Dogs are not only great companions, but awfully cute. So have you ever considered working in a job where you can see cute dogs like me everyday? Here is a short list of dog-related jobs and additional considerations to think about before making the leap.
Dog walker, one of the many career choices for people interested in spending a little more time with dogs.
1. Doggy Day Care
How about spending all day with energetic and healthy dogs of all different breeds? Consider working in a boarding kennel or doggie day care center. Day care workers supervise playtime for dogs that stay for the day, and occasionally overnight.
Why it may not be for you:
- Dog bites and dog fights are a daily occurrence.
- It’s messy and stinky, very hard work, and long hours (even 24-hours) especially at the entry level.
- Can be a hard market to break in if other established day cares exist.
2. Dog Grooming
If you love the idea of making dogs look their best, a dog groomer might be the job for you. Professional dog groomers are the cosmetologists of the canine world. As an assistant, you can learn the basics of grooming, or attend dog grooming school and even go on to achieve certification and membership with the National Dog Groomers Association.
Why it may not be for you:
- Dogs will often come in stinky and dirty.
- Certain dogs are nervous or anxious of being cut, primped and handled, which can make it very difficult to groom them.
- Risk of injury from dog bites or scratches.
3. Dog Sitting and Dog Walking
If you enjoy watching over dogs and being in business for yourself, then dog sitting or dog walking might be the perfect gig. Dog sitters go to homes to care for dogs while their owners are out of town. Duties include feeding, walking, medicating, playing and cleaning up after dogs. Dog walkers are especially common in large cities, where apartment dogs need more exercise than their owners have time for.
Why it may not be for you:
- If you are entering the jurisdiction of other dog walkers and dog sitters with loyal customers, it may be difficult to build your own book of business.
- Income can be unpredictable, especially at first.
- One must be willing to keep a very flexible schedule and work long hours based on client’s schedule
4. Dog Training
Working as a dog trainer requires an understanding of the canine mind, an ability to educate, and a great deal of patience. Teach commands from basic to advanced and help dog owners teach these commands to their own dogs. It is recommended to work under an experienced trainer before branching out and training on your own.
Why it may not be for you:
- It is hard to deal with owners who encourage misbehavior and fail to follow through with training sessions.
- Requires extremely high levels of patience and tolerance, both of dogs and their owners.
- You will need to deal with dogs when they are most disobedient in life.
5. Dog Boutique or Supply Store
Nowadays, dog owners want quality food and products for their dogs. You can try your luck at working in a pet supply store, meeting all kinds of dogs and learning about dog products. If you are interested in working behind the scenes, try a dog food company or toy manufacturer.
Why it may not be for you:
- It is a retail job, so you may be working for minimum wage, unless you become the boss.
- You won’t see that many dogs, depending on the type of store and whether owners bring their dogs with them.
- The business is more about working and educating dog owners, rather than working with dogs.
6. Dog Behaviorist
Behaviorists work with dogs and their owners to solve unwanted behavior, such as anxiety, depression, and neurosis.
Why it may not be for you:
- Not all dog owners take the advice of experts, which can be frustrating.
- Injury from dog bites or scratches is a risk, especially with aggressive or fearful dogs.
- Generally requires some higher level of education in a relevant field.
7. Dog Rescue
Working in animal rescue is a very selfless job. Your job may includes rescuing stray or abandoned dogs, caring for injured dogs, facilitating adoptions and fundraiser for the organization.
Why it may not be for you:
- Requires a large emotional investment.
- Saving animals means you have to be extremely flexible with your schedule.
- Business is often run entirely on donations, and fundraising is not easy, especially given the economic conditions.
If one of these areas interests you, consider trying it out as a volunteer first. You might also benefit from the help of a career coach or counselor.
Source (partial): “Top Careers For Dog Lovers” , About.com
Sniff is full of fascinating bits of science and dog lore. It will deepen your appreciation for these extraordinary creatures. Playful and fun for the whole family – just the way the dogs would want it!
Sandi - Dog trainer extraordinaire.
Tammy - :)