10 Animal-Related Careers That Don’t Require a Doctorate

You may have looked into working in different animal-related careers, perhaps as a vet, zoologist, or in other fields, but you worry that you don’t have the time or money to get your doctorate. Worry not. If you don’t have the resources to attend extensive schooling, there are still opportunities to work with your favorite animals. From working as a zookeeper at the local zoo to landing a job as a park ranger, there are many jobs to consider. 

In this guide, we’ll tell you about 10 different animal-related careers that you can consider today with limited schooling. We’ll tell you what you’ll do in each job, the training that’s required, and the current job market for that position. Plus, we’ll give you salary ranges courtesy of Indeed.com. See if there is a career here that suits your needs, and we wish you happy job hunting!

Zookeeper

Starting Salary: $13/hr
Salary Cap: $26/hr

A zookeeper isn’t a zoologist, so a degree isn’t necessary. Instead, a zookeeper is typically an hourly employee who works for the zoo. You may work with a variety of animals or focus on caring for a specific species each day. Duties could include everything from feeding the animals and cleaning their excrement to giving them medication. You won’t provide medical care for the animals, but you will notify the medical staff if you observe any unusual behavior. You may also be required to host shows or educational Q&A sessions for zoo guests. 

What’s the Job Market Like?

The job market is about average for zookeepers, but you’re somewhat limited by the number of zoos in any given place. With that said, the market is also competitive, with many animal lovers fighting for the positions. However, as more people become interested in nature and conservation, it’s possible that the job market will grow. 

Training Required:

Though zookeeping is one of the animal-related careers in which you will not need a doctorate,  many zoos will look for a bachelor’s degree or potentially an associate’s degree in a relevant field. Volunteer experience or internships can also improve your chances of being hired. Once you get a job, you’ll be trained on the specifics of your job. 

Animal Trainer

Starting Salary: $12/hr
Salary Cap: $30/hr

Another animal-related career that you can pursue, even if you don’t have a doctorate degree, is that of an animal trainer. This career offers many different specializations and work environments. You could be an obedience trainer for dogs and cats, work at the circus training animals, or work as an animal trainer on commercials and films, and TV sets. The sky really is the limit. Plus, you don’t need a doctorate degree because there will likely be a vet on staff nearby in case of a health emergency.

What’s the Job Market Like?

Since the position of animal trainer is so varied, there are plenty of job opportunities if you find something that suits your interests. The job market for animal trainers is expected to grow by 15% by 2033 due to a number of factors, including the increase in people requiring service animals. This seems like the time to start your career in this field.

Training Required:

The training you’ll need to be an animal trainer will depend on the animal and the type of work that you do. While a degree in biology or animal science can help, it’s not always necessary, especially if you’re already very familiar with the animals you’re training. One great way to gain the necessary experience is to find an internship with an existing animal trainer and learn everything they know.

Veterinary Assistant

Starting Salary: 13.22/hr
Salary Cap: $25.33/hr 

If you’re going to be a full-fledged veterinarian, then you’re going to need a doctorate degree. However, to become a veterinary assistant, you need much less education. You’ll assist the veterinarian with tasks similar to those performed by nurses in human hospitals. As an assistant, you’d take the animal’s blood and temperature, get urine samples, clean kennels and cages, restrain animals during tests, and more. You may work in an actual veterinary office or work with a vet in a zoo or other animal-centered setting. 

What’s the Job Market Like?

People who love first aid and animals should seriously consider a career as a veterinary assistant because the market is growing quickly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this role is likely to grow by 19% by the year 2033. A vet works a lot with pets, and as long as people have pets, which they likely always will, you will have a job. While many people want to go to school to be licensed vets, there will always be positions for assistants.

Training Required:

To be a veterinary assistant, you may not need any formal training. Many assistants learn on the job. Most places are likely to want a high school diploma or GED. Before you get a job, you may need to take Certified Veterinary Assistant exams, and you may need to re-up your training every year. You may get your start as an intern and work your way up. If you’re interested, look up a local vet and ask if they’re hiring.

Animal Control

Starting Salary: $15/hr
Salary Cap: $32/HR

In the slightly different realm of animal-related careers, we have the role of animal control specialist. In this job, you’ll likely work in a city or neighborhood setting and respond to animal-related emergencies. Your responsibilities include capturing loose animals and enforcing animal cruelty laws. Keep in mind that this type of job is not for the faint of heart, as your work could also involve euthanizing animals. However, it can be one of the higher-paying careers on the list.

What’s the Job Market Like?

The job market for animal control professionals is growing slowly, as it’s not as popular as some of the other careers on this list. The availability of these jobs depends heavily on government budgets, so openings can be unpredictable. However, once you have the job, you’ll likely keep it for a while.

Training Required:

You don’t need a doctoral degree to become an animal control specialist, but you’ll need some training. More specifically, you’ll likely need certifications in first aid and CPR as well as a National Animal Control Association Certification. Most animal control associations may also ask for a high school diploma. If you have a previous law enforcement job or have taken public safety courses, that will also help.

Park Ranger

Starting Salary: $13/hr
Salary Cap: $29/hr

A park ranger may not always be dealing directly with animals, but you’re bound to come across them. The primary duty of a park ranger is to protect a national or state park and preserve its natural resources. Your duties will differ based on the park. Some park rangers may spend their days monitoring soil and air quality and working to prevent forest fires, while others may spend their time giving lectures to tourists. No matter what you do during the day, it’s likely that you’ll be preserving animal lives in one way or another. A degree can help you become a park ranger, but it is not always required, depending on the specific job duties.

