Freelance Job No. 7: Animal Breeder

Daddy's Little Animal Breeder by professions

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What Does an Animal Breeder do?

Dog and cat shows are more popular than ever. All you need is cable television to witness the craze. But where, besides the highly undesirable œpuppy mills, do the most beautiful breeds come from? If you have a passion for purebreds, becoming an animal breeder might be just what the veterinarian ordered! Once you pick a breed in which to specialize, you will need to build a small kennel and breeding ground and find your prize-winning bitch or stud. Then you will advertise your breeding service. You may also decide to fi nd a suitable breed match for your initial animal and sell their off spring to smaller pet shops or directly to the new pet owners.

Once you become known as a breeder, you will be able to quickly and easily connect with breed lovers via shows and the Internet.

What do You Need to Become an Animal Breeder?

For an animal breeder, a cell phone will probably be your most important piece of office equipment, along with e-mail for communicating with distant customers and contacts. A good computer with a high-resolution digital camera will also help you showcase the animals you are offering for sale.

What kind of training does an animal breeder need?

The training for animal breeders depends on what type of breeding they do. For livestock and other large or expensive animal breeders, a bachelor or graduate degree in animal science, animal husbandry, or other related field is often required. For those who raise and breed small animals or pets, an associate degree or related training in animal science is recommended. Animal breeders complete courses is areas such as animal anatomy and physiology, genetics, animal diseases, animal characteristics and traits, and animal breeding. Many aspiring animal breeders observe experience breeders to gain practical experience. Animal breeders must stay up to date on technological and veterinary advances and often read journals and other publications on animal breeding.

What does an Animal Breeder need to Succeed?

Th e most important asset an animal breeder should have is your breed. You will constantly need to protect the integrity of the breed characteristics, so your animals cannot be bred with just any other of its species. What will help you the most to grow your business is for your animals to win major show titles, so that their off spring become more valuable due to their lineage. Like the many animals you'll breed, this business will take time to grow.

What are the prospects for a career as an animal breeder?

Employment of animal breeders is projected to grow more slowly than average, increasing 3% from 2006 to 2016 (1). Job growth will result from commercial farmers continuing to improve their animals.

Job prospects are expected to be fair. Some job openings will occur from the need to replace animal breeders that retire, transfer, or leave the field for other reasons.

Important Points to Consider in Becoming an Animal Breeder

Start-up cost: $10,000-$15,000 Potential earnings: $45,000-“$80,000 Typical fees: Often $200-“$600 per animal Advertising: Breeding magazines and shows, newspaper ads, networking, Web site Qualifications: Knowledge of specific animal breed, familiarity with breed standards; a permit will likely be necessary as well (check with your local zoning board) Equipment needed: Cell phone (with or without hands-free accessories), computer with Internet access, fax, printer, business cards, letterhead, envelopes Staff required: No Hidden costs: Home kennel and breeding area (check with your local zoning board for permit fees)

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