If working with animals is a career goal, you might want to explore the possibility of becoming a veterinary assistant. Veterinary assistant school prepares animal lovers to work in a variety of veterinary hospitals, clinics or other settings involving animal medical care.
Veterinary assistants enjoy a high rate of job satisfaction; they are among the top 30% of careers, in fact.. Helping pet owners keeping their dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and other animals healthy is a rewarding career.
But what does it take to become a veterinary assistant? Is a veterinary assistant school really worth it? Learning the answers to the following questions could help you decide if working in the veterinary field is the best career path for you.
How long is vet assistant school​?
Each vet assistant program has its own timeline for completion. Some career schools offer short, intense online-only courses that take less than three months to complete. Learning online at your own pace through a school like Animal Behavior College can take up to 12-18 months or sooner, working at your pace (and it has a hands-on component too!).
Do you need schooling to be a vet assistant​?
Technically, there are rarely any continuing education requirements for a vet assistant. A high school diploma or G.E.D. is usually enough. However, most employers prefer to hire people who have experience working with animals and someone with an educational background in veterinary medicine.
Lots of people want to work with animals and apply for vet assistant jobs, so employers can have the pick of the crop. If you don’t have experience or education, it can be difficult to find a job.
How much schooling is needed to be a vet assistant​?
While you do not have to go to school to be a vet assistant, it’s helpful to earn an education in veterinary assisting. You can do so by completing a single vet assistant course. You do not have to take multiple classes or go to school for years.
Are you confusing a vet assistant with a vet tech?
A vet tech is not the same thing as a vet assistant. A vet tech acts more as a registered nurse might in the human world. They perform more medically related tasks and command a higher salary. The trade-off is that they must have a two- or four-year college degree and pass a secondary national exam (and the expense that goes along with that).
How much is vet assistant school​?
The cost of vet assistant school can vary, depending on whether you attend an in-person school or choose an online or hybrid school. In-person vocational schools generally come with a higher tuition price tag.
Tuition for online schools’ range from $2,000 to $5,000.
Pricing will also depend on whether you pay in full up front or opt for a payment plan.
At ABC, tuition covers:
All required digital study materials, including our updated, revamped curriculum
46 educational videos
In person, real world experience with a minimum of 100 hours in a veterinary facility that ABC coordinates for you
Student support from your personally appointed Program Manager
Pet CPR and First Aid Certification (good for 2 years)
Lifetime approval as an ABC Veterinary Assistant (ABCVA) upon successful completion
What does the vet assistant school curriculum include?
 A comprehensive vet assistant curriculum covers what will be expected of you in most veterinary settings. Since job requirements include both administrative duties and support for veterinarians and vet techs, there’s a lot to learn!
ABC’s multi-stage curriculum includes:
Office etiquette and hospital procedures
Animal behavior and handling
Examination room procedures
Pharmacy and pharmacology
Surgical preparation and assisting
Small animal nursing
Laboratory procedures
Radiology ultrasound imaging and endoscopy
Career Building
Having this knowledge can prepare you to confidently answer veterinary assistant interview questions and hopefully fast track you landing a job!
What are the career paths available after becoming a veterinary assistant?
Veterinary assistants are not limited to working in vet clinics and hospitals. Any facility that houses or cares for captive animals will also need vet assistants to offer care, feeding, exercise and other tasks. Research labs, wildlife refuges, rehabilitation centers, humane societies, and animal shelters often hire veterinary assistants.
So if you prefer to work with wild or exotic animals, there are options, though typically, there are less employment opportunities than there are in veterinary practices. While you can find work as a veterinary assistant in a vet practice in both rural and urban areas in any state, you might have to be willing to relocate to get a job at a wildlife refuge, zoo or research lab.
Being a vet assistant can serve as a steppingstone in your veterinary career, too. If you love the work and want to pursue your vet tech degree, the familiarity with veterinary medicine gained in your job as a vet assistant will help you in your career pathway.
How much does a vet assistant make?
Vet assistant salaries vary around the country but are generally higher in urban areas. According to Zip Recruiter, the highest average salary ($40,614) was in Washington, and the lowest ($26,797) was in Florida.
The latest figure from the Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median wage for vet assistants at $36,440.
What are the most important qualities to be a successful veterinary assistant?
Vet assistants have a lot to do on any given day, and good communication skills, a positive attitude and flexibility are important assets. Vet assistants fill many roles in most practices, and they must be able to transition from administrative/front office mode to assisting with a patient exam or room prep as needed.
The job is physically demanding. It can involve restraining frightened animals and lifting pets on and off exam tables all day. Vet assistants are also on their feet a lot.
While the job comes with a lot of joy–so many adorable puppies and kittens–difficult situations arise every day, too. It’s hard to watch animals in pain; sometimes there are devastating diagnoses; assisting pet owners who are saying their final goodbyes to a beloved dog or cat can be gut-wrenching. It’s not a job for the faint of heart. Vet assistants need compassion for animals and empathy for what pet owners may be going through.
 Enroll in our vet assistant school today!
If you have decided a vet assistant career is for you, it’s time to take the next step. Animal Behavior College excels at helping animal lovers launch fulfilling careers. You can enroll anytime! Just call 800-795-3294 to speak to an admissions counselor.
