The job market for animal breeders in the United States

There are currently an estimated 6,500 animal breeders in the United States. The animal breeder job market is expected to grow by 1.5% between 2022 and 2032.

How employable are animal breeders?

CareerExplorer rates animal breeders with a F employability rating, meaning this career should provide poor employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 9,100 animal breeders. That number is based on 100 additional animal breeders, and the retirement of 9,000 existing animal breeders.

Are animal breeders in demand?

New jobs for animal breeders are expected to be created almost exclusively by the retirement of existing breeders. This fact will result in overall limited demand for entrants to this occupation. Most opportunities will continue to be with labs and farms and in the livestock industry. The need for specialty breeders of performance animals, such as show dogs or horses, will remain constant but is not predicted to grow. Some independent animal breeders work in the field on a part-time basis and often directly with pet owners. The success of these freelance practitioners depends on their prudent selection of animals for breeding purposes. If they introduce inferior representatives of a species to the gene pool they risk damage to their reputations and to their future earnings. Their ability to make a significant income from breeding is also reliant both upon their marketing expertise and the economic conditions which partly drive demand for pets. Due to this occupation’s small size and low turnover rate, aspiring animal breeders with prior knowledge of animal science and genetics will have the best job prospects. Those interested in breeding larger or more exotic animals, or animals for research purposes, will enhance their employability with a Bachelor’s Degree in zoology or agricultural or veterinary science. Breeders who wish to transition to other related jobs may go on to become show judges or work as lobbyists or campaigners with national breeding organizations.

What’s the supply of animal breeders?

Animal Breeder job market by state