It's never too early to plan your future...

When I Grow Up

If you love dogs and other animals,
you may be interested in working with them.
First it's important to understand the meanings
of a few words. Look at these words:

Do you want to work in the veterinary field? Veterinary science is a profession that deals with scientific and medical matters concerning animals.

Here are some links you might find useful.
They open into a second window, so when you are finished,
just close the window and you'll be right back here.

Veterinary Technicians are like registered nurses of the veterinary world. They assist veterinarians and scientists in vet hospitals, labs, pharmaceutical companies, zoos and wildlife areas, humane societies, and the military. Here is some more information for you: Veterinary Technician Schools in the US will give you a list of schools and their websites.

 

Rusty's Ridiculous Riddles

Why does a dog scratch himself? Because no one else knows where it itches !

Thanks to Vidushi, age 12, in New Delhi, India for this cute joke!

 

Hey Kids! Do you want to work with animals when you grow up?
What are your plans for the future? How are you preparing?
What do you want to do when you grow up?

I want to work for search and rescue. The reason I have
picked that is because I think that I can really save animals
from any trouble. I have helped dogs to try to find their homes
by putting signs around. Also sometimes when I see a loose
dog in my neighborhood I will bring him/her to my house and
play with it, give it water, and something to eat. But I make
sure at first that it won't bite. I have four pets even though they
are not all dogs. I still can help all kinds of animals.
Anonymous, age 11, Georgia USA

I really want to work with animals and am now
working in a shelter. It's hard work but very rewarding!
Anonymous, age 17, Ireland

I want to be a pro dog trainer and make millions
of dollars. I also want to have many, many dogs and other
animals. Brent, age 13

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I want to be a breeder of Belgian Sheepdogs and
Golden Retriever, also want to become a professional handler,
and maybe a professional dog trainer for obedience and
conformation. As for right now I just train and show my own
dogs I get from good breeders! Anonymous, age 15, Ohio, USA

There are so many choices out there, but my whole life
(well, since I was 2) I have wanted to be a vet, and a dog trainer.
My aunt Denise breeds labradors, and that is one reason I love dogs
so much. I would love to specialize in anything that has to do with
animals. Anonymous, age 13, Mississippi USA

I want to be a vet and a breeder. I would like to
specialize in dogs and horses, because they are my favorite
animal. I have four horses and two dogs. I would also breed
Labs (my dogs) and Quarter Horses.
Anonymous, Age 13, New York USA

I want you do vet nursing when I leave school
but I am finding it really hard looking for a college.
Anonymous, age 16, Ireland

I want to be a veterinarian that specializes in dogs
and horses, but I might just specialize in horses. Horses are my
favorite animals, but dogs come in at a close second! I have a
Westie and a Golden Retriever, both who I love very much! I don't
have a horse, but I wish I did! Anonymous, age 13, Ohio USA

I'm going to become a VET!!!...yeay! Anonymous, age 16, Singapore

I would like to be a vet at an emergency
animal clinic. It would have investigators to make house
calls to see how well an animal has been taken care of.
The best part of my job would be working with animals
and learning new things every day!
Mary anne, age 13, Michigan USA

When I grow up I want to be a vet, and have
a cozy home where I can keep strays so they won't die.
I want to deal with pets and other small animals that might
have diseases so I can cure them. Anonymous, age 13, Texas USA

I want to be a Doberman breeder, and a dog trainer.
Anonymous, age 14, Texas USA

I have two dogs, one bunny, and a fish.
When I grow up, I want to be a vet. My favorite animals
are my Golden Retriever dogs. I like this website.
Anonymous, age 7, Wisconsin USA

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I want to be a vet or a teacher when I grow up.
If I'm a vet, I'll take care of animals, but if I'm a teacher,
I'll TEACH them about animals! Anonymous, age 13, New Jersey USA

I would like to be a vet at an emergency
animal clinic. It would have investigators to make house
calls to see how well an animal has been taken care of.
The best part of my job would be working with animals
and learning new things everyday! Mary , age 13, Michigan USA

