INTRODUCTION

Do you love animals? If the answer is yes, then here's some good news: The working world—where most of us end up before too long—is full of jobs for animal lovers. Jobs in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and pet stores, in the country or in the city, indoors or outdoors, are there for the taking, and, best of all, many of these jobs don't require a college degree. In fact, some require nothing more than a high-school diploma, the desire to help and care for animals, and a good work ethic. If you're a hard worker, there's a job out there for you.

The truth is, if animals are your thing, your future looks bright. Each year more and more jobs in animal care, animal protection, animal control, and other related fields become available to those who want them. Take a look at the jobs profiled in this book. Some—like pet shop worker or veterinary technician—you may have heard of. Others—like equine sports massage therapist or assistance-dog trainer—may be new, at least to you. Think about what it takes to get each job, and what each job is like. If you decide you're interested in learning more about a specific career, make use of the directory section at the end of each chapter. There you'll find other books and magazines on the subject, handy Web sites, and a list of professional associations offering more information. Take the time to explore your options. One day, perhaps not long from now, you'll land the job of your dreams—working with animals.