For true dog lovers, spending every day of every week around dogs might seem like a dream come true. But can jobs working with dogs actually pay the bills? Whether dog fanciers are students making career choices or bread winners ready for a career change, they will be happy to learn that some dog professions have potential to be quite lucrative.
Dog Trainer- Some dog trainers learn in an accredited dog trainer school while some learn alongside another professional. This field offers great opportunities. Professional dog trainers are often hired for training in pet obedience, specialized competitions, police dogs, drug and contraband dogs, guide dogs, assistance dogs, search and rescue dogs, and dogs used in movies and television.
Animal Behaviorist-This small but growing field requires extensive education and experience. Animal behaviorists go beyond dog training by studying behavior problems in pets and recommending solutions to their owners. Their expertise is sought by pet owners, animal trainers, and zoos.
Show Dog Handler-Many professional show dog handlers learn their trade as a handler’s assistant. Handling dogs in the ring in a way that shows off their best qualities requires experience, dedication, and a strong love for dogs. Highly competitive show dog owners hire professional handlers to coordinate travel, training for the ring, and preparatory grooming.
Dog Show Judge-This is definitely a work-your-way-up position. Dog show judges usually begin by learning everything they can about certain breed standards as well as breeding, training, and showing their own dogs, and assisting judges with paperwork and ribbons. They may begin judging at small, local fun matches and after acquiring much knowledge and experience, apply to the kennel club for approval as a judge for certain breeds.
Dog Artist and Photographer - This service can be learned as a hobby, as an assistant, or by attending classes offered by a college or photography studio. Competitive earnings in this field depend on quality work, and marketing skills. Employment can be found at dog shows, pet stores, magazines, newspapers, and companies producing calendars, clothing decals, and other novelty items.
Dog Groomer - Groomers sometimes learn on the job or attend a short session of classes at a grooming school to learn how to bathe, brush, clip and style a dog's coat. Groomers also brush teeth, trim nails, clean ears and sometimes express anal glands. After graduation, students may get help with job placement such as with an established grooming salon or pet store, while others enjoy the flexibility of their own business.
Veterinarian - Becoming a veterinarian requires time, money, and long term dedication. Four years of undergraduate school must be completed with studies in math, science, biology and chemistry, followed by four years of study at an accredited veterinary school to receive a DVM degree. After that a licensing exam must be passed. Some veterinarians start out as a partner in an established clinic before beginning practice on their own. Some may open an office, some may do house calls only, and others may work for a zoo, shelter or other animal establishment.
Veterinary work can be demanding and at times, sad, when a patient is beyond help but the rewards of seeing many more sick and injured animals restored to health are great.
All these positions, with perseverance and self promotion, have the potential to be high paying careers. Because earning an adequate income consumes a significant portion of our lives, it’s important to choose a career that brings long term joy and fulfillment.
Other jobs requiring less preparation are discussed in Jobs for Dog Lovers.
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