Many people enjoy working with animals, especially dogs. If you could see yourself in a dog-related career, there are many to choose from. Here are some you may be familiar and others that you may not know much about, along with a job description and what to expect.
Types of jobs
Doggie daycare facilities are becoming more popular as dog owners look for ways to keep their dogs entertained while they are at work. Boarding kennels also house dogs, but for extended periods of time, from several days to several weeks. These types of facilities offer many entry-level opportunities for those who are looking to work part-time. No experience is needed, just a love of dogs. However, the pay is low and the work can be messy, as you will be spending a large portion of your day cleaning kennels. In addition, you are at risk of becoming injured by dog bites.
If you enjoy helping injured or sick dogs, you may be interested in becoming a veterinarian. Veterinarians must enjoy science and learning. There are always new treatments and medications to learn about. You will become a trusted source of information for dog owners. Veterinarians can make decent money, but they must often be on-call to help out in emergency situations. In addition, they must deal with situations such as bleeding and euthanasia, which can be hard for some people. You must also become licensed by passing an exam. Dogs that are scared may bite and scratch.
If you enjoy making dogs look beautiful, then look into dog grooming. Dog groomers brush and shampoo dogs and trim fur as needed. It can hard to get into this field without experience, so find a local established groomer and ask to work with him or her as an apprentice. You can also attend specialized schools for dog grooming. It may help to become certified.
A pet store can be a good place to start a retail career in dog supplies and care. You can care for animals, keep shelves stocked with supplies, offer advice to shoppers and meet new people. Very little experience is needed. If you show initiative, you can work your way into management. However, salaries are fairly low. Plus, if you become a manager, you will spend more time with employees than with dogs.
If you enjoy working closely with dogs and teaching them tricks and behavior, then you may want to look into being a dog trainer. You can train dogs of private owners or train dogs for service-oriented positions. Not much education is needed. Just contact the local humane society for certification courses in your community.
If you are law-oriented, an animal control officer may be the job for you. In this position, you ensure that dog owners obey laws regarding dog ownership. You may be called upon to inspect pet stores to ensure the animals are being cared for properly. You may also have to pick up stray dogs and respond to emergency situations. A driver’s license and clean driving record are required. The hours may not be regular and certification might be necessary, depending on state law.
Dog breeding can be a fun career. However, it is often a lot of work. There are many standards to maintain. Male and female dogs must undergo various tests before determining if they are healthy enough to breed. The puppies must be well-cared for before they go home to their new homes. They require food, shots and vet care, expenses that add up quickly, especially with larger litters. Although watching births can be exciting, it can be hard to make decent money at dog breeding unless you have a lot of different breeds of dogs.
Dog photography can be a fun job. You get to work with animals to entice them to pose in various positions. You could work for an advertising company, pet supply company or even for private dog owners. If you are creative and good at taking photos and videos, then this may be right up your alley.
Dog sitting and dog walking are fun jobs that allow you to be your own boss. You can do this on the side or even full time, especially if you live in an area with lots of dog owners, such as a city. You care for dogs while owners are away. You may be asked to walk them, feed them, administer medications and play with them. No special training is required. If you love spending time with dogs and have a flexible schedule, this could be a profitable business.
The exciting world of dog shows attracts many dog lovers. Many purebred dog owners participate in dog shows to earn titles for their dogs. Handlers and judges are needed for these shows. Both positions require a strong knowledge of purebred dog standards, especially judges. These positions require a dedication to the field and the ability to travel often. Income can be sporadic as well.
Dog walking
The initial investment will be small with a pooper scooper, nail clippers and perhaps an extra leash, treats and rainwear being all that is required. It is the kind of work that can be fun, offer exercise, be done part time, and it may be possible to walk more than one dog at a time.
When starting this kind of business, there is always the need to make sure there is enough demand. You may also want to create a list of services to offer, which could include daycare for animals.
One important aspect to think about is liability issues. When you are walking another person’s dog, you become responsible for that dog. What happens when the dog gets hit by a car or attacks a person or another dog? How would you deal with these situations? It is important to have the proper paperwork set up so you can protect yourself should these types of incidents arise.
Pet Business Experts has some good information that potential dog walkers should read about before starting their own business.
Other disadvantages of dog walking include having to clean up after dogs and work in miserable weather.
Rates
How much does a dog walker charge? The rate will depend on the person’s experience and certification. It is common to charge between $15 and $20 for a 30-minute walk and anywhere from $22-$30 for an hour walk. It is common to give a discount for multiple dogs from the same family or bulk purchases.
There are many types of dog jobs out there. Consider your personality and desired income level before pursuing any of them.