Non-Degree Careers Working With Animals

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers look after the basic needs of animals in their care by feeding them, ensuring they're bathed and keeping their kennels or cages clean. They may also assist veterinarians with the medical care of animals, give animals shots and perform other tasks, such as preparing medical equipment for use. This is an ideal career option for those who enjoy working with animals but do not have a degree. Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers usually need a high school diploma and learn through on-the-job training.

Dog trainers

Dog trainers need to have a high school diploma and may also be required to complete private training or a college program, but they do not need to have a degree. They spend their career helping dogs master specific commands. Some may also train animals to perform specialized tasks, such as serving as guide dogs for individuals who are blind. They may also train security dogs.

Animal Care and Service Workers

Animal care and service workers are usually expected to have a high school diploma or GED. On-the-job training will prepare them for the tasks that they perform. This field includes groomers and pet sitters. Their duties can include routine care, such as feeding animals and providing them with exercise, or bathing animals and trimming the animal's fur or nails.

Nonfarm Animal Caretakers

Nonfarm animal caretakers provide care for animals that are pets, such as cats. They look after basic daily needs, such as ensuring these animals are fed, and they may also be involved with the medical care of the animals they work with. They only need a high school diploma to pursue this type of career, although prior experience with animals can be an asset.

First-line Supervisors of Animal Husbandry and Animal Care Workers

To work as a first-line supervisor of animal husbandry and animal care workers it's necessary to have some postsecondary training through a vocational program or practical work experience. The majority of those employed as first-line supervisors in this capacity have a high school diploma or certificate. They provide direction for animal husbandry and animal care workers to ensure that animals are cared for. As part of their duties they may also be involved in observing and inspecting animals to ensure that they're healthy, and when necessary they may provide basic medical care to animals.

Animal Breeders

Animal breeders help determine which animals should be bred. In some cases, they artificially inseminate animals, and their regular duties also involve providing routine care for animals, such as feeding them and cleaning their habitat. Some postsecondary training or previous experience working with animals is usually necessary to enter this field. While some may opt to earn an associate's degree, the majority of those employed as animal breeders have a high school diploma, GED or some postsecondary studies but do not have a degree.

Animal Control Workers

Animal control workers may investigate animal abuse and remove animals that are mistreated or neglected from unsafe environments. They are also the ones who investigate and secure animals that may be dangerous, such as dogs that bite people. This is a career that involves working with animals that does not require a degree, although a high school diploma is often required.

Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch and Aquacultural Animals

Farmworkers who work with farm, ranch and aquacultural animals perform a range of tasks related to the care of these animals. This can include feeding them, monitoring their health, shearing sheep and cleaning pens. A high school diploma or GED is required for some positions in this field but a degree is not required to work with animals in this capacity.