SNAKE MILKER AND OTHER ANIMAL JOBS

An introduction to common—and uncommon—occupations involving animal care.

Of the “hundreds of jobs [that] involve animals,” this Czech import spotlights both the obvious—dog walker, cat sitter, wildlife rescuer—and the lesser known, from animal bodyguards to baristas for cat cafes to drivers for animal taxi services. Animal physiotherapists, pet psychologists, and animal rights advocates require extensive training that’s barely mentioned here. An animal-food taster needs good taste buds (and doesn’t swallow). Sadly, Sekaninová doesn’t mention that “marine mammal trainer” is a job that’s being phased out. The author notes that pet photographers need “a great eye and artistic talent”—what about sensitivity and a knack for soothing standoffish critters? The book lists the exotic-sounding “animal hairdresser” rather than the more common term: animal groomer. No pay scales or educational prerequisites are provided. The cheery illustrations are more facetious than accurate: In the accompanying image for animal taxi service, dogs, monkeys, a cat, and a parrot are crammed in together without carriers or crates; in the section devoted to animal rights advocates, a handcuffed dog is on trial, rather than an abusive owner; the pet photographer is wearing a bathrobe. Humans are diverse in terms of skin color.

A somewhat entertaining but superficial career guide.