Careers with Dogs. Kim Campbell Thornton

these days, and that includes dog genetics. The unraveling of the canine genome is helping to unlock the secrets of dog diseases, history, and even behavior as well as to find links between human and canine illnesses. Have an interest in wild dogs? Consider a career in wildlife biology.

      You may have thought that showing dogs in conformation—at dog shows ranging from those of the local kennel club to the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club show in New York City—was merely a hobby, but some people do make a living in show-related occupations. Professional handlers, judges, and show superintendents are all essential to the smooth running of a show. Although breeding dogs is more of a hobby than a profession, without breeders there would be no dog shows, no assistance dogs, no working dogs—no purebred dogs of any kind, for that matter. That would be a great loss, because when we look at purebred dogs or train them to carry out the tasks they were traditionally bred to complete, such as hunting or herding, we see history come to life and experience the bond that has linked people and dogs for more than 15,000 years.

      The desire to work with dogs can take you in almost any direction. Let this book serve as your roadmap to the ideal dog-related career for you.

       The Pet Industry and Dog-Related Careers

      It’s no secret that we love our pets. We pamper them with soft beds, interactive toys, and special diets. We take them on vacation with us or board them at kennels with spa facilities. We give them gifts at holidays such as Hanukkah; we hang stockings filled with organic treats for them at Christmas. We refer to our pets as our “kids.” Even when the economy goes south, we readily spend money on caring for our companion animals. It’s no wonder that a thriving pet industry has sprung up to cater to animals and their people. And that thriving industry offers plenty of employment opportunities.

       The Pet Industry in America

      The rise of the pet industry started in the 1960s, when dogs and cats began making their way into our hearts as more than mere animals on whom we spent only what we had to. Signs of this cultural change included the advent of mass-merchandised convenience foods and premium diets for animals, the introduction of more advanced training techniques, and the emergence of publications dedicated to pets and their care. Pet-related companies that got their start in the 1960s were at the forefront of what would become a multibillion-dollar industry.

      Today, the pet industry encompasses food, veterinary care, supplies, nonprescription medications, and pet services such as grooming and boarding. Researchers estimate that pet owners spent $45.4 billion on their animals in 2009, up from $43.2 billion in 2008 and $17 billion in 1994. All this recent spending occurred during one of the biggest recessions this country has ever seen. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the pet industry is now the seventh-largest retail segment in the country, ahead of the toy industry and the candy industry. Pet-supply sales are increasing—5 to 7 percent annually—while sales of baby supplies are decreasing.

       What’s Fueling the Growth?

      What’s fueling the explosion in the buying of pet services and products among consumers? Several factors, including the time constraints that are experienced by two-income families, more disposable income among empty nesters and childless couples, and a desire for high-tech and high-end products and better animal health care.

       At the PetSmart grooming salon in Woodhaven, Michigan, Emily Meadows bathes a customer. Grooming and other pet services are in high demand among dog owners.

       Less Time, More Disposable Income

      Baby boomers with empty nests and young married professionals with no kids and lots of disposable income drive the spending on pets. Dual-career couples have a two-pronged motivation for their pet-spending habits.

      First, purchasing treats, toys, or other special items for their animals brings the owners pleasure. Second, many of them work long hours and are not able to spend as much time with their pets as they would like, so they pay other professionals—such as pet sitters and dog walkers—to ensure that their animals get the necessary exercise and companionship. Dog owners also spend their money on services such as grooming, boarding, massage, and yoga.

       High-Tech Gadgets and High-End Products

      Thanks to pet owners’ interest in and concern for the well-being of their animals, products for companion animals now extend far beyond traditional necessities. Among the high-tech items for pets are computerized ID tags, GPS tracking devices for lost pets, and programmable feeding and drinking systems. High-end pet supplies include decorator daybeds and designer collars and clothing by such companies as Coach and Burberry. Companies known for catering to people—Paul Mitchell, Omaha Steaks, Origins, Harley-Davidson, and Old Navy, for instance—also offer lines of pet products that include shampoo, treats, clothing, and toys.

      These brands don’t slap their names on just anything. The Omaha Steaks Steak Treats for Dogs and Cats, which resemble the beef jerky the company produces for people, are made from the same premium Midwestern beef as the human version, minus the high levels of sodium and certain spices that might not agree with a dog’s or cat’s digestive system. The John Paul Pet company, which was created by the cofounder of the Paul Mitchell line of hair-care products, tests its shampoos and conditioners on people first to ensure that they won’t irritate the sensitive skin of pets. Harley-Davidson’s pet collection includes denim and leather jackets, riding goggles, bandanas, and spiked leather collars for dogs who ride shotgun in a sidecar or a motorcycle dog carrier.

       A canine biker sports a Harley-Davison jacket and cap. People are clamoring for high-end brand-name pet apparel.

      The most stylish pets—or at least the ones with the most stuff—have carryalls for their paraphernalia, which can include a blanket, a folding water dish, a water bottle, and poop-pickup bags. Coat wipes and air fresheners keep pets and cars (as well as homes) smelling clean. Some automobile manufacturers even design optional dog-safety features for their cars and SUVs. Car harnesses, seatbelts, and car seats for dogs have proliferated.

       The Best Animal Health Care

      Many dog owners want to ensure that their animals get the best health care available, from high-end diagnostics to pain relief to complementary therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic. To help pay for it, they’re turning to pet health insurance.

      Online veterinary pharmacies meet pet owners’ needs by providing home delivery of medications, usually at lower prices. With these trends in mind, more and more veterinary practices offer levels of care approaching that for people.

       Pet-Friendly Environments

      Businesses not traditionally pet-related are getting into the act, as well. Hotels across the country, including luxury resorts, not only have adopted pet-friendly policies