Jobs With Dogs

By Gillian Ridgeway

Working with animals can be one of the most rewarding ways to spend your life. To be able to turn your passion into the way you make your living is truly a blessing. There are many jobs that are animal related but the one that comes to mind most frequently is animal doctor, or Veterinarian. Veterinary medicine is now becoming as specialized as human medicine. You still have your general practitioners, the Veterinarians who see your pet on a regular basis but you can now include specialties that range from dentistry, behavior, skin and even doctors who deal solely with orthopedics.

Veterinary technicians also work mainly in Veterinary hospitals. Technicians draw and analyze blood, take and develop X-rays, assist the doctor in surgery, and help with client education, just to mention part of their day.

The need for good dog trainers and dog behaviorists is on the rise. As our stress levels rise due to the increasing demands on our time, so do the stress levels of our family pets. Often these dogs can be managed and helped with the assistance of these qualified individuals. There are even dog trainers who specialize in certain areas such as dog sports or aggression. Not to mention you may simply want to take a dog-training course for the sheer fun of it! Dog trainers in Canada have no official certification program as of yet, so the trainers are often taught in mentorship programs and gain knowledge through experience. The Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers is a self governing body, and by hiring a dog trainer who is a member in good standing will help ensure some consistency. You can’t turn on the televisions these days without seeing a dog on most programs or included in most commercials. Someone has to train and handle these dogs. Pet wrangling, as it is called, is also on the rise. With Toronto becoming more and more involved in the film industry, you will see an increased need for well-trained dogs, and their handlers.

The world of pet retail is booming at the moment. Communities love to visit their neighborhood pet shop. The retailer has to be much more savvy when it comes to the products and services it is providing. An excellent knowledge of pet nutrition is a must now that the consumer has become more educated. With the trend leaning towards holistic and organic products, many customers want full service.

Grooming is an excellent way to make a living. Hair styling for dogs can be extremely rewarding. Good groomers will find work at Veterinary hospitals, pet shops and of course, they can open up their own salon. Anyone who has ever tried to pick up a pair of scissors, or even a pair of clippers, can attest to the fact that a good groomer is worth their weight in gold. It is most definitely an art form. Dog grooming courses are available, and some groomers will train their own staff. Many will start part time as dog bathers in order to gain the experience needed to learn this craft.

The list of possibilities is endless….pet chiropractors, dog walkers, pet sitters, and even pet psychics. There is a job for everyone.

Gillian Ridgeway, AHT, has worked with dogs for over 33 years. She is director of Who’s Walking Who in Toronto and Ajax. A consultant for TorontoBarks.com, Gillian also writes for Dogs, Dogs, Dogs!, Dogs in Canada. She has appeared on Dogs in Canada TV, Global television, Q107 radio and in Toronto Life, and is co-author of the book, “Citizen Canine.” She travels with the Iams SuperDogs Performance team and teaches learning theory at University of Toronto. Gillian can be contacted at 416-465-3626; www.whoswalkingwho.net

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