So, you love animals and want to make a difference but aren’t sure how? Maybe you’ve even been considering dedicating your career to animals. Well, you’re in luck, because we’ve put together seven incredible jobs you could find in animal welfare. And yes, these are all totally real jobs! See below for the list:

1. Animal Care Technician 

Animal Care Technicians (ACTs) work at shelters to help care for and feed the animal residents, as well as cleaning kennels. This hands-on job is a great one to consider for anyone wanting to be face-to-face with animals.  

2. Forensic Veterinarian

This is a job that requires a bit more studying. Veterinary forensics is a burgeoning field in which veterinarians are trained to collect and analyze crime scene evidence pertaining to animal victims so that they can help law enforcement during criminal cases. 

3. Animal Behaviorist 

No one’s perfect, and shelter animals need compassion and understanding as they adjust to new surroundings. Every animal’s background and personality are unique to them. That’s why many shelters rely on Behaviorists to help assess an animal’s individual behavioral needs so that they can get ready for a new home. 

4. Field Responder 

Responders are those who work in the field during times of critical need, such as during a natural disaster or a criminal case. Responders are on the front lines, assisting and rescuing animals as needed. 

5. Neonate Specialist 

Small, young kittens often arrive at shelters at vulnerable stages in their lives. “Bottle babies,” or neonates, require special care to help them grow strong and healthy if they’re brought to shelters without their mothers. Neonate specialists are trained to care for these tiny animals and prove to be invaluable during feline breeding season in the summer months. 

6. “Matchmaker” 

Matchmakers at shelters help ensure that an animal is going to a home where they will be best suited and live their fullest life. This also helps potential adopters ensure that they are getting a new family member who will best fit their lifestyle. 

7.  Photographer

This one may not seem specific to animal welfare, but photographers are always needed. In our digital age, many rescues and shelters need professional photographers to help them promote their adoptable animals online. And what’s better than a puppy or kitten photoshoot?!

Even if you aren’t quite ready for a career change, there are many ways you can help animals in need. One of the easiest ways is by becoming an ASPCA Guardian! May marks our annual Member Drive, and we are hoping to encourage all animal lovers to consider joining as monthly donors. Please consider becoming an ASPCA Guardian today to help us feed, care for and protect animals year-round.