Question about careers as vets and others involving animals.

I'm about to graduate with an AAS in Biotechnology. It's more of a 'behind the scenes' type thing, but you could work in an animal laboratory. The work is usually husbandry, DNA analysis, protein tests, that kind of thing. It's more scientific than straight care/maintenance. Check it out online if that sounds up your alley. ; >

Hi,Jenn-
I have been a veterinarian since 1983 and it is a wonderful profession. Like any other job, there are parts of it that are difficult, but it is also extremely rewarding. There are many types of veterinary careers- I have been in Food Animal practice(dairy cattle/sheep/goats), companion animal practice(dogs/cats/pocket pets) and now am caring for dogs and cats in a shelter setting. The AVMA has lots of information on becoming a vet-www.avma.org-also I strongly suggest asking a local vet if you can observe their practice if you haven't already done so. There are also many other wonderful careers caring for animals-vet techs, groomers, shelter workers, dog trainers. I wish you good luck at this exciting time in your life.

I too wanted to become a vet. However, I did not want to apply myself to the discipline that it took to become a vet!!!! It takes as long to become a vet as it does to become a doctor!!! What I did was go around to the local vets to clean the kennels, while I was in school, and then started working for a couple of vets, doing paper work while they were on farm calls. I also worked as a volunteer at the "dog pound" giving baths, cleaning kennels, etc. and eventually, I started working for a vet full time. I went on to school and got my vet tech license, and had a wonderful career as a tech, getting to do a whole realm of things, but never achieved my goal of being a vet. I did go on to college, but I regret not pursuing my first love - animals!!! Talk to your local shelter, vets, and pet stores. Good luck! Leave your options open.

I really don't have that great of advice, because I'm in the same situation as you.
But, I think an Animal Control officer (Animal cop) would be a great job. Maybe contact a local veterinarian to hear about what the job entails. Maybe look around to see what Colleges have good veterinary programs, then contact a counselor from there.

You got some good answers here. And people notice when you have walked that long road. My vet had a good tech and I was happy to see when I brought Stache in (I hadn't had a pet for a while since they treated a dog of mine) that she had become a licensed vet and would be his doc that day. Many of the techs are as trained as anyone and I take their advice as well. No matter where on that road you end up, you'll be doing useful work.