Animal Behavior College Announces the Winner of the 2024 Betty White Zookeeper Assistant Scholarship
Valencia, CA- Wednesday, May 8, 2024– Animal Behavior College (ABC) has announced the winner of their 3rd Annual Betty White Memorial Zookeeper Assistant Program Scholarship.Â
In 2022 ABC announced a new scholarship in Betty White’s honor after her unfortunate passing: The Betty White Memorial Zookeeper Assistant Program Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to 1 chosen applicant every year from ABC. Applicants were to submit short essays telling ABC why they are passionate about exotic animals, what caused them to be interested in working in zoos, and how they can make a difference with a Zookeeper Assistant Certification from ABC. Animal Behavior College received many applicants with many impressive and heart-warming essays. All essays were read and reviewed by ABC’s directors and management team, who all voted on their favorite essay for the scholarship winner.Â
After reviewing many submissions, Animal Behavior College is proud to announce Christopher Joshua Whitworth as the third recipient of ABC’s Betty White Memorial Zookeeper Assistant Program Scholarship. Like Betty White, Christopher has been extremely passionate about exotic animals at a very young age. He is a Wildlife and Forestry Conservationist, a Level 1 Venomous Handler, a certified Master Herpetologist, and works with Wildlife and Environmental Science.  He has pursued his passion through the research of the conservation and preservation of Macrochelys Temminckii, or the alligator snapping turtle. He currently works at an AZA-accredited zoological facility in security and hopes to move up to work alongside the keepers there.Â
This scholarship will give Christopher an opportunity to pursue his drive, commitment, and dedication to the conservation and well-being of all creatures, both great and small. Â
ABC would like to thank all who submitted their essays and is delighted to award Christopher Joshua Whitworth with ABC’s Betty White Memorial Zookeeper Assistant Program Scholarship. Congratulations Christopher on your scholarship at Animal Behavior College and ABC looks forward to helping you pursue your dream career!Â
Animal Behavior College’s Zookeeper Assistant curriculum consists of 10 stages covering a wide variety of topics essential for a zookeeper assistant including zoo biology, zookeeper requirements, animal husbandry, animal behavior, animal housing, recordkeeping, safety, and more.
Making a veterinary clinic hum takes a dedicated support staff. Vets rely on their vet assistants, vet techs, and office staff to make sure their furry patients get the quality care they need to live long, healthy lives or to provide life-saving emergency care. Â
Without question, the jacks of all trades in a vet clinic are the veterinary assistants, who often bounce from duty to duty in every part of the facility. They assist veterinarians and vet techs in a wide variety of ways, and they are everywhere.Â
At any given time, veterinarian assistants can be found in the reception area welcoming patients and making appointments, in the office filing paperwork, in an exam room helping the veterinarian calm a nervous dog, in the surgery room making sure everything is spotless and sterilized for the next patient, in the kennels checking on post-op patients, or out back walking a puppy.Â
One thing is certain: vet assistant jobs are never boring!Â
The essential work done by vet assistants helps vet practices hum along smoothly. The long list of duties a veterinary assistant may perform include:Â
Cleaning and sanitizing equipmentÂ
Feeding, bathing, and exercising patientsÂ
Performing basic lab workÂ
Weighing animalsÂ
Dressing woundsÂ
Taking vital signsÂ
Administering certain types of medicinesÂ
Post-operative careÂ
Disinfecting operating and exam roomsÂ
Clerical work, such as assembling patient paperwork or billingÂ
Animal restraintÂ
Communicating with pet ownersÂ
For someone passionate about animals, becoming a vet assistant gives you a chance to be a vital part of a life-saving team. Â
Vet Assistants Enjoy High Degrees of Job SatisfactionÂ
Vet assistants get to be around animals all the time, but the job can vary depending on where you work. Assistants in a regular veterinary clinic get to know their patients from their first visits as cute, bouncy puppies and adorable blue-eyed kittens. They watch them grow up and play a role in keeping them healthy. Â
Their days are a mix of routine check-ups and more critical care. While there are the inevitable sad days, the good days outnumber the bad. Â
Vet assistants in an animal hospital or emergency care center might find life more hectic, but saving lives feels very rewarding.Â
Being a vet assistant is a good way to get a feel for animal healthcare. Some enjoy veterinary care so much that they go on to pursue a veterinary technician degree, which requires at least two years.Â
Finding a Vet Assistant JobÂ
With the growing number of pets in this country, there’s a corresponding growth in the number of jobs related to their care, including veterinary assistants. Job growth is projected to be 20% between 2022 and 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Almost 27,000 job openings are anticipated yearly.Â
This doesn’t mean it’s easy to land those jobs, though. Even though there are rarely any educational requirements besides a high school diploma or equivalent, it’s a tough field to break into if you don’t have experience working with animals or a vet assistant certificate. There are simply too many people looking for a career with animals to be able to land a job with no skills or training.Â
If you can, find opportunities to work with animals and get some experience. Look for opportunities to work at or volunteer in local animal shelters, wildlife rescues, boarding kennels, doggy day cares, stables, or other facilities that house animals.Â
Another good way to get noticed by potential employers is to earn your vet assistant certification. Becoming certified can increase your chance of landing a job faster. After all, vet practices don’t have to spend nearly as much time providing on-the-job training to hires who already know what’s expected of them.Â
How to Earn a Veterinary Assistant CertificateÂ
Getting a veterinary assistant certificate is not nearly as costly or time-consuming as earning a vet tech degree. You can be certified in less than a year in a program like Animal Behavior College’s online vet assistant course. Â
Flexible and affordable, Animal Behavior College’s program teaches you everything you need to know in order to work as a vet assistant. It also offers invaluable real-world experience. Once the online part of the course is complete, students get the opportunity to work with a mentor in a local veterinary setting. You may be asking, is there a veterinarian near me? Call us at the number below, and we will tell you which veterinarian you may be paired with.Â
If you’d like to start a satisfying career working with animals, we’d love to help make that happen. Call us at 800-795-3294 to speak to an admissions counselor. Â
Don’t forget to visit our gift certificate page here.
A comprehensive vet assistant program provides a straight path to working in animal healthcare. If your heart is set on helping animals, becoming a veterinary assistant is a great choice.
Before making any job move, however, it pays to learn as much as you can. This guide is designed to answer questions you may have about being a vet assistant and what the position entails.
Updated 2025 Statistics & Trends in Veterinary Assisting
Competitive Compensation Across the U.S.
As of January 2025, veterinary assistants in the United States earn an average annual salary of $33,979, with hourly wages averaging $16. Salaries can vary based on location and experience; for instance, in California, the average annual salary is $37,479, while in Florida, it’s approximately $32,280.
Significant Employment Growth Projected
The demand for veterinary assistants is on the rise, with employment projected to grow 19% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by increased pet ownership and a heightened focus on pet health and wellness.
Advancements in Veterinary Training Facilities
In response to the growing need for skilled veterinary professionals, new state-of-the-art training centers have been established to support veterinary assistant education, veterinary technology, and veterinary medicine.
Clarifying Confusion Between Vet Assistants and Vet Techs
Job titles in a vet practice can get a little confusing. While most people understand that veterinarians are at the top of the professional food chain, they tend to use the titles “vet assistant” and “vet tech” interchangeably. The two are completely different jobs, however.
Veterinary technicians function more like nurses and must go to college and complete at least a two-year associate’s degree and be licensed or certified. Their duties correspond loosely to those of nurses in a human healthcare setting. Veterinary technician education is more intensive and focuses on areas like veterinary anatomy and veterinary dentistry. Vet techs are allowed to do more clinical work than vet assistants.
Veterinary assistants are best thought of as the support staff that makes the jobs of veterinarians and vet techs go more smoothly. On any given day they can be doing clerical work, welcoming patients, helping with an exam and preparing rooms. They step in where needed.
Generally speaking, a high school diploma or its equivalent is the only educational requirement for being a vet assistant. That being said, though, it’s to your advantage to look for opportunities to gain experience working with animals and to earn a veterinary assistant certificate.
What Do Vet Assistants Do?
Just because vet assistants don’t have a two-year associate’s degree doesn’t mean they are relegated to cleaning kennels and filing patient paperwork–although there can be a good bit of that.
Vet assistants can:
Check patients in and help soothe nervous patients and pet owners
Weigh animals and take vital signs
Help restrain animals while they are being examined or getting vaccines
Bathe and feed animals
Provide monitoring and care for animals in post-op
Clean and dress wounds
Take lab samples for laboratory animal testing
Give certain medications (controlled substances and painkillers may be off-limits, depending on state regulations)
Provide client education on post-treatment care and proper at-home patient management.
Vet assistants hop from duty to duty. Expect to be on your feet a lot and ready to step in wherever needed!
Depending on the practice, vet assistants may be the first to arrive in the morning to check on patients in post-operative or kennel care and make sure everything is in order for the day before the rest of the staff and the first patients arrive.
What Qualities Do the Best Vet Assistants Have?
A passion for animals and providing great veterinary care are high on the list, but as mentioned, it can be a pretty demanding job, not just physically but emotionally. Not every patient makes it. Saying “goodbye” to pets you’ve cared for throughout their lives is tough.
Communication skills are a must for vet assistants. Being a “people person” is also a plus for a couple of reasons.
You’ll be working with and supporting several other staff members in the veterinary office. Being able to work as part of a team is crucial.
There are always plenty of high-strung, worried pet owners on any given day. Empathy and good people skills are a must.
The best vet assistants are flexible and able to bounce from one task to the next with a high level of competency. Vet assistants hop from duty to duty. Expect to step in wherever needed!
Vet assistants need to be physically strong. Lifting dogs on and off exam tables is part of the job, but so is hauling heavy bags of food, bedding, kitty litter, and other supplies. Each veterinary practice should have its own physical requirements. Make sure you know what is expected of you beforehand so you can commit to the level of strength needed.
Computer skills are a definite plus. Vet assistants often perform a lot of clerical work and billing, so it helps to know your way around a Mac or PC.
Where Can Vet Assistants Work?
Besides veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and emergency care centers, vet assistants are needed by any facility that houses or cares for animals. Animal shelters and humane societies often need vet assistants, as do research labs at universities and other animal facilities.
In addition, zoos and wildlife rehabilitation centers frequently hire vet assistants, so if your interests lie more in exotic or wild animals, being a vet assistant allows you to care for more than just domesticated animals.
Vet Assistant Salary
If you are concerned about salary–and who isn’t–vet assistants earn a salary on par with many other careers that do not require a degree. Preschool teachers, receptionists, bank tellers and vet assistants all earn an average salary in the mid-$30,000 range.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics cites the average salary for vet assistants at over $36,000. Some roles such as animal care attendant, veterinary technician assistant, or approved veterinary assistant may offer slightly different pay scales.
How to Become a Veterinary Assistant
As indicated, a high school diploma or equivalency is all that is required by most employers. You technically can be hired as a vet assistant and get on-the-job training.
In reality, it takes a good bit of luck to land a veterinary assistant job without any more experience or credentials than a high school degree. So many people want to work with animals that you’ll be up against job candidates with animal care experience or who have completed an approved veterinary assistant program.
To improve your chances of landing a job, you might want to consider earning your veterinary assistant certificate. Earning a veterinary assistant certificate takes about a year and teaches you what you need to know to begin work in the veterinary field:
How to safely restrain animals so they can receive care
Animal first aid and CPR
How to clean and prepare exam and surgical rooms in a veterinary hospital
How to assist in surgery under a veterinary surgeon
Veterinary-specific pharmacy information
Animal nursing care
Laboratory procedures
Earning your vet assistant certificate tells potential employers you are serious about working in veterinary medicine, know what the job entails, and will need little training.
Finding a Veterinary Assistant School
Animal Behavior College has been training people for animal careers since 1997, and we offer excellent training for would-be vet assistants. Our comprehensive curriculum includes all you need to know to start working in a veterinary setting as soon as you earn your certificate.
ABC even provides real-world experience via our mentoring program known as an “externship.” Once students complete the online portion of the program, they are paired up with a nearby mentor facility to see what a real veterinary clinic is like and to practice newly learned skills.
You can enroll anytime! Just call 800-795-3294 and an admissions counselor can help get you started!
Veterinary Assistant FAQ
Q: What is the difference between a veterinary assistant and a veterinary technologist?
A: A veterinary assistant helps support staff and veterinarians with everyday tasks, while a veterinary technologist typically has a four-year degree and performs more advanced procedures.
Q: Is online veterinary assistant training available?
A: Yes! Many programs, including those from Animal Behavior College, offer online veterinary assistant training that includes hands-on externships.
Q: Can vet assistants work with farm animals or miniature horses?
A: Absolutely. Some veterinary practices and shelters focus on farm animals or offer services for miniature horses, and veterinary assistants play an important role.
Q: What are some career options after becoming a vet assistant?
A: Many vet assistants go on to become animal trainers, licensed veterinary technicians or even veterinarians. Others may work in animal husbandry, animal rescue, or become animal assisted therapists.
Q: Where can I work after completing a veterinary assistant program?
A: Veterinary assistants work in a variety of places including veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, wildlife rehabilitation centers, animal shelters, and even educational facilities focused on veterinary technology and veterinary dentistry.
If you’re passionate about animals and looking to begin a rewarding career, veterinary assisting may be the perfect path for you!
How a Veterinary Assistant Program Can Boost Your Career Prospects in the Animal Care IndustryÂ
No Vet Assistant Credentials? No Problem?
If you want to work with animals and are considering a career as a veterinary assistant, you may wonder whether you need any credentials to apply for jobs.
Though it is a medical field, you do not need to have any licensing, certification, or degree to be a veterinary assistant. The only education requirement for becoming a veterinarian assistant is usually a high school diploma.
This is exciting news…until you start applying for jobs, and then it is crickets. No one is willing to give you a chance.
Why?
Because you have no credentials.
Do not let people tell you differently: getting a veterinary assistant certification makes a difference. An attractive vet assistant job candidate either has lots of experience working with animals in some capacity or has a vet assistant certificate proving knowledge of the field. Just showing up with a high school diploma and saying, “I love animals,” does not cut it in a crowded job market.
The Reality of the Vet Assistant Job Market
On the upside, there are plenty of jobs available to qualified applicants, and all signs point to continued growth. According to Forbes, 66% of American homes have pets in 2024. And since 51% of those owners consider their pets part of their family, spending on pets is astronomical. The figure is closing in on $150 billion, with veterinary care claiming a huge chunk.
More pets equal more vets. More veterinarians equal more vet assistant jobs.
Even with more jobs being created, however, there are still lots of animal lovers vying for every single one of them. Prospective employers can choose among qualified job candidates.
Why would they pick someone with no skills, training, or meaningful experience when they could fill the position with a certified veterinary assistant who would require little job training?
Sure, there are some people who get hired with no experience and no job training, and they receive on-the-job training. In reality, though, they are exceptions to the rule. These are competitive jobs. Think how much you love dogs and cats, and puppies and kittens, and want to help take care of them! So do thousands of other animal lovers.
How Do I Improve my Job Prospects?
Getting experience working with animals will help beef up your resume for sure. Depending on where you live, this may be easier for some than others. Rural areas offer opportunities to get experience on farms or ranches or in riding stables. Wildlife rehabilitation centers may also accept volunteer help. Cities may have zoos with volunteer programs (although those are super hard to get into, too). Dog kennels or doggy daycares are also good options.
If you have a challenging time getting your foot in the door somewhere to get experience with animals, or if you have experience and still cannot land a job, enrolling in an online veterinary assistant program could give you the leg up you need.
Animal Behavior College’s online program can be completed in about a year and is more affordable and flexible than attending a brick-and-mortar trade school.
ABC also ensures you get plenty of real-world experience working in a veterinary clinic setting. Once your online work is done, you start on an externship with a mentor at an animal hospital facility near you. Under your mentor’s supervision, you can practice your new skills and get a feel for what it is like working in a veterinary practice.
Once you get certified, you will be able to demonstrate to prospective employers that:
You are serious about a career as a vet assistant.
You have experience in a veterinary facility.
You will have a good grasp of what the job entails and will not need much training.
You have knowledge about sterilizing, prepping exam rooms, lab procedures, animal restraint, and other essential elements of the job.
It’s Time to Get Serious About Your Career
Why waste more time applying for veterinary assistant jobs without any experience or credentials to recommend you? Become the type of job candidate vet practices are looking for! Call ABC at 800-795-3294 to set up an interview today.
Fur, Fins, Feathers, and Fangs: 50 Careers for Animal Lovers
Many people who have a passion for animals would love a career working with them. Whether you are zeroed in on one species, like sea turtles or horses; or whether you have a heart for all creatures, your dream job would let you work closely with animals.
Great news! There has never been a better time to start an animal career, especially jobs that are related to pets. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs in animal care and services will grow at twice the rate of other occupations.
The growth in this sector of the economy is driven by the explosive increase in the number of pet owners. This number is projected to keep growing.
Dog walkers and trainers are in high demand right now, and just try getting a grooming appointment–pet salons are booked out for weeks! The demand for pet services shows no sign of slowing. If you want a part-time job and enjoy working with animals, those careers will make great side gigs, too! A solid second income can open many possibilities and make things like home ownership and paying off debt happen much faster! Pet grooming, dog training, and dog walking all offer flexible hours and good money. If you are interested in opening your own business, they are all ideal careers for self-employment.
Preparing for an Animal Career
Some of the following jobs require only a high school diploma; others require at least a bachelor’s degree, and salaries range widely. If you earn a college degree in an animal-related field, your opportunities will be much broader and your salary higher.
However, even if college is out of the question for you there are still plenty of rewarding and enjoyable jobs working with animals. Certification programs are available that provide online training and experience in several animal careers, and these look great on resumes! Animal Behavior College is an outstanding example and has been training people to launch careers since 1998.
50 Animal Careers by Category
The following is a breakdown of animal careers by category, along with education requirements and salary potential.
Agricultural Animal Careers
Rural life is beguiling to many folks, and there are many ways for animal lovers to find employment connected to agriculture.
● Livestock/agricultural journalists write articles for publication on topics related to farming, ranching, and other forms of agriculture. A bachelor’s degree in writing, journalism, communication, or agriculture is usually necessary to succeed. The median income is $82,000.
â—Ź Farm managers (or stable or ranch managers) oversee daily activities and manage all aspects of production. They hire and supervise workers and make all decisions related to crop planting and livestock husbandry. A Bachelor of Science in Agriculture or the equivalent is a plus. The median income for farm and ranch managers is $75,760.
â—Ź Riding instructors teach people to ride horses and feed, exercise, and groom the animals in their care. No degree is required to work as a riding instructor. The average base salary is $55,664.
● Extension agents have many jobs in a community, but helping farmers is high on the list. They also work closely with community youth in a variety of 4-H programs, many of which revolve around animals. A bachelor’s or master’s degree is required. The average salary for extension agents is $54,847.
â—Ź Range management specialists study natural resources and work to protect them by developing programs and standards governing the use of rangelands.
A degree in range management is required. The median salary is $51,206.
● Apiculturists, also known as beekeepers, maintain beehives and harvest honey. No formal degree is necessary to be a beekeeper, but should you want to get a bachelor’s degree in entomology or biology it would be helpful in your work. The average salary is $50,574.
● Animal/livestock breeders use knowledge of genetics to select and breed animals. They take animals’ genealogy and characteristics into careful consideration and keep detailed records. Most livestock breeders have a bachelor’s degree in animal science. The median salary for an animal breeder is $45,320.
â—Ź Shepherds tend and herd flocks of sheep. This oldest of professions requires no formal education but comes with a median salary of $43.221.
â—Ź Horse trainers train horses in the behaviors required by their intended discipline, such as racing, rodeo, show jumping, dressage, or pleasure riding. The median salary is $39,288.
â—Ź Grooms often work in the horse racing industry. They provide daily care for horses, saddle and unsaddle them, organize tack, clean stalls, and equipment, and sometimes help with training. There is no educational requirement to work as a groom. The average salary is $29,147.
Aquatic Animal Careers
Aquatic life is fascinating. There is no end to the unique creatures that dwell below the surface of oceans, lakes, and rivers. Scientists are still discovering new life forms in the depths of the seas. Anyone with an interest in marine life has a wide range of career paths to follow.
â—Ź Marine biologists study ocean life. They may do experiments, rescue marine life, and monitor the behavior of aquatic animals. Being a marine biologist requires an undergraduate degree in a scientific discipline such as ecology, aquatic biology, zoology, or animal science. The average salary is $86,203.
â—Ź Aquarium maintenance technicians set up, maintain, and service fresh or saltwater aquatic tanks in homes and offices. They may also work in fish hatcheries, aquarium parks, or any place that maintains aquatic life in tanks. There is no formal degree required, but certification is desirable. The median income is $40,199.
â—Ź Marine life rescuers help injured or sick animals; animals that have become entangled in nets or garbage; or stranded animals. They aid in their rehabilitation. Entry-level positions require no special degree or certification. Higher-level positions may require a degree in marine or wildlife biology. The wide pay range may reflect lots of room for advancement. The median salary is $55,632.
● Aqua culturists, or fish farmers, raise several types of fish and shellfish for profit or consumption. The minimum education required is a bachelor’s degree. The average salary is $44,489.
● Marine biotechnologists take advantage of the unique array of marine organisms to develop pharmaceuticals, enzymes, and chemicals. This career requires a Bachelor of Science degree, master’s, or, at the pinnacle of the field, a PhD in Marine Science and Technology. The average salary is $132,303.
● Marine mammal trainers work with dolphins, sea lions, manatees, and seals–usually in zoos or aquarium parks. They teach behaviors, feed the animals, and maintain clean, safe water environments. Most facilities want job candidates with life or animal science degrees. The average salary is $33,908.
â—Ź Deep sea marine biologists study the organisms that live far below the surface, sometimes in the deepest trenches of the ocean. Most of these jobs require at least a master’s degree. Salary maxes out at $60K.
● Fish biologists do such jobs as monitoring fish populations and fisheries, making environmental assessments for proposed projects, and identifying areas of needed research. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for entering the profession. The average salary is $64,945.
â—Ź Aquatic retailers vary in job descriptions; managers, aquarium technicians, and other staff command different salaries. The average salary is $38K.
â—Ź Hatchery assistants usually do not need a college degree, although if you aspire to a more advanced position you will need to earn one. Some people enter their career with an aquarium maintenance certification. The average salary for a fish hatchery worker is $49,095.
Pet-related Careers (Non-medical)
Aside from allowing you to spend your time with dogs, cats, and other animals, many pet careers are super flexible and make great side hustles. And if you have been looking for an opportunity for self-employment, one of these careers may be just the ticket!
â—Ź Dog walkers enjoy lots of fresh air and plenty of canine interaction. It is a fun career or side gig you can get into without needing a special degree. The average salary is $33,526.
