4 answers
Violet
Student
Moreno Valley, California
1
Question
Asked
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12th grade, looking for Zoology College and Career paths.
I'm a senior in highschool, my dream is to pursue Zoology and if i'm being picky, Felinology. I want to know what colleges I should attend for this career path, what degree, and more. I live in southern California, and I also am interested in working with shelters as my first job, or being a Vet Tech. I want to make at LEAST 80K a year. I'm open to a lot.
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4 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Violet !
Well, my first bit of advice is to forget about requesting or predicting your salary for something you haven't started yet and for something that may happen 4 - 6 years from now. Salary is something you'll find out about when it's time to find out. You seem to have a genuine passion for zoology, so the first step is to see which colleges offer a Zoology Major so you will know which to apply to.
Here are some colleges and Major Programs for Bachelors Degrees: San Diego State University for Biology with an emphasis in Zoology, Cal Poly Humboldt for Zoology, The University of California, Davis for Animal Biology or Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology.
It's great that you want to be a Veterinarian Technician, however that is time in college that'd you be spending NOT preparing to be a Zoologist. So you'll need to decide exactly what you want to do about that. You also need to consider which level you will want to pursue for Zoology - Bachelors level which is "entry level". a Masters Degree which is often necessary and you can do scientific work with the Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree with which you can do independent research and teach at Universities in addition to everything.
So as you see, you can't think about salary right now because it's going to depend on the level you pursue and if you go far with this, you most likely could receive grants, get paid to write entries for professional journals. It's not all handling the animals and it is a profound career with many possibilities. If it were me, I'd go for the Doctorate Degree which would put anyone in the forefront for an outstanding career.
As for the felines, I wouldn't worry about that too much. If you pursue a focused major for zoology, inevitably felines will be a topic and even perhaps a course. There are always ways to learn about one type of animal outside of school, too. You'll have to be willing to adapt to what this profession is all about and that's why it's great that you are exploring it now. If Zoology seems more than you've thought, then doing a two year Veterinary Technician program may be more for you. It's up to you to decide.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Well, my first bit of advice is to forget about requesting or predicting your salary for something you haven't started yet and for something that may happen 4 - 6 years from now. Salary is something you'll find out about when it's time to find out. You seem to have a genuine passion for zoology, so the first step is to see which colleges offer a Zoology Major so you will know which to apply to.
Here are some colleges and Major Programs for Bachelors Degrees: San Diego State University for Biology with an emphasis in Zoology, Cal Poly Humboldt for Zoology, The University of California, Davis for Animal Biology or Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology.
It's great that you want to be a Veterinarian Technician, however that is time in college that'd you be spending NOT preparing to be a Zoologist. So you'll need to decide exactly what you want to do about that. You also need to consider which level you will want to pursue for Zoology - Bachelors level which is "entry level". a Masters Degree which is often necessary and you can do scientific work with the Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree with which you can do independent research and teach at Universities in addition to everything.
So as you see, you can't think about salary right now because it's going to depend on the level you pursue and if you go far with this, you most likely could receive grants, get paid to write entries for professional journals. It's not all handling the animals and it is a profound career with many possibilities. If it were me, I'd go for the Doctorate Degree which would put anyone in the forefront for an outstanding career.
As for the felines, I wouldn't worry about that too much. If you pursue a focused major for zoology, inevitably felines will be a topic and even perhaps a course. There are always ways to learn about one type of animal outside of school, too. You'll have to be willing to adapt to what this profession is all about and that's why it's great that you are exploring it now. If Zoology seems more than you've thought, then doing a two year Veterinary Technician program may be more for you. It's up to you to decide.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Ahtesham Ghaffar
13
Answers
Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
Ahtesham’s Answer
If you want to study Zoology and focus on Felinology, the study of cats, you're on a great path. In southern California, top schools like UC Davis, Cal Poly Humboldt, UC Santa Barbara, and Cal State Long Beach offer strong programs in zoology, animal science and wildlife biology. Start with a bachelor's degree in Zoology or Animal Science, which takes about four years. You can later pursue a master's or a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) if you want to work in veterinary or research positions.
To gain experience early on, volunteer or work at animal shelters, wildlife rescues, or vet clinics. This will help you develop skills and find your direction. Becoming a vet tech is another good option, requiring a two-year associate’s degree and certification.
Entry-level jobs might pay less than your $80K goal but salaries can increase with experience, specialization, or further study. Many veterinarians, wildlife biologists and animal behavior experts eventually earn that much or more. By combining good education, hands-on experience and a focus on cats or conservation, you'll be on the right track.
To gain experience early on, volunteer or work at animal shelters, wildlife rescues, or vet clinics. This will help you develop skills and find your direction. Becoming a vet tech is another good option, requiring a two-year associate’s degree and certification.
Entry-level jobs might pay less than your $80K goal but salaries can increase with experience, specialization, or further study. Many veterinarians, wildlife biologists and animal behavior experts eventually earn that much or more. By combining good education, hands-on experience and a focus on cats or conservation, you'll be on the right track.
Tasha Crabtree, LVT/RVT, ET, FFCVP
Animal Welfare, Veterinary Technology
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Tasha’s Answer
Hey Violet!
It doesn't sound like you are passionate about becoming a keeper, as many start with a 4-year degree and earn under $80k. A great first step is to fill out a volunteer application at your local zoo and animal shelter. Don't worry if you don't get an animal-focused role right away; every experience helps. Consider enrolling in a veterinary technology course, which you can finish in less than 2 years. Working with exotic animals usually requires a degree and good connections, as these jobs are rare. Volunteering is a fantastic way to get your foot in the door and see if this path is right for you.
In animal shelters, leadership roles can come after 5 to 20 years of experience. In California, with time and dedication, you could earn between $75k and $200k. Keep going, and you'll find the right path for you!
It doesn't sound like you are passionate about becoming a keeper, as many start with a 4-year degree and earn under $80k. A great first step is to fill out a volunteer application at your local zoo and animal shelter. Don't worry if you don't get an animal-focused role right away; every experience helps. Consider enrolling in a veterinary technology course, which you can finish in less than 2 years. Working with exotic animals usually requires a degree and good connections, as these jobs are rare. Volunteering is a fantastic way to get your foot in the door and see if this path is right for you.
In animal shelters, leadership roles can come after 5 to 20 years of experience. In California, with time and dedication, you could earn between $75k and $200k. Keep going, and you'll find the right path for you!
Don Holland
Member Service Representative/Food Runner
244
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Violet,
It is good that you are looking into Zoology and Felinology as a career. There are many different colleges in California that provide degrees in Zoology including University of California-Davis, University of California-Santa Barbara, Humboldt State University and many more. In terms of working with shelters or being a Vet Tech, I would say contact and look for different types of these jobs in Southern California to see if they are hiring. Best of luck to you!
It is good that you are looking into Zoology and Felinology as a career. There are many different colleges in California that provide degrees in Zoology including University of California-Davis, University of California-Santa Barbara, Humboldt State University and many more. In terms of working with shelters or being a Vet Tech, I would say contact and look for different types of these jobs in Southern California to see if they are hiring. Best of luck to you!