Potential careers dealing with herps?

[Franklinj480]

Posting here since this seems to be GF's highest traffic area, hoping for some knowledgeable feedback.

There comes a time in every young man's life where he must decide a way to spend the rest of his life slaving away to earn money until retirement. Now I don't plan being trapped inside a cubicle crunching numbers for some company.

I'm currently finishing up a biology/chemistry two year undergrad degree at my local college, but I need to decide where and what I want to do about my next step in education. I've always been interested in herps and have a genuine love and interest for science and all critters.

What are some ideas for a career to pursue? It could be something in the exotic animal veterinary field or some sort of herp research/ field work. I don't really know much about these types of jobs but I'm hoping to learn more!

 

[andrew5859]

I want to be a herpetologist. It deals with reptiles and amphibians. Everyone says this is very hard though. Im not sure what you would exactly have to get a degree in but its just a thought!

 

[Franklinj480]

Yes, herpetologists typically have biology PHD's. They're mostly employed (from what I've read) as professors and by universities. It seems like an education job. I'm really leaning towards the veterinary field, specializing in exotic animals like reptiles and amphibs.

 

[ProGeckoServices]

Working in a niche sector dealing with reptiles is going to make it hard to turn any kind of profit unless you operate in a large city. Most vets will make most of their money treating dogs and cats while occasionally working with reptiles. Keep in mind that the majority of leopard geckos and small lizards are treated as novelties rather than real pets. Many do not live more than a few years due to neglect/lack of interest. In order to get into any accredited vet/phd program you must maintain a sciences GPA of at least 3.0 and to be competitive a gpa of 3.5 or higher. Also be prepared to spend long hours memorizing every bone, tissue, organ, hormone and its function for a variety of animals. On a side note most vet/phd programs will not accept any sciences from non four year universities. Working with animals is one thing, but having the knowledge and experience to perform advanced complicated surgeries is another.

 

[ajveachster]

Perhaps you would want to contact The American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists. They may have the resources you are looking for, or send you in the right direction.

 

[PaladinGirl]

I would say being a veterinarian that also covers reptiles/amphibians is the best way to go. Other paths probably aren't going to bring in much income. I would so love to be a herpetologist also, but at this stage in my life, it'd be nearly impossible. My husband would not appreciate me cutting back on my hours working as a nurse to pursue what he views as a hobby. Oh well. I'm happy just being a "geckologist" :main_laugh:

Keep in mind that the majority of leopard geckos and small lizards are treated as novelties rather than real pets. Many do not live more than a few years due to neglect/lack of interest.

This is so sad and true :main_angry: Most of the people I meet that have a gecko tell me some things they do and they don't even realize or care that they're providing substandard care--sometimes it's so severe that I'm surprised the gecko is still alive. They'll say, "Oh, my 10-year-old doesn't even pay attention to his gecko. We haven't cleaned his tank in over 8 months" or "Our gecko went for three weeks without food because I hate running to the pet store to get crickets". It just breaks my heart because I consider my geckos equals to my mammal pets. Not to brag, but if geckos were capable of greatfulness, I bet mine would be :main_laugh:

 

[Franklinj480]

Jeff Corwin and Steve Irwin had me telling my friends that I wanted to be a herpetologist. We were 10 yearsold, I must have seemed like a total freak back then (not denying that the same could be true now)

I've been leaning towards the veterinary path for awhile now, in an ideal world I'd work with all the common domesticated animals that are kept as pets, but I'd also be very well versed with the herps as well. I've been volunteering at our local animal shelter and it only reinforces my desire to be there to help animals in need.

 

[PaladinGirl]

I've been leaning towards the veterinary path for awhile now, in an ideal world I'd work with all the common domesticated animals that are kept as pets, but I'd also be very well versed with the herps as well. I've been volunteering at our local animal shelter and it only reinforces my desire to be there to help animals in need.

That is really cool :main_thumbsup: