What Are Some Related Jobs to a Veterinarian

If you love animals, becoming a veterinarian can be an incredibly rewarding career. However, not everyone needs to become a vet to make a difference in the lives of animals. There are many related careers where you can work with animals, some of which require a veterinary background, while others offer a different approach to animal care.

In this blog post, there are different animal-related positions from the medical ones to the ones that focus on education and conservation areas. Lets explore!

 

1. Veterinary Technician: Your Right-Hand in Animal Care

Veterinary technicians, or vet techs, assist veterinarians in clinics and hospitals. They carry out radiographs, give meds, and help during operations. Moreover, they set up a pleasing treatment environment for animals.

Attention to detail, knowledge of the technical aspect, and empathy are the traits of a vet tech that stand out. The career can lead you to become a practice manager or an anesthesia technician or animal research in charge.

2. Animal Behaviorist, Zoologist, and Animal Nutritionist

If an animal's behavior or health is of interest to you, then several related areas can be taken into account:

• Animal Behaviorist: Focuses on training animals and correcting behavioral issues, often working with pets or zoo animals.
• Zoologist: Studies animals in the wild or captivity, researching to protect wildlife.
• Animal Nutritionist: Specializes in creating custom diet plans for animals to ensure they are healthy and thriving.

These fields often require knowledge of biology and animal science, but each focuses on different aspects of animal care.

3. Non-Veterinary Roles in Animal Welfare

You don’t need a veterinary degree to help animals. Many careers focus on animal welfare:

• Animal Trainers: Work with pets, service animals, and even wild animals to teach behaviors.
• Wildlife Rehabilitators: Care for injured wildlife with the goal of releasing them back into their natural habitat.
• Zookeepers: Take care of animals in zoos, ensuring their health and well-being.
• Shelter Managers: Oversee animal shelters and ensure the animals are cared for while awaiting adoption.

These roles are ideal for those who want to improve the lives of animals without the need for extensive medical training.

4. Specialized Veterinary Careers

If you are a graduate with a veterinary degree and would like to specialize further, there are several ways to go about it:

• Equine Care: Specializing in the care of horses.
• Exotic Animal Medicine: Working with animals like reptiles, birds, and small mammals.
• Veterinary Cardiologists or Oncologists: Focusing on specific medical issues like heart disease or cancer in animals.

Specializing in a specific area requires additional training, but it is also one of the most fulfilling professions when an individual is passionate about a specific animal care type.

5. Wildlife Biologist: Protecting Nature’s Creatures

Wildlife biologists study wildlife populations and their habitats. They often work with conservation efforts to protect endangered species and ecosystems. This role is perfect for those passionate about preserving biodiversity.

A wildlife biologist typically holds a degree in wildlife biology, ecology, or a related field, and their work may involve research, fieldwork, and policy advocacy.

6. Non-Traditional Veterinary Career Paths

Veterinary professionals can explore various non-traditional career options, such as:

• Wildlife Conservation: Working on the preservation of wildlife and natural habitats.
• Animal Law: Focusing on legal matters related to animal rights and welfare.
• Veterinary Writers: Writing articles, blogs, or manuals related to veterinary medicine and animal care.

These career shifts often allow vets to use their knowledge in broader, impactful ways, influencing animal welfare policies or educating the public.

7. Education and Training Careers

If you enjoy teaching, becoming a Veterinary Educator might be the perfect fit. These professionals teach future veterinarians, vet techs, and animal care experts. In addition to teaching, they may be involved in curriculum development and research.

A doctoral degree (DVM) is typically required for these positions.

8. Public Health, Policy, and Industry Careers

Veterinary professionals can also transition into roles outside of clinical practice:

• Public Health Careers: Veterinarians play a crucial role in controlling diseases that affect both animals and humans.
• Pharmaceutical Sales: Vet professionals can work in the pharmaceutical industry, promoting animal health products.
• Animal Welfare Advocacy: Work with organizations to improve the lives of animals through policy development and community outreach.

These roles are ideal for individuals looking to make a broad impact on animal and human health.

9. Veterinary Sales Representatives:

Veterinary sales representatives play an important role in the animal health industry by promoting animal health products. These professionals work with veterinarians, animal hospitals, and clinics to promote and sell animal health products such as medications, supplements, and diagnostic equipment.

This role requires in-depth knowledge of animal health, strong communication skills, and the ability to build relationships with clients. It’s a great career for those who want to combine their passion for animals with a career in sales.

Your Path in Animal Care

Whether you’re interested in hands-on animal care, research, education, or policy-making, there’s a career path for you. The animal care industry offers a wide variety of roles, each contributing to the health and well-being of animals in different ways.

Take the time to explore these opportunities, and find a career that matches your passion for animals.

FAQs

What qualifications do I need for related jobs to a veterinarian?

Most related jobs require degrees in biology, animal science, or veterinary technology. Additional certifications may be helpful depending on the specialization.

Are there high-paying jobs related to veterinary medicine?

Yes, roles such as animal behaviorists, pharmaceutical sales representatives, and veterinary specialists often offer competitive salaries.

What can a veterinary technician do beyond working in a clinic?

Vet techs can transition into roles like animal nutrition, research, or even business management within the animal care industry.

How can veterinarians transition to non-clinical roles?

Vets can explore careers in wildlife conservation, policy-making, consulting, or teaching with the right additional training or certifications.

What animal-related careers don’t require a veterinary degree?

Animal trainers, wildlife rehabilitators, and shelter managers are all great career options for those passionate about animals but not interested in veterinary school