1. Pet Food Taste Tester
Imagine someone whose job is literally to sample dog or cat food by rating textures, smells, and even flavors. These testers begin by assessing aroma, since scent plays a huge role for pets and their human owners, too. One article notes: “they evaluate the pet food’s nutritional value, write reports and determine ways to enhance new pet food” before actually tasting it. When they do taste, they nibble and then spit out, a similar pattern to wine tasters used for evaluating consistency, balance, and even whether it smells too pungent to sit in your kitchen. According to sources, salary ranges vary: entry-level around $34 k, mid-career/average near $55 k–57 k in the U.S., with some reaching up to $100 k or more. Some Reddit users even mention earnings up to $120 k.
2. Animal Acupuncturist
This is no wellness fad, it’s a certified veterinary role. Using traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncturists insert fine needles into specific points to help with pain, anxiety, chronic illness, and more. According to a career guide, they collaborate with clinics or shelters, performing assessments, treatments, and adjusting plans as they monitor each animal’s progress. Many clinics actively post openings; one listing notes salaries averaging about $72,470 annually, and job listings across the U.S. continue to increase with an average hourly pay is $45 k/year. In China especially, it’s becoming mainstream with some clinics charging around $400 for a ten‑session course. So you can expect somewhere between $45 k–$130 k+, depending on qualifications and employer.
3. Dog Surfing Instructor
Yes, surfing dogs are a thing, and pro instructors teach them! With specially designed life vests and tiny surfboards, dogs learn balance, timing, and confidence hitting gentle waves. Classes may end with fun photo sessions or even trophies for canine champions. Earning also varies, likely seasonal or wage-based. Additionally, local surf schools in places like California and Florida regularly offer “dog surfing” days, drawing enthusiastic pet owners looking for a unique bonding experience. It’s a weird yet real example of how far pet leisure has progressed. So, try to invest in pouring dedication and structure into something as playful as surfing with your pup.
4. Pet Psychologist
When your furry friend acts out or seems down, a pet psychologist steps in by observing behavior, body language, stress responses, and then guiding both pet and owner through behavior modification, training, or even anxiety‑management plans. These specialists help with issues like separation anxiety, aggression toward other pets or people, obsessive behaviors, or trauma recovery. They sometimes work in private practice or as part of vet clinics, collaborating with trainers, vets, and emotional‑support teams. Their insights often result in happier homes, calmer pets and a lot less shredded furniture. When it comes to earnings, sources suggest anywhere from $40 k to $90 k+, depending on certification (e.g., CAAB, ACVB), region, and whether in private practice or part of a clinic.
5. Chicken Sexer
Ever wondered who tells if a chick is male or female within seconds of hatching? That’s the chicken sexer’s superpower. At large hatcheries, these trained pros use “vent sexing” to sort up to 1,200 chicks an hour with about 98 % accuracy, sorting millions each year. It’s repetitive work; sometimes standing for hours and requires fine motor skills, exacting focus, and specialized training, often from dedicated schools. Pay varies widely. In the U.S., averages range from about $22,000 to upwards of $60,000 annually, depending on region and experience. In places like South Africa, salaries can be ZAR 161,040 (approx $9,000 USD) per year.
6. Scent Detection Dog Trainer
Ever thought your dog sniffing around could save lives? Scent detection trainers teach dogs to recognize specific odors like drugs, explosives, diseases, or even bed bugs. Formal courses, such as those at Dog Trainer College, span 6 weeks and cover detection of narcotics, bombs, and cadavers. On the job, trainers collaborate with K9 units, conservation teams, and security agencies, traveling regularly for conservation work. Handlers might even spend 4–7 months a year in the field. The job blends science, patience, and intuition in knowing when a dog signals a positive scent. Salaries depend on the sector. Law enforcement roles tend to pay better, However, some sources attest that U.S. dog trainers earn $19.75/hr on average, with a range of $9.44–$41.31/hr, with an annual salary range of $20,000–$80,000+.