I want to own a dog and several cats when I grow up.
(I am not allowed to now.) Anonymous, Age 14, Pennsylvania USA

When I grow up, I want to start an animal shelter
that does not put down their animals. I think that is one
of the worst things that you could do to an animal and
I will stop that! Anonymous, age 14, Florida USA

When I become an adult, I plan to breed top
quality Rottweilers and Pit Bulls. I plan to be a veterinarian
for big breeds and have a big home full of dogs. :=D
Anonymous, age 14, Nevada USA

When I grow up I want to have my own dog farm,
you know like if people have a dog(s) they don't want
they would take them to me and I would find a good
home for the dog's and if I found any stray dogs I would
also find homes for them. I'd have my own humane
society and I'd go to all the dog pounds and give them
donations. I really love animals, especially dogs - I have two!
Anonymous, age 11, Minnesota USA

I want to study the behavior and the training of dogs.
I guess I'll need to study business, too!
Anonymous, age 18, New Mexico USA

I plan to breed top quality Rottweilers and
German Shepherds, study to be a Vet Tech and groomer,
and own my own boarding kennel. I also would be a
certified Obedience Instructor and hold obedience
classes on my large ranch. Anonymous, age 14, Arizona USA

I want to be a vet, guide dog trainer, and
obedience dog trainer because I love dogs.
Anonymous, age 13, North Carolina USA

I want to have my own humane society and I plan
to be a dog trainer and a dog breeder.
Becky, age 13, Missouri USA

I want to be a nurse who helps people and I want
to have a family and live on a farm out in the country.
Where I will have all kinds of animals that I got from
the streets. I will take them to the vet and fix them up.
Then I will give them away to only families or people
who will and can take care of them! Kirsten, age 12, Lima

I want to be a Professional Handler, which is a
person that shows someone else's dogs for money.
I would do that because I love showing dogs.
Professional Handler would not be my main job.
Something to do on weekends. I really want to be an
Oncologist when I grow up. An Oncologist is a doctor
that treats people with cancer. Anonymous, age 13, Oklahoma USA

I want to be a dog trainer and a veterinarian.
Anonymous, age 13, North Carolina USA

When I grow up I want to be a vet!
Anonymous, age 9, California USA

I want to be a vet or vet nurse.
Anonymous, age 15, Australia

When I grow up I want to own a pet hotel so when
the humans go on vacation, the pets go on vacation too!
And I want to be a vet so I can help my residents, too.
Rosebudwow1, age 13, Tennessee USA

When I grow up I want to be a dog trainer and holistic
medicine practice. Lisa, age 12. California USA

When I grow up I want to be a veterinarian. I've observed
surgeries and other veterinary practices. Sometimes I get to
help around the clinic. My advice for any other kids like me
is to get involved. Sarah, age 14, New York USA

I want to show dogs and horses. Anonymous, age 10, Texas USA

When I grow up I want to be a dog groomer.
I want to be this because I love dogs. Kristie, age 11, Ohio USA

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When I grow up I want to go to college and get a
veterinarian degree and then I'm going to have a rescue
club for all dogs and then if someone brings in a dog who
is hurt, I can make him better. Marissa, age 10, Nova Scotia, Canada

When I grow up I always wanted to be a vet. But I do
need to to go to college and get a degree. I have a dog
named Dutch (Samoyed) and she is the reason I want
to be a vet. Erin, age 10, N.S. Canada

I do not want to be a vet or anything like that. But
what I do want to do is this. I want to be a good pet owner
and to teach children who have dogs or who want dogs how
to be a good pet owner. That is my dream! Anonymous, age 14, USA

When I grow up I want to be a dolphin trainer. I want to
be a dolphin trainer because I love dolphins and I think it
would be neat and I wouldn't be a dolphin trainer for the money.
This summer my family is going to Busch Gardens to
Dolphin Cove to swim with the dolphins. I just love dolphins!
Anonymous, age 11, Indiana USA

