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Mallory
Student
Tacoma, Washington
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What are the different jobs I can go into working with animals and what classes should I take to help with that ?
I like sea life and exotic animals. What steps should I take to help with this?
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Ashlee Robinson
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Ashlee’s Answer
You can begin to narrow your focus into classes pertaining to animal science or biology. Both of these fields will allow you to develop networking connections to aid in you approach to animal care. Animal science class will help you the most as they directly guide you on animal heath and models. I also encourage the volunteering at animals shelters and animal rescues.
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
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Australia
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Hey Mallory,
So if you love animals, especially sea life and exotic creatures, there are several exciting career paths you can explore. Each will have its own requirements in terms of education and experience, but here are some options and the classes that could help you get there:
1. Marine Biologist
What It Involves: Marine biologists study ocean life, from fish to whales to coral reefs. You'll likely conduct research, work on conservation projects, and sometimes work in labs or on boats. Classes to Take:
Marine biology
Oceanography
Environmental science
Chemistry (to understand the water’s chemistry)
Animal behavior Steps to Take:
Get a degree in marine biology or environmental science.
Gain experience with internships or volunteer work at aquariums, research labs, or conservation organizations.
Join professional organizations like the Marine Conservation Group to network.
2. Zoologist
What It Involves: Zoologists study animals and their behavior, physiology, and genetics. You may work in a zoo, a wildlife sanctuary, or in research. Classes to Take:
Zoology
Animal science
Ecology
Genetics
Wildlife management Steps to Take:
Get a degree in zoology or a related field.
Volunteer or intern at zoos, wildlife parks, or animal rescue organizations.
If interested in exotic animals, seek internships or job opportunities that involve work with exotic species.
3. Wildlife Conservationist
What It Involves: These professionals work to protect wildlife, preserve habitats, and prevent endangered species from becoming extinct. Classes to Take:
Environmental science
Wildlife conservation
Ecology
Geographic information systems (GIS) for tracking wildlife Steps to Take:
Major in conservation biology or environmental science.
Intern with conservation organizations or wildlife protection agencies.
Gain field experience, which can include tracking animals, habitat restoration, and working with communities on conservation efforts.
4. Aquarium Keeper / Aquarist
What It Involves: Aquarists care for aquatic animals, including fish, marine mammals, and invertebrates. They may work at aquariums or zoos. Classes to Take:
Marine biology
Aquatic animal care and husbandry
Animal behavior
Veterinary science (basic care) Steps to Take:
Consider earning a degree or certification in marine biology, aquarium science, or aquatic animal care.
Gain hands-on experience by volunteering at local aquariums or marine animal rescue centers.
5. Veterinarian (Specializing in Exotic Animals)
What It Involves: Exotic animal vets focus on the care of non-domestic animals, from reptiles to exotic birds and sea creatures. Classes to Take:
Pre-veterinary science (with a focus on exotic species)
Zoology
Animal anatomy and physiology
Veterinary science
Microbiology Steps to Take:
Complete a pre-vet program and then attend veterinary school.
Specialize in exotic animal care through electives or internships in zoological medicine or marine biology.
6. Wildlife Rehabilitator
What It Involves: Wildlife rehabilitators care for injured or orphaned animals with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. Classes to Take:
Wildlife rehabilitation
Animal behavior
First aid and emergency care for animals
Wildlife biology Steps to Take:
Take courses on animal rehabilitation, which are sometimes available at local community colleges.
Volunteer at wildlife rescue centers or organizations that specialize in caring for and rehabilitating exotic animals.
7. Animal Trainer (for exotic animals)
What It Involves: Animal trainers work with exotic animals for entertainment, research, or conservation purposes. They train animals for zoos, circuses, movies, or other programs. Classes to Take:
Animal behavior
Animal psychology
Zoology
Remember,
Gain practical experience working with animals, such as through internships at zoos or sanctuaries.
Consider taking animal behavior and training courses or certifications.
The first step is to pursue a degree in a related field (marine biology, zoology, environmental science, etc.), followed by internships or volunteering to gain experience. Seek out opportunities that allow you to work hands-on with animals, especially those in the environments you are passionate about, such as aquariums, wildlife reserves, or marine research institutes.
Working with exotic animals and marine life is a rewarding and fulfilling path, but it requires dedication, education, and hands-on experience. If you start with a solid educational foundation and network within the field, you can build a career that aligns with your passions.
Good luck, all the best with your choices. Stay positive and rock those dreams.
