What Can I Do With My Certification?

If you’re an animal lover, having a career that allows you to work with animals is probably a dream come true. However, many are unable to determine what type of job they would be able to pursue after completing an animal-related program and find themselves asking the same question, “What can I do with my certification?”

Why Get Certified?

First and foremost, why become certified? Animal trainer certifications acknowledge you are a serious professional in your chosen field who has obtained a certain level of expertise through your education and training.

There are several animal training certification programs that provide you the educational foundation to land a job working with animals. An understanding of the basics will be required no matter where you apply. Although some industries do not require a certification, it is highly recommended you become certified to improve your chances of getting hired.

Entering any industry for the first time is always a little bit daunting. Yet, one of the benefits of choosing an animal career aside from being able to spend time doing what you love is how versatile the industry is. There are a variety of career options available to those who become certified as dog trainers, veterinary assistants and groomers.

Dog Training Jobs

As a certified dog trainer, there is a number of specialty training careers you can choose from and many of them may not cost you additional money. Dog trainers are often self-employed business owners while others work for large-scale companies or other dog trainers.

Popular Types of Dog Training

• Agility Training
• Police Dog Training
• Therapy Dog Training
• Search and Rescue Dog Training
• Shelter Dog Training
• Animal Behavior Specialist
• AKC Handling
• Doggie Daycare
• Hunting Dog Training
• Rally Training
• Trick Training
• CGC Training
• Movie Dog Training
• Private In-Home Training
• Herding Dogs

Veterinary Assistant Jobs

As a certified vet assistant, your opportunities in the veterinary field are endless. Careers in veterinary medicine are lucrative and extremely rewarding to those who enjoy caring for animals. Vet assistants are often employed by veterinary hospitals, mobile vet units and animal clinics.

Jobs with Animals

• Surgical Technician
• Circus Animal Caretaker
• Wildlife Rehabilitation
• Zoo Keeper
• Animal Clinic Assistant
• Kennel Assistant

Dog Grooming Jobs

As a certified dog groomer, you can apply your vast knowledge of grooming with a touch of your own personal creativity to your work. Dog groomers can become business owners, work for other groomers or even become employed at vet hospitals or boarding kennels to provide grooming services to clients.

Places Dog Groomers Can Work

• Pet Store Grooming
• Doggie Daycare Grooming
• Entertainment Industry Grooming
• Show Dog Grooming
• Competition Grooming
• Kennel Assistant

No matter what type of animal career you choose to pursue, there are many different specialty fields to explore and look into. Most importantly, as an animal lover, you will always be satisfied with your career choice.