Unlocking Exciting **Jobs with Animals and Travel**: Your Guide to Global Wildlife Careers

For many passionate individuals, the dream job combines a love for animals with the thrill of exploration and travel. While veterinary careers often come to mind first, the world offers a vast array of exciting roles that allow you to work closely with fascinating creatures across diverse landscapes. This guide explores the various pathways available for those seeking Jobs With Animals And Travel, highlighting opportunities from wildlife conservation to marine research and even unusual, adventurous roles. Whether your interest lies in observing wildlife in remote jungles, aiding in rescue efforts on distant shores, or conducting research in unique ecosystems, there are fulfilling career paths waiting to be discovered that blend your passion for the animal kingdom with a desire to see the world.

Beyond the well-trodden path of becoming a traditional veterinarian, numerous specializations and alternative career options exist for animal and nature enthusiasts. Consider the dynamic field of marine biology, which often involves fieldwork and research in coastal regions and open oceans around the globe. Or perhaps the critical work of wildlife rehabilitation and conservation, which can take professionals to various habitats in need of protection. The scope of animal-related jobs is far broader than many realize, including unique and surprising roles that might involve significant travel and fieldwork.

Careers in Animal Rescue: Traveling for Conservation

For those with a deep commitment to wildlife welfare and conservation, animal rescue presents a compelling career path that frequently involves travel to aid animals in distress or facilitate their return to the wild. These roles extend far beyond providing basic care for injured or orphaned animals. While rehabilitation is a core component, successful rescue often requires meticulous planning for eventual release, which may involve transporting animals to suitable habitats, potentially across significant distances. Furthermore, opportunities in animal rescue include overseeing vital education and volunteer programs, which might necessitate travel to different communities or rescue sites.

While a formal college degree isn’t always a strict requirement for entry-level positions in animal rescue, higher education is strongly recommended. A relevant degree can unlock more advanced roles in medicine, research, and program management. Professionals in animal rescue must be adaptable and willing to work in varied environments. Field operations, including rescues and releases, often take place outdoors, potentially in remote or challenging locations. Rehabilitation and medical procedures, such as therapy and surgeries, are typically conducted at dedicated animal centers, which themselves can be located in diverse regions. This combination of field and center work often requires travel between locations.

Image: Visual representation of various animal career salaries.

Some key roles in animal rescue include:

• Marine Rescue Officer
• Wildlife Rehabilitator
• Animal Shelter Technician
• Animal Shelter Manager
• Animal Health Inspector

Veterinary Careers with a Travel Dimension

While many veterinarians work locally, certain specializations within the veterinary field can involve extensive travel. A wildlife veterinarian, for instance, may need to travel to various locations to work with a diverse range of species, including exotic animals in their natural habitats or in conservation settings. Similarly, veterinarians specializing in large animals or those involved in disaster relief efforts often travel to ranches, farms, or affected areas to provide medical care. Becoming a veterinarian requires a significant educational investment, typically involving a four-year undergraduate degree followed by a doctorate program and successful completion of a state licensing exam.

For those seeking a less extensive educational path but still interested in the veterinary field, veterinary technicians and assistants play crucial support roles, assisting with exams, administering medications, and managing records. While their roles may be more location-bound, working in clinics that specialize in mobile services or exotic animals can still introduce an element of travel. Essential skills for success in this field include strong communication, deep compassion for animals, and critical thinking abilities, all of which are valuable whether working locally or traveling for cases.

A baby sea turtle in a bowl held by a human

Examples of veterinary careers:

• Veterinarian
• Veterinary Technician
• Veterinary Assistant
• Animal Nutritionist
• Veterinary Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
• Equine Dental Technician

Global Opportunities: Jobs Working With Wild Animals

Working directly with wild animals often implies a significant element of travel and fieldwork. These roles demand individuals with unwavering passion for wildlife preservation and the physical and mental fortitude to work in challenging environments. While some wildlife professionals may concentrate on one or two species, others engage with a vast array of wildlife, requiring travel to different ecosystems to study and manage populations. Due to the nature of this work, being highly detail-oriented, an excellent communicator (especially when collaborating with international teams or local communities), and in good physical condition are paramount.

Many jobs involving wild animals require professionals to work across varied environments. Some days might be spent conducting research or monitoring in the field, potentially in remote natural habitats requiring travel to access. Other days may involve working within conservation centers or labs, or even performing administrative tasks like project planning or managing educational outreach programs. The blend of field and office work inherent in many wildlife careers makes them prime examples of Jobs With Animals And Travel.

