It is possible for highly qualified dog-keeping professionals to be sponsored by a visa; the type depends on the amount of skill and the job in question.
The United States is a country that experiences huge growth in the pet industry; such huge growth generates an ever-increasing demand for skillful workers in dog-keeping or dog-handling jobs. If you are an animal lover who wants to work in the United States and requires sponsorship to obtain a visa, this post covers it all- types of visas, job roles, qualifications needed, and even tips on seeking sponsorship.
Overview of the Dog-Keeping Industry in the USA
The pet industry in the United States has grown in leaps and bounds in the last few years and crosses the $100 billion bar every year. People spend large sums of money on services such as dog walking, grooming, training, and boarding. Dog keepers, handlers, trainers, and groomers have risen to be really indispensable in the provision of quality services toward addressing the demand.
Today, with just small beginnings in dog keeping to highly scaled pet service providers, companies are on the lookout for professional dog keepers who can take care of the well-being, safety, and happiness of the dogs under their care. Such a Dog Lover looking for an opportunity to work in the United States would find ample opportunities to get jobs with visa sponsorship.
Types of Dog-Keeping Jobs
Various positions are found in the United States of America regarding dog keepers in its pet industry. Most common positions include:
Dog Walker: These job owners are supposed to provide exercise to the dogs either by taking them for a walk or playing with them. Many times, such workers have to walk more than one dog at a time; therefore, this job requires good stamina.
Dog Trainer: Trainers help dogs learn obedience, commands, and various tricks and behaviors. They work with dogs of all ages, from puppies to adults, and often deal with behavioral problems.
Dog Groomer: Groomers attend to the hygiene needs of dogs by bathing, trimming fur, clipping nails, and checking for skin conditions. This professional line does indeed call for specialization in techniques and equipment used in grooming.
Dog Sitter/Boarder: They take care of dogs in the absence of the owner; this could be in their home or the owner’s home. It can involve feeding the dog, walking, or medicating it.
Kennel Attendant: Kennel attendants work in kennels where living areas of boarding dogs are kept clean and comfortable.
Veterinary Assistant: While not strictly a dog-keeping job, assistants help veterinarians with the care of the dogs and other pets while procedures are being performed, administer medicine, and keep health records.
Visa Sponsorship Options Available for Dog-Keeping Jobs
To be able to work legally in the U.S., you will need to obtain a visa. Here are the most relevant visa options available to foreigners seeking sponsorship to work in this area:
H-2B Visa for Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers
The most common visa options for foreign nationals looking to work temporarily or seasonally within the borders of the United States are typically under the H-2B visa. It pertains to non-agricultural employment, including those in the dog-keeping occupation.
Eligibility: You should have a U.S. employer offering you a job and willing to sponsor your visa. The employer must establish that there are insufficient U.S. workers able to fill the position and that the employment of foreign workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers.
Duration: The H-2B visa is temporary and is usually granted for a period of up to 1 year but can be extended.
Application Procedure: The employer must file a labor certification with the Department of Labor, followed by a petition filed with USCIS. Once the petition is approved, an employee may apply for a visa at an embassy or consulate of the United States in his home country.
O-1 Visa for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability
In the case that you are a highly accomplished dog trainer or handler who has achieved outstanding results in your field, then you may be qualified to apply for an O-1 visa. The O-1 is a non-immigrant visa granted for individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, business, education, or athletics.
Eligibility: One shall be eligible if one can show that he or she has earned recognition nationally or internationally in their field. In this regard, it may include an award, published work, or membership to some reputable organization.
Duration: The usual grant for O-1 is the duration of the job itself; however, extensions can be offered.
Application Process: As with the H-2B, an employer would petition USCIS for you. Your extraordinary ability is evidenced in documents that are submitted as part of the petition.
J-1 Visa for Exchange Visitors
If you’d like to come to the U.S. for short-term training or work experience, you may want to explore the J-1 visa option for dog-keeping professionals. This typically is used for internships, training programs, or work-study exchanges.
Eligibility: You must be sponsored by an approved exchange program in the U.S. The J-1 visa is suitable for those aliens who wish to gain experience in the pet care industry in the United States and then go back to their home country with the expertise they have gained.
Duration: Normally, a J-1 visa is issued for the length of the program, which could be from a few months to a couple of years.
Qualification and Skills for Dog-Keeping Jobs
The jobs in dog keeping normally require passion, experience, and some training/ education. Employment agencies in the U.S. will look out for the following qualifications:
Experience with Dogs: Practical experience in working with dogs is highly essential. It may come in the form of experience with home pets, volunteering in animal shelters, or in professional pet care.
Certification: While not all are a necessity, they definitely improve your chances of getting hired. Take for example getting a certified dog trainer through organization systems such as the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), among many others, or grooming certifications which will actually give you an added advantage over others.
Soft Skills: If you are a dog owner, you should be patient, empathetic, and a good communicator, specifically when you are dealing with other dog owners. Problem-solving skills are also critical because you might face some critical situations, like aggressive dogs or other incidents that require medical emergencies.
Physical Fitness: Most canine jobs, especially the ones that involve walking and training your dogs, are physical in nature. Employers may prefer the candidates who are capable enough to handle long hours of continuous work outdoors in all kinds of weather.
How to Find a Job That Offers Visa Sponsorship
Finding an employer in the United States who can sponsor a visa is a very heavy burden, but it’s doable with the proper approach:
Write an Appealing Resume
Your resume needs to highlight those relevant experiences, skills, and certifications. If you have worked with dogs, then your resume should indicate such experience, along with achievements or specialized training you may have received.
Tap into Professional Networks
Networking is critical in finding jobs in the U.S. Use professional social networks like LinkedIn, dog-sitting groups, or pet care groups to connect with prospective employers. You can also contact various enterprises involved in the industry of pet care with inquiries into any available job openings and possible sponsorship options.
Work with Recruitment Agencies
Some recruitment agencies would find foreign workers for U.S. employers who consider sponsoring a visa application. Such recruitment agencies can help you to know more about the job market and how to find suitable opportunities.
Online Job Search
Online job portals like Indeed and Glassdoor, often post dog-keeping jobs in the United States. Many big dog boarding or pet care businesses might advertise vacancies with visa sponsorship options for skilled workers.
Conclusion
The U.S. has loads of opportunities, both for dog keepers and pet carers alike; and with the right skills, experience, and approach, one is sure of securing a job with visa sponsorship. The key to such success would definitely be in your strong profile, how you network, and research on good visa options for your situation. This guide will get you well on your way to creating a fulfilling career in the United States out of your passion for dogs.