â—Ź Pet groomers are in demand as the pet population continues to expand. Groomers help animals look good and feel good by bathing and trimming them, cleaning their ears, and clipping their nails. They do not need a formal education, but it helps to go through a training program to get certified. Like $37,501.
â—Ź Animal assisted- or pet therapists use therapy animals – usually dogs and cats – to help people with mental disorders or health issues. Pet therapy helps a wide range of people such as residents in long-term care facilities, cancer patients, and veterans with PTSD. Most hold bachelor’s degrees, and a master’s degree is necessary if you wish to counsel patients. The average salary is $38,056.
â—Ź Pet sitters care for animals when their humans are not at home. They may stay in the home or just drop in to monitor the animals, take care of litter boxes, and feed and water pets. They let dogs out to potty and walk them. Basic grooming may be involved. No special education is necessary. It is a nice side hustle if you can work it into your schedule. The average wage is $16 per hour. The median salary for a full-time pet sitter is $33,377.
â—Ź Dog obedience trainers are also in high demand these days. They train dogs to follow the basic commands for being good citizens, and they help owners understand how to properly continue training at home. Dog trainers do not have to be degreed or licensed, but certification is recommended. The average salary for a dog trainer is $40,348.
â—Ź Cat trainers are called to help curb feline problem behaviors, such as counter surfing, biting and scratching people, and litter box refusal. As with dog training, no degree is required, but certification is encouraged. The average salary is $46,748.
â—Ź Animal shelter attendants care for homeless animals waiting for their forever homes. They feed, water, groom, and exercise animals, and keep kennels and cages clean. No education beyond a high school diploma is needed, just a heart full of love for animals. The average salary is $30,522.
â—Ź Kennel attendants take care of dogs in a kennel. Duties are similar to animal shelter attendants. Again, no degree is required. The average salary is $28,914.
â—Ź Pet store retailers do a variety of jobs, most requiring nothing more than a high school degree. The average salary is $34,745
â—Ź Doggy daycare providers offer dog owners an approximation of childcare for canines. No degree is required to operate or work at a doggy daycare facility. The average salary is $29,511.
Careers Working with Wildlife
If wild or exotic animals are your passion, there are lots of careers that allow you to work with them.
â—Ź Animal control officers are called in to help rescue hurt, lost, or stray animals, trap animals that are endangering people, and provide first aid to wounded animals. A high school degree is usually required. Average salary is $47,913.
â—Ź Zoologists study non-domesticated animals, focusing on behavior, ecosystem, and impact of humans on habit. Zoology and wildlife biology are good degrees to pursue to become a zoologist. The average salary is $54,791.
â—Ź Park rangers do not necessarily work with animals, but they have regular opportunities to view wildlife during their job. A formal degree may not always be required, depending on the position. The average salary is $42,977.
â—Ź Wildlife photographers take amazing images of animals in their natural habitat, often selling them for publication. Self-employed wildlife photographers do not have to have degrees. Their average income is $42,345.
â—Ź Conservation officers, also known as fish and game wardens, help protect wild animals in their natural habitats by enforcing conservation and environmental laws and regulations. They work outside in all kinds of weather. Many states require only a high school diploma. The average salary is $50,144.
â—Ź Wildlife rehabilitators care for sick, injured, or orphaned animals. The goal is to release the animals back into the wild as soon as they can function normally in their habitat. Biology or ecology are the most commonly desired degrees. The average salary is $44,859.
â—Ź Venomous snake milkers extract venom from poisonous snakes for research and emergency lifesaving procedures. Snake milkers are not simply thrill-seekers; they enter a career with a degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or herpetology. They earn an average salary of $33,609.
â—Ź Wildlife advocates seek protection for animals and their habitats. They advocate for such things as species conservation, ocean clean-up, or rainforest preservation. The average salary is $64,945.
â—Ź Wildlife biologists study animals both in the wild and in captivity. To be a wildlife biologist requires a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, zoology, or some other natural science. The average salary is $61,173.
Animal Health Careers
Those who want to help animals often lean toward veterinary medical careers, but there are other options.
â—Ź Animal massage therapists study animal physiology and anatomy. They use massage techniques to improve the well-being of their patients. You can enter the field with a two-year associate degree. The average salary is $71,679.
â—Ź Veterinarians are the animal equivalent of human physicians. They must have a four-year degree followed by another four years of veterinary school. The average salary is $103,260.
● Veterinary technicians work in veterinary clinics and can do certain medical procedures, such as give vaccinations, take, and expose x-rays, and assist with surgeries. They must have an associate’s degree. The average salary is $39,293.
â—Ź Veterinary dentists have extensive training in oral surgery, medicine, and dental care for animals. In addition to the regular education required of a veterinarian, they must also do a residency in veterinary dentistry. The average salary is $189,979.
● Animal nutritionists make recommendations for food and diets for farmers, zookeepers, pet owners, and others in charge of animals’ well-being. The job requires a four-year degree in agricultural science, animal science, or related field. The average salary is $54,137.
â—Ź Veterinary practice managers oversee clinics and animal hospitals, handling staff, payroll, schedules, and related duties. While a degree may not be required, a management or business degree is excellent preparation. The average salary is $82,725.
â—Ź Laboratory animal caretakers monitor and care for animals in a research setting. A high school degree is all that is required but, certification in vet assisting may help secure a job. The average salary is $33,907.
● Farriers care for horses’ hooves, trimming them, and shoeing them, when necessary. No degree is necessary, but an apprenticeship or horseshoeing school can prepare you for your career. The average salary is $36K.
â—Ź Kennel technicians maintain a clean facility and provide care for animals, such as grooming, feeding, and exercising. A high school diploma is usually the only requirement. The average salary is $28,701.
