If you've ever dreamed of helping animals, this is the guide you've been waiting for. Written just for teens, it shows you what it really takes to build a career making a difference for creatures big and small-whether you picture yourself saving a sick puppy, caring for a zoo's rarest species, or rehabilitating injured wildlife back into the wild.

This book pulls back the curtain on one of the most rewarding and challenging paths you can choose, with honest advice, encouragement, and plenty of insider knowledge. You'll learn what veterinarians actually do day-to-day, the emotional highs and lows of the job, and the many other animal-focused careers you might not have heard about yet. From high school classes and volunteer work to college majors, internships, and beyond, you'll discover practical steps you can start taking right now to move closer to your goal.

Along the way, you'll hear about the skills and traits that make someone great in this field, how to cope with the pressures and joys of caring for animals and their humans, and how every small step you take today can lead to big impact later.

For teens who can't imagine a life without animals, this is your map to a meaningful future.