I'd like to be a vet. I can name every dog I see.
I have a Bichon that is three. His name is Mac! I love him.
Jane, age 12, Manitoba Canada

I want to be able to help all animals or at least some.
I hate to see animals being abused and I want to do
something about it - any ideas? Katie, age 10, Arizona USA

When I grow up I want to be a veterinarian because I love animals so much. But most of all I love dogs. I think it's important that you train your dog as much as you can. And be responsible for him\her. I think dogs are very loving animals because they do so much for you and other people. And I think you should do the same for them. Anonymous, age 12, Michigan USA

When I grow up I want to be a vet because I love animals!I love canines the most. I have a dog of my own named Elijah. He is a big goof ball. I know a lot about animals. Elijah, Bell, and Rascal might have a boo-boo one day and I want to be there for them. Anonymous, age 8, North Carolina USA

When I grow up, I want to be a vet because I just love animals. Will, age 14, USA

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I want to be a vet nurse. I also want to breed Pharaoh hounds, Greyhounds, Salukis, Afghan Hounds, Deerhounds, Italian Greyhounds, Basenjis, and Whippets. I love and own and show Pharaoh Hounds, Whippets, and Fox terriers! I love Sighthound dogs! At the moment I work in a dog rescue centre and I look after people's dogs! Bethany, age 14, Taranaki New Zealand
When I grow up, I want to be a homicide worker, because I feel that people should be able to work and do whatever hey feel and act like doing for a living, and I think that a homicide worker really shows my feelings. Even though it might be a dangerous job, I feel that I would fit good in that place. And also my kind of job is not sitting in an office. I like to be adventurous and help people. Some prejudice people think that only guys can be fit for that kind of job, but they are wrong. Men and women can both work for that kind of job. Some people go to work everyday and hate what they do for a living and I wouldn't feel like that. People should do what they feel comfortable doing. Anonymous, age 11, New York

When I grow up, I want to be a vet and I will breed dogs, too. And me and my best friends started a dog walking, a pet care business. Marissa, age 10, Nova Scotia, Canada

I want to work at a animal shelter and if any animals can't find a home, I would maybe adopt them, and if a puppy or kitten is to young to be adopted I'd take it home and be its foster parent for a while. Anonymous, 9, Arizona USA

I want to be a veterinarian when I grow up. Anonymous, age 11, Hawaii USA

I am going to be a dog lover and talk with them, too. Anonymous, age 8

When I grow up I want to have a Collie (rough coated ), rescue club, and I would like to train all kinds of dogs.
I love dogs. mostly Collies. Marissa, age 10, Nova Scotia, Canada

When I grow up I want to be a pet sitter. That way I could see all kinds of pets. I don't want to be a vet because you have to give shots and do surgery and that would be heartbreaking for me. Anonymous, age 10, Tennessee USA

I have decided yet, properly what I want to be, but lots of my friends who want to be vets when haven't thought about the difficulties. Problems, fear, danger. There are also many different tests to pass and you have to pass them well. So if you're thinking of being a vet, think harder, do I really want to be a vet? Or should I do something else (maybe in the field of animals) that is more suitable for me? Even if you have always wanted to be a vet, think about it because it might not be the job for you. Anush, Age 12, Harrow, United Kingdom

I either want to be a dogsitter or be a kennel helper. Anonymous, age 12, New Jersey USA

I want to be a teacher and I want to help dogs, so I want to be a dog trainer and help dogs to learn. Anonymous, age 8, Connecticut USA

I want to be a vet. I am thinking about just being an equine vet, but I am not sure. I will also be an equestrian show-jumper. I will have a horse farm with Dalmatians to keep my horses company in the fields. I hear that Dalmatians are very good with horses. I will also have many large dogs. Large dogs are my favorite size, although one of the dogs I currently own now is the size of a small rabbit! I will make a good vet because I am not afraid of blood or operations. In other words, I am strong-stomached! Anonymous, age 10, USA

I would just love it if I was accepted as a vet. I would like to breed Doberman Pinschers when I am older. Also I would like to be an animal trainer, because I just love all those little pooches out there! Carly, age 10, British Columbia, Vancouver