Launch Your Career with Animal Behavior College
People ask these questions all the time – Where can I find service dog training near me, where can I find dog training near me, or where can I find pet grooming near me? You need not look any further than Animal Behavior College to learn these traits, and how to teach others these skills.
There are lots of well-paying jobs working with animals, even for those who do not have an advanced degree. If you are passionate about finding a rewarding animal career, Animal Behavior College would love to start on the right track.
With online programs for vet assistants, dog obedience trainers, zookeeper assistants, aquarists, service dog trainers, cat trainers, and pet groomers, we can help you launch your career. To talk to an admissions counselor, call 800-795-3294.
Animal Behavior College has compiled some top goals for pet owners’ New Year’s resolutions.
Making resolutions to keep your pets happy and healthy for the new year is important and should be at the top of your list of priorities. There are always areas for improvement. It can also be fun to establish New Year’s resolution goals that your pets can maintain as well. These pet resolutions can offer a chance to become closer than ever.
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Pet health – Keep an eye on your pet’s health. This would include, but is not limited to, diet, exercise, tooth brushing, yearly checkups, and shots, grooming, mental health, heartworm, and flea & tick meds.
Pet safety – Pet safety is a crucial factor when caring for a pet. These should include pet-proofing your home by having only non-poisonous plants, removing choking, suffocation, or food hazards, and keeping chemicals out of reach. Be sure to pet-proof your yard for dangers as well.
Pet insurance – Pet insurance is a health plan for our pets where the owner pays a recurring fee for veterinary expenses incurred.  Most plans are for dogs and cats, although some do offer coverage for other pets as well. These plans cover accident-only, comprehensive, or routine care, depending on the plan that you acquire.
Other items to consider
*Spend more time with them.
*Keep pet tags on and updated.
*Investigate new and updated products that can make life easier for you and your pets.
*Purchase safe toys to keep them occupied, so they don’t get bored.
*Do not leave them alone too often or too long.
*Reduce stress for you and your pets.
*Keep them active.
*Socialize your pets with people and animals.
Dog & cat training -Training can be the most beneficial service you can do for your pet. Training can help with things like teaching your pet to stop jumping on people, learn new tricks, obedience, barking issues, destruction of furniture and clothes, getting along better with other pets and humans, and much more.
If you would like to learn how to train your dog or cat, and even turn it into a career, you will want to check out Animal Behavior College. We have programs in dog training, cat training, service dog training, grooming, aquarium maintenance, and zookeeper assistant.
If you want to learn pet grooming to save money on your grooming costs, and possibly make it a career for extra income, investigate our grooming program.
Give us a call at (800) 795-3294 to answer any questions that you might have on one of our programs, and to get enrolled today!
Considering a career change? Looking for a lucrative, rewarding, and emotionally fulfilling position? Do you have an interest in health, medicine, and want to be a member of a veterinary team? Then, the job of Veterinary Assistant is for you!  Media outlets are hypothesizing that because of the increase in adoptions of Covid Pandemic Pets, there has become a shortage of veterinary personnel in Georgia, and across the United States. They are also noticing more veterinarian workers are retiring from the profession than those just entering the field. The American Veterinary Medical Association states that the statistics demonstrate that veterinary services have increased since the pandemic creating encouraging growth. Mars Veterinary Health says that pet ownership is steadily increasing. Researchers expect a 33% increase in pet healthcare spending in the next ten years. 41,000 new veterinary workers will be needed to meet demand. Even with the normal number of veterinary graduates, there will still be a shortage of around 15,000 people in the industry. They are saying that it will take thirty-plus years of veterinary graduates to meet the ten-year need for the industries veterinarians, veterinary tech, and assistants. Now that’s job security.
Do you have a passion for animals? Does the thrill of a fast-paced work environment please you? How about educating pet owners on the myriad of pet care subjects, such as nutrition, vaccines, exercise, illnesses, and more? Getting education and experience in a veterinary assistant program can lead to a rich and enjoyable career! You might also want to learn this field as a hobby or as a fun personal experience for keeping your pet happy and healthy.
Ever thought about learning dog grooming? If you are a person with artistic indication, then Pet Grooming might be for you. Grooming your pet is not just about keeping them clean. It is a bonding experience, as well. Having your dogs washed, brushed, and groomed is not only for beauty but helps to aid in the growth of healthy hair. Grooming can also prevent skin problems and help rid the pet of fleas and ticks. The grooming process can be beneficial in detecting health issues and fostering positive behavior.
It’s all about trust, connection, and love. Learning how to groom your pet is a great way to bond with your furry friend. Did I mention the fact that grooming your own pet is less stressful for them? The satisfaction you will get from seeing your pet happy and well-groomed is priceless. Learning how to groom your pets can be a rewarding experience for both of you. Embrace and enjoy the moments you can share with your pet. Your efforts will be appreciated by them.
Your local grooming companies may need you soon as well. The American Bureau of Labor Statistics of the BLS is predicting that the grooming industry will need to employ 64,000 pet groomers by 2026 to keep up with the need for people to get their pets groomed.
You may also want to further your pet care experience and learn dog obedience, service dog training, cat management and training, aquarium maintenance, and more!
If any of the above resonates with you, then it’s time for you to contact Animal Behavior College and get started on one of their many animal programs right away.
Animal Behavior College has a new and improved veterinary assistant school curriculum for its students in the United States. We are also continuing our Veterinary Assistant Certification Program for our Canadian students. Both veterinary assistant and pet grooming courses include pet CPR and first aid certifications as well. These programs are offered in both the United States and Canada.
Contact Animal Behavior College now for more information on our many animal career programs at:Â (800) 795-3294.
Tails are wagging, and pets are bragging about us. Paws down, we are the best around!
Prevent Your Pets from Getting into Holiday Trees, Lights, Wires, and Decorations!