Aquatic Animal Jobs: Exploring Marine Environments

If you are drawn to the water, careers focusing on aquatic animals can offer fantastic opportunities for travel, often involving working by the ocean, at aquariums, marine parks, or research facilities worldwide. Some roles, such as marine biologists conducting fieldwork or aquarists managing large tanks, might require scuba diving and travel to various aquatic locations. However, not all aquatic careers involve getting wet; museum curators or researchers focusing on marine life might work primarily on dry land but still contribute to understanding global aquatic ecosystems.

To succeed in working with aquatic animals, curiosity and keen observational skills are vital, particularly when tracking or studying marine life in diverse environments. There are numerous career paths within this field. Marine mammal trainers frequently work with dolphins and whales at parks and zoos, potentially requiring relocation. Aquarists manage fish and other aquatic life in diverse aquarium settings. Travel can be a significant component for researchers studying whales in the Arctic or coral reefs in the tropics. A bachelor’s degree is typically a minimum requirement, often supplemented by certifications in areas like scuba diving or CPR, essential skills for many travel-based aquatic roles.

An aquarist with marine life in an aquarium

Possible aquatic animal careers include:

• Aquarist
• Marine Biologist
• Marine Mammal Trainer

Unusual Animal Jobs: Adventure and Impact

Beyond traditional roles, some lesser-known but highly impactful jobs with animals and travel offer truly unique experiences. Consider the role of an animal relocation worker, who travels to move animals from overcrowded or “kill” shelters to facilities where they have a better chance of adoption. This job involves significant travel, coordinating logistics across different locations to save animal lives. For those seeking something even more on the wild side, a snake venom milker travels to extract venom from snakes, a vital process for creating anti-venom used to treat bites in both humans and other animals. This often requires working with dangerous species in specific, sometimes remote, locations.

Milking a snake: Image by Alexandra Lysenko from Pixabay

No matter how unusual the role, careful attention to detail and a profound passion for animal welfare are essential. The requirement for a college degree varies depending on the specific unusual job, but higher education can enhance skills and accelerate career development, potentially opening doors to more specialized and travel-intensive opportunities.

High Paying Animal Jobs Often Involve Travel and Fieldwork

Many of the highest-paying careers involving animals are concentrated in research, science, and conservation fields, areas that frequently require travel and fieldwork. Earning a substantial salary doesn’t mean sacrificing your passion for working with animals; many rewarding and well-compensated roles offer the opportunity to explore different environments. Examining some specific careers provides insight into how travel integrates with earning potential.

Wildlife Biologist: Exploring Habitats Worldwide

Wildlife biologists often spend significant time in the field, making this an excellent occupation for those who love the outdoors and travel. Their work involves traveling to diverse habitats to study animals, observe their habits and behaviors, and research how they interact with their environment and other species. Much of this field research involves conducting experiments and collecting data on location.

When not in the field, wildlife biologists may work in offices or labs, studying specimens, analyzing data, or writing reports. Travel is often inherent, whether moving between field sites and the lab or presenting findings at conferences. A bachelor’s degree is typically required, though many employers prefer or require a graduate degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) for higher-level research and lab positions, especially those involving international projects.

• Average Salary (2021): $64,650
• Currently Employed in the U.S (2020): 18,500

Veterinarian: Specialized Travel Roles

As noted earlier, while many veterinarians are based in a single location, some specializations are inherently mobile or require travel. Veterinarians who work with large animals, equine athletes, or those involved in international animal health initiatives often travel extensively. Research veterinarians might travel to different facilities or field sites as part of their studies. Many of the highest-paying veterinary roles are in research or specialized surgery, areas where expertise is often needed across various locations.

A sleeping dog is monitored by a veterinarian: Image by Mirko Sajkov from Pixabay

Becoming a veterinarian is a demanding path, requiring a bachelor’s degree, a postdoctoral degree, and state licensing. Despite the lengthy preparation, a veterinary career is incredibly rewarding and can offer opportunities for impact and travel depending on the chosen specialty.

• Average Salary (2021): $100,370
• Currently Employed in the U.S (2020): 86,800

Animal Nutritionist: Assessing Conditions in Diverse Settings

Animal nutritionists play a crucial role in the health and well-being of animals by creating customized diets and lifestyle plans. While some may work in a lab or office, assessing living conditions often requires traveling to farms, zoos, sanctuaries, or research facilities to evaluate animals and their environments firsthand. This blend of fieldwork and analysis is key to providing effective nutritional guidance for diverse species in varied locations.

Image: Sheep gathered around a trough, eating.

A bachelor’s degree, often with a focus on animal science, is typically required. Practical experience gained through volunteering or working in related fields can also be beneficial. The ability to travel to different sites to assess animals and their living conditions is often a necessary component of the job.