When I grow up I am thinking of becoming a vet, but I am not sure! I'm a little scared of blood! Even my sister is thinking of becoming a vet! Anonymous, age 11, Malta

I want to grow up to be a vet because I love animals, and I mean love! Anonymous, age 9, Ohio USA

I want to have two dogs and be a vet. Anonymous, age 7, Ohio USA

I want to be a veterinarian because I like animals a lot. Anonymous, age 11, Alabama USA

When I grow up I want to be a vet that watches your animals and gives them treatment if they get sick. I love animals. If I can't do that I would want to work at a pet store. I want to have many pets. Katie, age 10, Ontario Canada

I would like to be a veterinarian and own a large pet store where the animals that are being sold are taken care of very well. Anonymous, age 6, Michigan USA

I want to be a dog breeder. I want to breed Labrador Retrievers. I would also like to write books about animals. I love animals a lot. I love dogs the most. Anonymous, age 9, Kansas USA

I would like to work in a pet store. Anonymous, age 9, Pennsylvania USA

When I grow up I want to a person that will take dogs to their home and then give the dog a nice home. April, age 11, Michigan USA

When I grow up I want to be a singer. All my joy comes when I am singing. Grace,age 9, North Carolina USA

I want to start my own business that takes care of animals like a shelter. The animals would be in a homelike environment and would not be put to sleep.That is why my favorite movie is "Rusty". It is about that exactly. On the side (if possible) I want to train service dogs. Nikki, age 13. USA Tennessee

I want to be a breeder of Labrador Retrievers. Kathlyn, age 9, Philippines, Manila

When I grow up, I want to breed Pug dogs. Anonymous, age 10, Minnesota USA


I want to be a a regular vet and a big animal vet because I love all animals especially horses and dogs and i would like to help save their lives and make sure they don't get sick and they have TLC cause if they don't then i would take them :) Stacey, age 11, Maryland USA

When I grow up, I'd like to become a groomer, and a breeder of Jack Russell Terriers. I am off to a good start with being a groomer. I groom (brush, comb, cut) my neighbour's Shih Tzu. Tiffany, age 13, Ontario USA

When I grow up I want to be a breeder or a trainer . I also want to have a rescue club for a large breed or all breeds. Marrissa, age 10, Nova Scotia, Canada

I want to be a zoologist because I love animals so much! Anonymous, age 9

I want to be a dog groomer. Dana, age 8

I want to be a vet. When I get old enough, I'm going to get a job at an Animal Hospital. I'm obsessed with dogs. I do petsitting now. I love dogs! Jessi, age 12, North Carolina USA

I want to be a vet when I grow up because I love animals and saving their lives is really important to me. Anonymous, age 10, New York USA

I want to be a vet because I love animals and I love working with them. Matia, age 8, New York USA

I want to be an obedience trainer when I grow up. I love dogs and working with dogs. Anonymous, age 13, Alberta Canada

I want to be a vet when I grow up because I love animals and helping them. I will probably specialize in small animals like cats, house pets, etc... but we will see. I also love monkeys and the zoos. I have lots of choices for careers! That's for sure! Jo, age 11, BC

When I grow up I want to be a vet. I will have a business for all pets and maybe all animals. My center will get tons of space to run around and do research. Anonymous, age 10, North Carolina USA

When I grow up I want to be a vet because I enjoy begin with them. But I'm not so sure anymore, but I know I want to become must have to do with animals cause I'm a PET LOVER! Eileen, Age 10, New York USA

I want to be a vet and I will do anything to help the animal who is in trouble or needs something. But if someone walked in and said I want to put this animal to sleep and the animal is fine. So that is what I want to be when I grow up! Sandy, age 10, New York USA

I want to be a traveler. Anonymous, age 9, California USA

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I want to be a vet because I love animals very much! Nicole, age 13, Iowa USA

I want to work (part time) at a dog shelter, then, as my career job, I want to train horses and I want to own a dog of my own! Madi, age 11, Calgary Canada

