Some people have always known that they want to work with animals. If you are in high school, it is a wise choice to start your research now. Look at undergraduate and graduate programs that specialize in your specific career. It's never too early to write, e-mail, or call the admissions office to request information about specific courses of study.

Talk to your high school guidance counselor. He may already have information in your school about advance degree programs.

Rebecca Humber, a certified animal safety representative with American Humane, knew as a little girl that she wanted to have a career working with animals when she grew up. “When I was in high school, I asked my parents to take me to Moor Park College,” she says. “They have an Exotic Animal Training and Management program. It is the only one like it in the world. I lived in northern California. Moor Park is in southern California. We took a road trip. I talked to students, professors, and administrators at the school. Everyone was happy to share information. I knew this is where I wanted to apply.” She did apply, and was accepted.

If you are in college and plan to go after an advanced degree, start looking at graduate schools. The one thing that all schools want — be it college, vocational, or graduate levels — is a well-rounded individual. Those extracurricular activities are essential. Are you head of the debate team? Do you belong to an after-school club? Are you a leader? Also, national and local professional associations have free pamphlets and information on their websites about different jobs within a specific category, and often post career opportunities online too.

If you are in high school or college, it is a good idea to intern for school credit or volunteer with either a professional or organization to get experience. Many people in graduate schools interned at zoos, shelters, and veterinarians' offices.

These schools offer careers for people who wish to become veterinary assistants or technicians, as well as a host of other specialties. Many of these programs provide classroom study with hands-on experience.

Many people take the community college route when they aren't fully sure of which direction to take. Community colleges offer a two-year associate's degree, and are often less expensive than four-year colleges and universities. Many four-year colleges and universities accept transfer credits. Before you apply, check to make sure that course credits are transferable. Every school is different.

It's true that many students study animal behavior, math, and the sciences in college if they are planning to pursue an advanced degree in working with animals. However, some start out with other majors. “We've had English and psychology majors apply to vet school,” says Dr. Kimberly May, of the American Veterinary Medical Association, “and because of their well-rounded backgrounds, leadership skills, and good grades, they get accepted. You don't have to go the traditional route.”

Depending on the degree, graduate school can be one, two, three, or four years. Some people take advanced degrees, which means additional schooling on top of their doctoral degree. You can be a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) and still continue your training toward becoming a large animal surgeon or dentist.