Among the elements of aptitude you will need is good health. Animal care is physically and mentally demanding, far from the glamorous work too often portrayed in the media. Placing radio transmitters on hibernating black bears to track their later movements will call for wilderness survival skills as well as physical strength and a high degree of courage. Whether you are rescuing ducks from an oil spill, changing cat cages in a veterinary clinic, or training dogs for a show ring, your aptitude must include an almost inborn affinity for animals. Animal care jobs are expected to grow faster than average for all occupations though the year 2006.
Employers generally prefer to hire people with some experience with animals.
Training programs are available for specific types of animal caretakers. Click the School Search Button and go to the map to look for careers in your state.