I want to be a rescuer for large breed dogs while also being a vet. Anonymous, age 13, Maine

I want to be a animal trainer because I love teaching my dog (Jacqui) tricks. Melissa, age 9, Brisbane, Australia

I want to be a research scientist. I want to do research on many things, among them.. how closely related apes are to human beings. I just got a puppy and I love him!! He's cute! Tonin, age 14, Malaysia

I want to be a vet. I love animals, but blood and all that icky stuff! UCK! Anonymous, age 9, North Carolina USA

My ambition is to become a world famous vet. I love animals and hope that people will take more care in raising and looking after their pets. Mihkaail, age 12, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

When I grow up, I want to run a breeding/training stable and breed and train champion horses. I also would like to do volunteer work at my local ASPCA. ExplorerHorse101, age 13, Texas USA

When I am older, I want to be a Marine Biologist because I love animals so much but I don't want to have to do surgery and all that stuff on them (like vets). Also My favourite animals are mostly marine animals and I love the ocean. Anonymous, age 13, Canada

When I grow up, I want to be a nanny so I can look after children. I already babysit for kids, and I love them a lot. Or I'd want to work for the RSPCA, a animal group in Australia. Dani-Jane, age 12, Australia

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I would like to be a veterinarian because I love animals especially cats and dogs. I think it would be a good job for me so I can continue my farm work. Someday I plan on owning my own business. Anonymous, age 13, Michigan USA

I want to be a pediatrician because I want to develop a cure for cancer found in children. Tolu, age 10, New Jersey USA

When I get older I am going to be a vet, and I am not going to put animals to sleep, crop ears, or cut tails off. P.S. Please Spay and Neuter your pets to keep the population down so we don't have to see any more animals put to sleep. Thank You. Teresa, USA

I want to be an eventer in the Devon Horse Show, a Taxidermist, and someone to be kind to animals. JumperDog2000, age 14, Texas USA

When I grow-up, I'm thinking of becoming a vet. But I'm not so sure. I want to be a vet because I want to work with animals and take care of them, but I've watched some emergency vet shows on TV and I don't think I can handle surgery on an animal with all the blood. I want the animals to like me, not be their worst enemy. Ina, age 10, Manila Philippines

Careers with Animals: The Humane Society of the United States and Willow Ann Sirch, Fulcrum Pub; (April 2000) Educators and parents won't want to miss this opportunity to turn a young person's passion about animals into a lifelong calling. This outstanding book features an overview of the animal care profession, including education requirements, in- depth interviews with members of specific professions, Day in the life narratives, self- examination questions, resources to research the profession, and tips on activities to do now, even in elementary school. (Ages 9-12)

Cool Careers for Girls, by Ceel Pasternak and Linda Thornburg, Impact Publications; Illustrated edition (April 1999) Profiles ten women who work with animals, in such jobs as small animal veterinarian, pet sitter and exerciser, Assistance Dog trainer, horse farm owner, and exotic animal trainer, and explains their duties and how they prepared for and got their positions. (Grades 5-8)

I Want To Be...A Veterinarian, by Stephanie Maze, Harcourt; (March 1999) This book has full-color photographs and fascinating information about veterinary medicine. It covers the history of veterinary science, educational requirements, vocabulary, unusual facts, and other facts about being a veterinarian. Also profiles different kinds of veterinarians. (Ages 9-12)

I'm Going to Be a Vet, by Edith Kunhardt, 1996 Teaches early readers about what veterinarians do each day. There are real life pictures and easy to understand text. (Ages 4-8)

Cody's Tour	Kelly's Tour	Trouper's Tour
Your New Dog	Well-Behaved Dog	Special Topics
A New Dog	Your Best Friend	Too Many Dogs
I'll Love You Forever	Training Basics	Following the Rules
What Dogs Cost	Obedience Lessons	Keeping Safe
What Dogs Need	Behavior Problems	Older Dogs
Puppy Basics	Learning Tricks	Losing Your Dog

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