• Average Salary (2020): $80,390
• Currently Employed in the U.S (2020): 37,400
• Projected Demand (2020-30): 9%

Animal Care Specialist: Working Across Various Locations

An animal care specialist is deeply involved in the hands-on training and care of animals. While entry-level roles might be based at a single facility, specialists often work in a variety of places, ranging from zoos and kennels to private residences or even film sets, which can involve local or regional travel. Becoming a specialist and building a successful career typically requires a bachelor’s degree to gain expertise in animal behavior, training techniques, and basic health knowledge.

Image: A dog on a leash relaxing in the shade.

While not always involving extensive international travel, the role can require significant local or regional mobility depending on the employer and specialization (e.g., working for a traveling animal show or providing care for animals at different locations).

• Average Salary (2020): $28,600
• Currently Employed in the U.S (2020): 332,700
• Projected Demand (2020-30): 33%

Wildlife Conservationist: Protecting Environments Through Travel

Wildlife conservationists are essential for protecting wildlife and their natural habitats around the world. Their work frequently involves fieldwork, traveling to various locations to study human impact, sample and test soil and water for contamination, and educate the public on conservation efforts. This often means working in remote or environmentally sensitive areas, necessitating travel and adaptability.

Aspiring conservationists can work for federal agencies or local authorities, often based in parks, zoos, or dedicated nature reserves, requiring travel within their jurisdiction or to sites needing assessment and protection. A bachelor’s degree, often focusing on zoology or wildlife biology, is a common requirement for these travel-intensive roles aimed at safeguarding global biodiversity. Consider how understanding travel safety is crucial when journeying to diverse regions for fieldwork. For those planning research trips to Africa, knowing the safest country to travel is paramount for personal security. safest country in africa to travel

• Average Salary (2021): $68,230
• Currently Employed in the U.S (2021): 22,550
• Projected Demand (2020-30): 5%

Zoologist: Studying Animals in Their Natural Settings

Zoologists study animals in various settings, including their natural habitats, which often requires extensive travel. Different specializations exist within zoology, each with varying travel requirements. Some zoologists research the impact of global changes on wildlife populations, potentially traveling to different regions to collect data. Others may focus on the diet and migration patterns of specific species, tracking animals across vast distances or international borders. By studying wildlife habits in diverse locations, zoologists play a crucial role in global conservation, particularly for endangered species.

A man holding a large bird of prey

Most entry-level zoology jobs require a college degree, often specifically in zoology or a broader field like biology. Post-graduation, zoologists might work directly with animals at a zoo, or travel to study wildlife in remote natural habitats. The need to document findings visually in the field often makes equipment like a reliable travel camera lens essential. For Canon users, choosing the best lens for travel photography canon can be crucial for capturing high-quality images of wildlife and their environments.

• Median Salary (2021): $64,650
• Currently Employed in the U.S (2020): 18,500
• Projected Demand (2020-30): 5%

Conservation Officer: Patrolling and Protecting Natural Areas

A conservation officer plays a vital role in protecting wildlife habitats, often within specific parks, forests, or natural reserves. While they may occasionally interact with animals for relocation or injury assistance, their primary duty involves patrolling and enforcing laws for visitors. This job inherently involves travel within the areas they are assigned to protect. Game wardens, for example, enforce hunting and fishing regulations across designated territories.

A person with penguins in the arctic: Photo by Suzan Kiršić

A love for the outdoors and a background in criminal justice are key for this role. A four-year degree in a related field combined with criminal justice training is highly beneficial. New officers often gain experience through internships and volunteer programs, which can also involve travel to different protected areas.

• Average Salary (2021): $63,750
• Currently Employed in the U.S (2020): 39,000
• Projected Demand (2020-30): 7% (as fast as average)

Conservation Biologist: Researching and Advocating Globally

Conservation biologists are advocates for endangered species and work to mitigate habitat loss and the impacts of global changes. Their research often takes them to various ecosystems around the world to study wildlife populations and their interactions with the environment. Through scientific research and advocacy, they strive to protect wildlife and habitats on a global scale, inherently involving travel to areas facing conservation challenges.

The completion of a bachelor’s program is beneficial for developing the necessary research and analysis skills for this field. Several years of work experience, often gained through internships or volunteer opportunities that can involve travel, are typically required. Conservation biologists most often find employment with government agencies and non-profit organizations working on projects that span national or international borders.

• Average Salary (2021): $63,750
• Currently Employed in the U.S (2020): 39,000
• Projected Demand (2020-30): 7% (as fast as average)

Conclusion

The world of animal careers offers far more diversity than commonly perceived. For those who dream of combining their passion for animal welfare and study with the desire to explore new places, numerous jobs with animals and travel provide exciting and fulfilling paths. From traveling wildlife biologists documenting species in remote locations to marine rescue officers aiding animals on distant shores or conservationists working to protect habitats worldwide, the opportunities are vast. While many roles require significant education and dedication, they offer the unique chance to make a real difference in the lives of animals while experiencing the wonders of the planet.