Opportunities in animal and pet care careers

Preface

Acknowledgments

1. A New Look at Animal and Pet Care

Preventive medicine

Computers and technology in the field

Care and conservation of wildlife

Pets and psychology

An ever-growing field

2. Animal Care History

Veterinary medicine in ancient times

A time of darkness

Animal care in France

Rural America

Early humane and conservation efforts

The twentieth century: increasing concern for animals

Today

3. Working with Animals: Aptitude and Attitude

Aptitude for animal care careers

Attitude is essential

Interlocking of aptitude and attitude

4. Volunteering and Apprenticeship

Animal care employment outlook

Getting a job in a highly competitive field

Many ways to volunteer

5. Route to a D.V.M. Degree

Junior high and high school

Choosing a college

College curriculum

Choosing a veterinary school

One veterinary school

Cost of veterinary school

Your veterinary school experience

6. Many Fields of Veterinary Medicine

Small-animal medicine

Large-animal medicine

Veterinarians on the go

Specialization

Public service

Veterinary research in government

Veterinary research in industry and medicine

Military veterinarian

Zoo veterinarian

Holistic veterinarian

Animal crime scene investigator

7. Veterinary Outlook for the Future

Veterinary medicine and the economy

Promising fields in veterinary medicine

Women and minorities in veterinary medicine

Salary expectations

8. Possible Changes in Veterinary Education and Practice

A futuristic report

Possible practice direction

9. Support Careers in the Veterinary Office

Veterinary technician

Animal lab technician

Veterinary assistant

Animal hospital clerk

10. Pets in Therapy and Pets as Therapy

Making the pet a pleasant member of the family

Pets for the sick, elderly, and handicapped

Dogs that listen

Helping pet owners cope with illness and death

11. Variety and Excitement in Zoo Work

Zoo director/supervisor

Zoo curator

Zoo habitat designer

Zookeeper

Internships

Aquarium work

12. Careers in Animal Shelters

Types of animal shelters

Functions of animal shelters

Characteristics needed for animal shelter work

Shelter jobs

Pet stores

13. Preparing for a Career with Wildlife

Basic career requirements

Education

Wildlife biologist

Ranger

Wildlife conservation officer

Seasonal work, volunteering, and conservation teen clubs

Earth and animal protection clubs

Careers in conservation

Public relations and wildlife

World Society for the Protection of Animals

Job outlook

Two wildlife stories

14. Careers with Dogs

Combination careers

Educational and physical requirements

Kennel work

Dog groomer

In-home dog and cat care

Training careers

Dog breeder

Show dog handler

15. Careers with Horses

Horse breeder

Stable owner and riding instructor

Horse trainer

Horse massager

Life on a dude ranch

Professional rider

Other track careers and blacksmithing

Education

Appendix. Veterinary Medical Schools

Bibliography