So, You Want to Work with Animals?: Discover Fantastic Ways to Work with Animals, from Veterinary Science to Aquatic Biology

by J.M. Bedell

Love animals? Make your passion your profession with this comprehensive guide that reveals a whole host of careers that work hands-on with animals of all shapes, sizes, and species in the tenth book in the Be What You Want series.

Do you remember what career you dreamed of having when you were a kid? Right up there along with firefighter, doctor, and astronaut, you’ll find veterinarian as one of the top kid’s dream jobs. This usually stems from that childhood love of a beloved pet or even the adventure of visiting the exotic animals at the zoo. But there are so many other careers that are focused around animals that kids don’t know exist.

Covering industries from domestic and exotic veterinary medicine, wildlife protection and conservation, farming and fisheries, research, and even animal training and handling (like police dogs), So, You Want to Work with Animals? explores what these jobs are really like—the fun stuff, the hard stuff, and even the gross stuff.

In addition to tips and interviews from professionals in the industry, So, You Want to Work with Animals , includes inspiring stories from kids who are already working with animals, activities, a glossary, and resources to help kids on their way to a successful and fulfilling career.

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 4, 2017

About the author

J.M. Bedell spent her childhood daydreaming in hayfields, talking to cows, and finding her heroes between the pages of books. She is a full-time writer of fiction and nonfiction for children. She received her MFA in creative writing from Hamline University in Minnesota. She lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and an assortment of farm animals.

Reviews

[Mrs. Melaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considering a career working with animals? If so, this solid introduction to animal-related careers could help. Using an upbeat, chatty tone, it provides an impressive set of options with enough details to allow readers to envision training for and then doing each career. Chapters cover working with domestic, wild, and farm animals, bugs, birds, and fishes, animal protection, working animals, and research animals. The author utilizes a variety of formats, such as lists, spotlights on industry trailblazers, quizzes, and q and a interviews, many with young people who are already working with animals. Simple black and white drawings further break up the text. The extensive end matter includes an entire chapter of resources sorted by topic, as well as a glossary, end notes, and a bibliography. On the 'con' side: It could use an index. Also, since so many specifics are provided, some of the information will begin to go out of date right away. For instance, Barnum & Bailey Circus was mentioned as an animal-related employer, but they announced just last month that they are closing.

[Tiffany Tran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would highly recommend this book to anyone thinking about a career with animals! I am an aspiring veterinarian and found tons of useful information on what and how I could specialize in particular fields. I felt that although it was geared towards kids/teens, it included stories of non-traditional journeys that reminded you it's never too late! It is extremely comprehensive and a fun read for all ages. I especially enjoyed the various interviews, quizzes, and fun facts.

[Patti Sedlacek]

This is a great book for kids who want to learn more about animals or are thinking about a career in veterinary science and aquatic science. I would recommend this for upper elementary grades to early middle school. Loaded with information and laid out in chapter format. Part of the Be What You Want series.