Pet owners must consider pet safety during holiday time.
Animal Behavior College’s list of holiday pet protections:
Put the tree up in a pet-free room if possible. Use a fire-resistant artificial tree or opt for a table tree. Live trees and holiday plants can make pets ill if the needles, tree water, or leaves are ingested. For a live tree, put foil over the stand and clean up fallen needles.
Keep the tree anchored to a wall & put a fence/puppy playpen around it to keep it from falling. Wrap the base with foil to deter cats from climbing. Keep furniture away as they make good launch points for jumpers.
Pets may see decorations as toys. Do not hang food items such as popcorn, cranberries, or candy canes as such items may entice them. Refrain from using tinsel. Keep breakable ornaments at the top, and more durable ornaments at the bottom. Leave heirlooms off of the tree.
For lights & wires, get a cord management system and pet-safe cord protectors. Wind lights and cords close to the center of the tree. Tuck cords away and under a tree skirt. Spray chew deterrents on chewable items. Don’t leave lights on when unattended.
Forego ribbons & items that can be swallowed. Watch out for candles, fire hazards, and other dangers to pets at this festive time.
The best way to modify behavior is through proper training. This includes everything from controlling the dog’s environment, to teaching them acceptable alternative behaviors. While we’re on the topic of training, teaching your dog to listen to commands (AKA cues), makes them easier to take in public and safer around people. For example, instead of a dog that leaps all over people, a real challenge for some during the holidays, imagine if your dog, ran up to a guest and sat obediently in front of them.  This and more is possible with proper training and contrary to myth, it’s never too late. Yes, you can teach an older dog new tricks!
If you are interested in becoming a dog trainer, whether it’s to earn part-time income, help shelter dogs find forever homes, or help train your pooch, contact Animal Behavior College and learn more about their dog training program, or one of their many other animal programs. Did you know cats can also be trained?
Make your howliday pawsitively furry & bright with Animal Behavior College.
It can be a December to remember if you join ABC now before the rates go up for the new year.
Starting in January of 2023, ABC will increase their efforts to help save & preserve the environment!
Valencia, CA— Friday, December 30, 2022— Today, on their website, Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and Twitter pages, Animal Behavior College (ABC) officially announced the launch of their increased efforts to help the environment by going “Green” in 2023.
No stranger to the modern digital educational model, Animal Behavior College was one of the first colleges to take their courses online. ABC began teaching dog obedience classes online over 25 years ago.  Understanding that we only have one planet for both us and our four-legged friends, ABC has now taken steps to reduce their footprint and walk into the current century as a completely environmentally friendly digital company. This means that they will no longer contribute to the act of killing trees and therefore will stop printing large amounts of paper materials and books, including ALL curriculum. With this printing cessation, all curriculum and educational products provided to ABC’s students will now be digital only versus hard copy printed materials.
According to the 2018 State of the Global Paper Industry report from the Environmental Paper Network (EPN), paper usage continues to increase and has quadrupled in the last 50 years with the U.S. alone having an increase of over 126% in the last 20 years.  An article written by Craig Ruak on the Business Finance Corporation website mentions it is estimated that a 45-foot pine tree, with a diameter of eight inches, will produce approximately 10,000 sheets of paper. A typical ream of printer paper is 500 sheets; therefore, one ream of paper equals 5% of one tree. With their announced 2023 operational changes, ABC and its students will be cutting their paper use by almost a million copies and saving a minimum of at least 100 trees a year! That’s a significant number of trees and minimization of their footprint.
100 saved trees a year is more than just a beautiful aesthetic to look at. Reducing paper use, especially on a large scale, helps the environment in multiple big picture ways including reducing deforestation. 14% of deforestation, which is the removal of trees from land in order to use the land for other purposes, is done purely to satisfy the demand for paper goods and supplies. Reducing paper use also saves water, which is used to produce (and also recycle) paper goods. Finally, reducing paper use also reduces pollution since actual paper production is done in factories which often emit dangerous chemicals into our water, air, and land.
ABC is ecstatic to make these operational changes in the interest of the environment and those that inhabit it, both wildlife and humans. Steve Appelbaum, Founder and President of Animal Behavior College stated, “We are thrilled about going green. Animal Behavior College was printing over a million pages worth of material every year. Think of the paper, ink and other resources! Now we can offer the same great material while reducing our footprint. This is a win for our students, for the school and for the environment we all live in and love.”
With ABC going green in 2023, all the curricula, books and study materials will be made available through a digital copy to all students instead of wasteful printed paper copies. For those students who prefer the pen to paper approach to learning, they can download a digital copy for printing on their own if they choose. However, ABC urges students, both current and future, to think about the long-term benefits of paper use reduction for our environment.
Animal Behavior College looks forward to this simple change starting in 2023 that will have monumental effects in the long term for years to come. For more information on Animal Behavior College, check out their site at v2.animalbehaviorcollege.com/.
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STATE LICENSURE AND APPROVAL
Animal Behavior College is a private vocational school approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (www.bppe.ca.gov) under the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 and Title 5. California Code of Regulations Division 7.5. Private Postsecondary Education. The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education approval means that this institution and its operation comply with the standards established under the law for occupational instruction by private postsecondary educational institutions. Institutional approval is subject to continual review and the institution must reapply for approval every five years.
DISCLAIMER
Please be advised that Animal Behavior College (“ABC”) is the exclusive entity authorized to provide certifications and/or degrees from Animal Behavior College. Moreover, such certifications and/or degrees are only conferred by ABC following a student’s completion of an ABC-administered program. No other entity or individual has authority to confer certifications and/or degrees on ABC’s behalf. Any other entity or individual who attempts to do so is acting without express or implied authority from ABC.Â
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