For Educators: Military Resources
Military Animal Specialists
Median Salary
N/A
Workforce Count
N/A
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Animal specialists perform unique duties to support military operations that utilize animals. They are responsible for the care, welfare, and continuous training of assigned animals to ensure physical condition and behavioral proficiency is maintained. They also prepare and maintain administrative reports and health records associated with the animals in their care.
What is the work environment like?
Animal specialists can work in either a veterinary clinic setting or a research lab. While these areas are usually located on a military base, it is also possible for animal care specialists to work in a mobile unit in the field. They also may work on ships when caring for marine mammals.
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Enlisted service members execute vital tasks, support operations alongside officers and develop role-specific skills to achieve mission success.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Animal specialists gain skills through classes and on-the-job experience. Training content may include:
- Animal care techniques
- Emergency medical techniques
- Methods of sterilizing surgical equipment
- Plaster-casting techniques
- Operation of navigational equipment
- Mission-specific skills
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Dog/Pet/Animal Grooming
- Anthrozoology
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Administrative
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
Realistic
You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.
Social
You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.
Conventional
You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.
RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.
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