An exciting option for those who want to work with animals is to seek employment with a charity that trains assistance dogs. These may be dogs to help people who are blind or deaf, or to help those who have a disability.
As with many animal careers, the starting post is as a kennel assistant. These staff perform the routine but essential duties needed to care for the dogs. Kennel staff will learn a lot about animal health and behaviour and will be taught how to reinforce the habits of good training that assistance dogs will be taught by their trainers.
From here the natural progression is to become a dog trainer. These are skilled jobs that require you to learn about animal psychology and you will probably have to study for a qualification. As well as being socialised and house-trained, dogs will be trained to follow a range of commands. If you are training a guide dog for the blind you will teach the dog how to navigate obstacles and how to walk confidently in busy pedestrian areas. You will ensure that the dog does not respond to distractions such as cats, or stop to eat food lying on the sidewalk.
Once you are qualified as a dog trainer there are many options that open up. Some trainers progress to work with the dogs as they are partnered with their new owner. This requires excellent communication skills to teach a blind, deaf or disabled owner how to work with their dog. It is immensely rewarding to see someone becoming independent, walking out on their own, or able to manage at home because their dog is helping them.
Some charities use volunteers to care for the dogs while they are puppies, and to house-break them until they are mature enough to start on their formal training. Dog trainers can find employment working with these puppy volunteers, helping them to care for the young animals and spotting and potential problems early on.
Of course jobs which are so enjoyable and rewarding are sought after and opportunities can be scarce. Many people start by volunteering to work with the charity before becoming employed by them. There may be opportunities to home a puppy, or to look after a dog that did not complete its training. Some organizations require temporary homes for dogs, perhaps while their owner is in hospital. Contact you local assistance charity to see what you can do to help. It may lead to a whole new career.