So if you love animals, especially sea life and exotic creatures, there are several exciting career paths you can explore. Each will have its own requirements in terms of education and experience, but here are some options and the classes that could help you get there:
1. Marine Biologist
What It Involves: Marine biologists study ocean life, from fish to whales to coral reefs. You'll likely conduct research, work on conservation projects, and sometimes work in labs or on boats. Classes to Take:
Marine biology
Oceanography
Environmental science
Chemistry (to understand the water’s chemistry)
Animal behavior Steps to Take:
Get a degree in marine biology or environmental science.
Gain experience with internships or volunteer work at aquariums, research labs, or conservation organizations.
Join professional organizations like the Marine Conservation Group to network.
2. Zoologist
What It Involves: Zoologists study animals and their behavior, physiology, and genetics. You may work in a zoo, a wildlife sanctuary, or in research. Classes to Take:
Zoology
Animal science
Ecology
Genetics
Wildlife management Steps to Take:
Get a degree in zoology or a related field.
Volunteer or intern at zoos, wildlife parks, or animal rescue organizations.
If interested in exotic animals, seek internships or job opportunities that involve work with exotic species.
3. Wildlife Conservationist
What It Involves: These professionals work to protect wildlife, preserve habitats, and prevent endangered species from becoming extinct. Classes to Take:
Environmental science
Wildlife conservation
Ecology
Geographic information systems (GIS) for tracking wildlife Steps to Take:
Major in conservation biology or environmental science.
Intern with conservation organizations or wildlife protection agencies.
Gain field experience, which can include tracking animals, habitat restoration, and working with communities on conservation efforts.
4. Aquarium Keeper / Aquarist
What It Involves: Aquarists care for aquatic animals, including fish, marine mammals, and invertebrates. They may work at aquariums or zoos. Classes to Take:
Marine biology
Aquatic animal care and husbandry
Animal behavior
Veterinary science (basic care) Steps to Take:
Consider earning a degree or certification in marine biology, aquarium science, or aquatic animal care.
Gain hands-on experience by volunteering at local aquariums or marine animal rescue centers.
5. Veterinarian (Specializing in Exotic Animals)
What It Involves: Exotic animal vets focus on the care of non-domestic animals, from reptiles to exotic birds and sea creatures. Classes to Take:
Pre-veterinary science (with a focus on exotic species)
Zoology
Animal anatomy and physiology
Veterinary science
Microbiology Steps to Take:
Complete a pre-vet program and then attend veterinary school.
Specialize in exotic animal care through electives or internships in zoological medicine or marine biology.
6. Wildlife Rehabilitator
What It Involves: Wildlife rehabilitators care for injured or orphaned animals with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. Classes to Take:
Wildlife rehabilitation
Animal behavior
First aid and emergency care for animals
Wildlife biology Steps to Take:
Take courses on animal rehabilitation, which are sometimes available at local community colleges.
Volunteer at wildlife rescue centers or organizations that specialize in caring for and rehabilitating exotic animals.
7. Animal Trainer (for exotic animals)
What It Involves: Animal trainers work with exotic animals for entertainment, research, or conservation purposes. They train animals for zoos, circuses, movies, or other programs. Classes to Take:
Animal behavior
Animal psychology
Zoology
Remember,
Gain practical experience working with animals, such as through internships at zoos or sanctuaries.
Consider taking animal behavior and training courses or certifications.
The first step is to pursue a degree in a related field (marine biology, zoology, environmental science, etc.), followed by internships or volunteering to gain experience. Seek out opportunities that allow you to work hands-on with animals, especially those in the environments you are passionate about, such as aquariums, wildlife reserves, or marine research institutes.
Working with exotic animals and marine life is a rewarding and fulfilling path, but it requires dedication, education, and hands-on experience. If you start with a solid educational foundation and network within the field, you can build a career that aligns with your passions.
Good luck, all the best with your choices. Stay positive and rock those dreams.
have you ever been around marine life? Have you worked with animals ever?
Chad
Also can you tell me how can i volunteer?
Chad
Hey Chad,
Oh, absolutely! I was practically besties with marine life back in Dubai—I even volunteered at a marine museum in 5th grade (tiny me, big fish, lifelong trauma excitement). As for animals, I took care of horses (because racing them is way cooler than just looking at them), spent time around farm animals in rural areas (chickens are way sassier than you'd think), and yes, I’ve also cared for cats… if “caring” means being their unpaid servant. Hope that counts cowboy!😉🤠
Dr H
So,
Volunteering is basically free work but with cool perks! Hit up aquariums, wildlife rescues, or zoos—feed animals, clean stuff (yes, including poop), and learn from the pros. Conservation groups let you save the planet while pretending you’re on NatGeo. Farms and stables? Great if you like big, lovable animals. Just show up, offer help, and boom, you’re in! Many zoos and animal places offer volunteer positions and in need of help so you can get in easily.
Dr H