Careers with Reptiles

It isn’t easy to take care of reptiles, especially when many of them are poisonous. Today, pet owners having reptilian pets don’t need to worry as there are avid pet caregivers who look after reptiles. Many take up such daring pet jobs by choice.

Majestic Reptilian Pets can be Well Looked after if you Hire the Right Keeper for the Job

Reptiles are not so messy or demanding pet and can accommodate even in trying conditions. However, some species require a perfect environment to survive for years. Even if you love a blue-tongue lizard or an endangered turtle, you may not be able to look after it as it is not easy to understand their requirements.

If you however, hire a pro reptile keeper, you would be able to do justice to your pet. An experienced reptile caregiver would know all the nuances of the specialized pet job – by addressing food, lighting, surroundings, thermometers, and medicines.

Qualifications of Reptile Animal Care Activist
Some reptilian pets include dangerous snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises, and crocodiles. To pick the right pet caregiver for such pets, you must look for those who have a bachelor’s degree in Life Science with traineeship or work experience in animal husbandry. Project work in venom cleaning or emergency situations would work wonders for a reptile keeper.

International students often take up a TAFE course that deals with Animal Studies. The Certificate II course would entail maintenance of reptiles and various surroundings. There are trainee workshops at various kennels, boarding centers, pet shops, parks, zoos, and research centers.

If required, graduate students can study further, such as Certificate III course in animal care and Certificate IV course in Veterinary. Specialized course for reptile care would be ideal for keepers looking forward to work in parks and wildlife animal care organizations.

Tasks Dedicated for a Reptile Keeper
If you have Monitor lizards or Bearded Dragon lizards, you need to have a perfect set up to keep your pet, provide the reptile with apt food, and take care of its medicines in case it falls ill. A reptile keeper would help in:

  • Looking after the feeds, lights
  • Cleaning the enclosures, say water tanks in case reptiles are turtles
  • Helping snakes for instance, to shed their skins properly

…And, a Herp Vet would help in performing the following animal care tasks, such as:

  • Operating an affected animals
  • Administering vaccines on patients
  • Conducting research work on reptiles

As per Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV), vets interested in becoming Herp Vets, can work as an intern for 2 years and join the organization. It is also possible to become a vet technician who can practically educate people owning pet reptiles. In fact, many pet shops hire reptile keepers to work as pro breeders. The tasks would include:

  • Cleaning and monitoring animals
  • Supplying medications as and when necessary
  • Helping in egg laying and hatching
  • Treating minor injuries

Remuneration and Conditions
If you are a full-time reptile keeper with some useful years of experience, you could earn at least 28,000 Dollars per year. However, the amount would differ from the type reptile you are working with, where you are enrolled in, and what tasks you are expected to do.

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