What’s the Job Market Like?

The job market for park rangers is growing, but not all jobs are careers. Many entry-level park ranger jobs will be part-time, and competition for them may be fierce. However, there are many opportunities at local, state, and federal parks. There are over 640 million acres of federal land in the United States, and they need people to manage it, so there are opportunities out there.

Training Required:

The training necessary to become a park ranger will vary depending on how far you want to go in your career. If you’re looking to work at a local park, you may be able to get your foot in the door with just a high school diploma. Those interested in federal work will typically need a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, natural resources, or other related fields. If you want to move up the ranks further and make the most money, you may need your doctorate or at least two full academic years of graduate education.

Fish Hatchery Technician

Starting Salary: $15/hr
Salary Cap: $28/hr

If you are someone who loves rivers, oceans, lakes, and all things aquatic, then a career as a fish hatchery technician may be right for you. As the name suggests, you would work in a fish hatchery, helping with tasks that enable the operation to run smoothly. Typical duties include checking and maintaining tank temperatures, transferring fish to larger tanks, testing for illness and bacteria, keeping records, and more. If your hatchery is open to visitors, you may also answer questions and provide educational information.

What’s the Job Market Like?

Most career sites say that the job market for fish hatchery technicians is good, with a market that will stay consistent or grow over the next several years. 

Training Required:

The training required for a fish hatchery technician depends on the specific responsibilities of the position. However, most fisheries look for a bachelor’s degree in biology, agriculture, statistics, aquaculture, or a similar field. If you don’t have a degree, look for hatcheries that offer internships or training programs to gain hands-on experience.

Environmental Technician

Starting Salary: $16/hr
Salary Cap: $31/hr

If you want to make the world a better place for all living things, then one of the animal-related careers you should consider is becoming an environmental technician. In this role, you monitor and test the environment for contamination and pollution to ensure the world is safe for animals and humans. On a typical day, you may test air and soil samples or perform other tasks under the supervision of environmental scientists. You may also work for a government agency.

What’s the Job Market Like?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the role of environmental technician is projected to grow 7% over the next several years, so this is the time to jump in. As the population becomes even more concerned about the planet’s well-being, they are more likely to support roles in sustainability and environmental protection, so there is unlikely to be a shortage of jobs in this area anytime soon.

Training Required:

In order to work as an environmental technician, you’re going to need at least an associate’s degree. Some jobs may require just a high school diploma, while others may ask for a bachelor’s degree. Once hired, you will receive on-the-job training. Like the other careers, you may also find an internship to get your foot in the door.

Wildlife Blogger and Photographer

Starting Salary: $10/hr
Salary Cap: $55/hr

Many people are interested in learning about nature, and you can contribute by writing about and photographing animals. This career is ideal for those who want a flexible schedule, enjoy creative work, and wish to travel. You may be able to do this job as an employee at a company, or you could be a freelancer. If you work independently, you will need to find your own clients, and your income may be inconsistent.

While photographing animals is the main task, you will also need a strong understanding of wildlife and their habitats. You’ll need to be familiar with weather patterns and different environments to find the best time to take your photos for the biggest impact.

What’s the Job Market Like?

As far as the job market, this one is harder to pin down. It’s believed that the outlook for this profession is positive and that there will be new jobs in the coming years. This job requires a diverse skill set that not everyone has. It’s also a job that a lot of people would like to have, so it’s very competitive. With that said, if you really want the job, there’s a chance you can get it.

Training Required:

If you’re going to be a photographer, you need to know how to take pictures with anything from a cell phone to a professional camera. You’ll need to research animal behavior and habitats to determine the best times and methods for capturing compelling images. If you also want to blog, consider taking writing classes or seeking mentorship from experienced bloggers. This is one of the easiest careers to join, but it is competitive.  

Farm Manager

Starting Salary: $11/hr
Salary Cap: $33/hr

As a farm manager, you are responsible for the overall administration and maintenance of the farm, including ordering supplies, ensuring animal welfare, and overseeing production. If an animal appears to be sick, the farm manager can call a veterinarian or specialist for assistance. Additional responsibilities include managing the budget and employee records, so business experience is beneficial.

What’s the Job Market Like?

If you want to become a farm manager, you’ll want to act soon. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of farm managers is projected to decline by 2% from 2023 to 2033. This is based on the limited number of positions and farms in the country. It’s a good job, and employee satisfaction is high, but you may need to be in the right place at the right time.

Training Required:

Some people become farm managers by working their way up on a corporate or family farm. If you lack this experience, a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science or a related field is often required. Previous management experience in other industries may also be applicable. Some farms may require a master’s degree, but it is not always necessary.

Dog Walker/Sitter

Starting Salary: $13/hr
Salary Cap: $34/hr

As the name suggests, this career involves walking one or several dogs, often on a part-time basis. You may also work as a pet sitter, which typically involves walking the dogs. If you love canines, then you can often find this job without much experience. You need to demonstrate trustworthiness, responsibility, and the ability to keep dogs safe. Walking multiple dogs at once can be challenging, but if you are up to it, this part-time job can be rewarding and may lead to starting your own business.

What’s the Job Market Like?

One advantage of dog walking is that you can often find clients in your own neighborhood. If you know someone who owns a dog and works full-time away from home, you can offer your services as a dog walker or sitter for a fee. You can then use word of mouth to gain more clients and eventually build a thriving business.

Training Required:

To be a dog walker, you need to be a self-starter who can manage your time and resources. No formal education is required. To impress clients, consider learning about dog behavior and care. Taking management and first aid classes can also enhance your credibility and improve your resume.