural environment, and understand their behavior. They don’t necessarily work in a zoo, but they do generally specialize in one particular type of animal. This is one animal career where an advanced degree is almost always required, such as a degree in animal behavior or zoology.

And there you have it. Our top jobs working with animals, although there are certainly a lot more we left off the list. This is a growing career field that has many options for the animal lover, animal trainer, or anyone interested in caring for pets and other animals.

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