15 professions for animal lovers that you didn't know about
Working with animals does not just mean "being a veterinarian". There is a surprisingly wide range of professions where you can combine a love for animals with a professional career and a decent income. Here are 15 of them, including what they do, where they work and how much they earn in the Czech Republic.
1. Veterinary assistant
What is done: Assists veterinarians with examinations and surgical procedures, prepares equipment, performs basic treatments and handles clinic administration. Acts as the veterinarian's right hand in the daily running of the clinic.
Area of operation: Veterinary clinics, small animal practices, rescue centres, zoos.
Average salary in the Czech Republic: 28 000 - 38 000 Kč/month.
2. Dog walker (dog guide)
What is done: Regularly walks clients' dogs: both group and individual walks, typically 1-2 hours daily. Responsible for the animals' safety, socialisation and physical fitness.
Area of operation: Self-employed or at dog hotels and agencies. Major cities, Prague, Brno, Ostrava.
Average salary in the Czech Republic: 200 - 350 Kč/hour (self-employed)
3. Pet sitter
What is done: Cares for pets in the client's home or at their own place while owners are on holiday or at work. Handles feeding, cleanliness, exercise and the pet's mental well-being.
Area of operation: As a self-employed individual (OSVČ) or via platforms such as mazlic.cz, Wag or Rover.
Average salary in the Czech Republic: 150 - 400 Kč/hour depending on the service
4. Zookeeper / zoo curator
What is done: Responsible for the care of a specific group of animals (primates, carnivores, reptiles), planning their nutrition, breeding and environmental enrichment. The curator cooperates with international conservation programmes (EEP).
Area of operation: Zoological gardens, rescue stations, natural history museums.
Average salary in the Czech Republic: 32 000 - 52 000 Kč/month.
5. Rescue dog handler
What is done: Trains and leads a specially trained rescue dog during search operations, locating missing persons, survivors after disasters, or drugs and explosives. Requires physical fitness and demanding training.
Area of operation: Mountain Rescue Service, Police of the Czech Republic, Fire and Rescue Service, voluntary rescue organisations (USAR).
Average salary in the Czech Republic: 35 000 - 55 000 Kč/month.
6. Hippotherapist
What is done: It uses horses as a therapeutic tool for working with people with physical or mental disabilities. The horse's movement improves clients' balance, muscle tone and psychological well-being.
Area of operation: Rehabilitation centres, special schools, riding clubs with a focus on therapy.
Average salary in the Czech Republic: 30 000 - 45 000 Kč/month.
7. Animal Rehabilitation Worker
What is done: Provides physiotherapy and rehabilitation for animals following injuries or surgery, hydrotherapy, massage, laser therapy, exercise. The field is still relatively new in the Czech Republic but is growing rapidly.
Area of operation: Specialised veterinary rehabilitation clinics and veterinary hospitals.
Average salary in the Czech Republic: 30 000 - 48 000 Kč/month.
8. Aquarist / Terrarian
What is done: Cares for collections of fish, amphibians, reptiles or invertebrates in zoos or special aquariums. Designs biotopes, monitors water quality and animal health.
Area of operation: Zoos, public aquariums, natural history museums, large breeding stations.
Average salary in the Czech Republic: 28 000 - 42 000 Kč/month.
9. Shelter manager
What is done: Manages the daily operations of an animal shelter, oversees feeding, hygiene and animal socialisation, coordinates volunteers, communicates with prospective adopters and handles administration.
Area of operation: Municipal shelters, non-profit organisations (ČSOP, Dog Shelter), private rescue stations.
Average salary in the Czech Republic: 27 000 - 38 000 Kč/month.
10. Canisterapy worker
What is done: A specially certified dog visits seniors, hospital patients, children in children's homes and people with mental disabilities. The dog helps to reduce stress and improve social contact.
Area of operation: Nursing homes, hospitals, children's homes, special schools. Usually as a self-employed person or volunteer.
Average salary in the Czech Republic: 200 - 350 Kč/hour (self-employed/volunteer)
11. Agility trainer
What is done: Trains dogs and their owners in agility: an obstacle sport for dogs. Conducts individual and group training sessions, prepares competitors for events, and addresses behavioural issues.
Area of operation: Kynological clubs, private dog runs, as a sole trader.
Average salary in the Czech Republic: 250 - 500 Kč/hour (self-employed)
12. Veterinary photographer
What is done: Photographs animals for adoption portals, veterinary clinics, breeding kennels, pet products or natural science publications. Combines photographic technique with knowledge of animal behaviour.
Area of operation: Independently as a sole trader, for animal shelters, pet food brands and magazines.
Average salary in the Czech Republic: variable, 300-1 500 Kč/hour
13. Ethologist
What is done: Studies natural animal behaviour and applies scientific findings in practice, advisory services for zoos and breeding stations, consultations for pet owners facing behavioural issues.
Area of operation: Academic sector, zoos, veterinary clinics, consulting practice (self-employed individuals).
Average salary in the Czech Republic: 35 000 - 60 000 Kč/month.
14. Animal Protection Inspector
What is done: Checks whether animals are kept in accordance with the Act on Protection of Animals against Cruelty. Conducts inspections of farms, shelters, zoos and private breeders.
Area of operation: State Veterinary Administration of the Czech Republic, regional veterinary administrations, non-profit organisations (4Paws, OBRAZ).
Average salary in the Czech Republic: 35 000 - 50 000 Kč/month.
15. Pet food nutrition advisor
What is done: Advises pet owners on selecting feed, compiles individual meal plans (raw food, BARF, home cooking), and collaborates with veterinarians on dietary treatment.
Area of operation: Veterinary clinics, pet shops, self-employed consultants, and online stores selling pet supplies.
Average salary in the Czech Republic: 28 000 - 45 000 Kč/month.
How to find work in the trade?
All the above professions share one thing in common: the labour market is small and vacancies are filled quickly. The key is to be where employers are looking. mazlic.cz It is a specialised job portal focused exclusively on work with animals: from veterinary clinics and shelters to zoos.
Search for job offers on mazlic.cz