"The animal-human bond is getting stronger. Pets are becoming more like family members. This is leading to tremendous growth in the companion animal industry and more and more career opportunities."
" People often forget the important role service dogs play in our society. Farmers, police, security officers, MAF border control officers, visually-impaired people and many others rely on them in their day-to-day activities."
Companion Animal & Service Dog Industry
Day-to-day activities include:
- Caring for companion animals (feeding, exercising, grooming, healthcare etc)
- Diagnosing and treating injuries and health problems
- Nursing care of unwell animals
- Providing advice to companion animal owners
- Training and behavioural modification
- Selling companion animal merchandise
- Business management
Careers in the industry include:
- Animal behaviouralist (dog trainer, pet psychologist)
- Guide dog instructor
- Police dog handler
- Border control (MAF "sniffer dogs")
- Animal welfare organisations & humane shelters
- Breeding dogs and cats for sale
- Educating people about companion animals
- Managing a companion animal enterprise (breed society, pet shop, kennel or cattery)
- Manufacturing, importing and selling companion animal products (food, merchandise etc)
- Companion animal veterinary nurse
- Companion animal veterinarian
Training to be a member of the industry
The veterinary nursing and veterinary science courses at Massey University provide training in companion animal nursing, health and welfare. Animal behaviour is taught as part of the veterinary and veterinary nursing degrees and can also be studied by way of a major in psychology/zoology followed by further study with an MSc or PhD. The School of Health Sciences - Rehabilitation provides training for people interested a career with the visually impaired and guide dogs.