7. Pet Fashion Designer
From tiny tuxedos to luxury designer collars, pet fashion designers create outfits that reflect both pet comfort and owner style. The global pet clothing market is booming, valued at around $2–5 billion in recent years and projected to reach up to $9 billion by 2030/32. North America is leading the charge with Streetwear brands like H&M, Ralph Lauren, and Gucci now including pet lines in their business. Designers like Anthony Rubio pioneer canine couture, blending artistry with advocacy, making custom pieces featured at Fashion Week and even the Met Gala. Pet fashion shows now support charities, and pet influencers strut seasonal outfits on Instagram.
8. Dog Yoga Instructor (Doga)
Doga, short for “dog yoga,” is a practice where pets and people flow through poses together by enhancing flexibility, calm, and bonding. It started in the U.S. around 2002 and grew worldwide by 2011. Instructors guide shared stretches, breathing exercises, and even dog massages. The joint experience lowers stress and offers gentle physical benefits especially for older or anxious dogs. It also deepens emotional connection. At classes, participants often notice that “dogs help deepen stretches” and owners feel more relaxed and present. In the US, a dog yoga instructor’s earnings vary but typically range from$20 to $100 per class depending on experience, location and class size.
9. Zoo Enrichment Designer
This role is a beautiful blend of creativity and animal welfare. Zoo enrichment designers work behind the scenes to craft puzzles, toys, hidden treats, climbing structures, and sensory experiences that keep animals mentally and physically stimulated. Their goal? To mimic the challenges animals face in the wild, preventing boredom and promoting natural behaviors. They collaborate with zookeepers, veterinarians, and nutritionists to ensure each enrichment item is safe, engaging, and tailored; whether it’s a puzzle feeder for elephants or scent trails for big cats. These specialists often run workshops, analyze animal interactions, and refine enrichment plans based on behavioral feedback. In roles like “Zoo Animal Enrichment Specialist,” annual salaries in places like Zoo Miami range between $49,600 and $87,700.
10. Squirrel Wrangler
Believe it or not, movies and ads often call on professionals known as squirrel wranglers. These experts train and handle tiny rodents on set, coaxing them into holding props, climbing miniature sets, or performing specific behaviors. It takes incredible gentleness, patience, and a deep understanding of squirrel instincts. Wranglers must create a low-stress environment, using positive reinforcement and finely tuned timing to capture the perfect on-camera moment. The average annual salary for an Animal Wrangler, which could include roles like a squirrel wrangler, is around $44,567 in the United States. Hourly wages for this profession typically range from $17.31 to $25.00, with the national average being $21.05 per hour, according to sources. However, actual earnings can vary based on experience, location, and specific job duties.
11. Equine Massage Therapist
Working with athletic and high-performance horses, equine massage therapists ease muscle tension, improve flexibility, and help with recovery from training or injury. Using techniques borrowed from human sports massage, they target specific muscle groups by often spotting soreness early and preventing issues like lameness. These therapists usually complete specialized certification programs and frequently collaborate with vets, trainers, and farriers to build holistic wellness plans. In the U.S., pay averages around $68,000 to $103,000 annually, and sometimes even higher in certain regions. It’s a hands-on, healing career that keeps horses performing at their peak.
12. Pet Grief Counselor
Losing a beloved animal companion can be devastating, and pet grief counselors are there to guide people through the pain. They provide compassionate support, helping clients process loss, honor memories, and find healthy ways to grieve. These counselors often work in or alongside veterinary clinics, shelters, or nonprofit organizations like the Association for Pet Loss & Bereavement, where salaries average around $66,500 a year. They might lead support groups, offer one-on-one sessions, or provide workshops on healing rituals. Their work reminds us that grief isn’t just human, it runs deep when the bonds include paws, purrs, or wings.
This story 12 Unusual Pet Careers, Including People Who Taste “Dog Food” was first published on Daily FETCH
