Care for Bowser creates pet job boom

WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Pet care is booming across the United States, as more careers open up for nurses, groomers and masseuses for Fido, Fifi, Tramp and Taffy.

Some people run pet massage businesses from homes or storefronts. Others join the businesses of pet day care, or bath and grooming companies. Some jobs, such as a dog walker, are part time, while others offer full-time paychecks, benefits and advancement opportunities, the Washington Post said.

Americans spend $36 billion a year on pet supplies and services, according to the American Pet Product Manufacturers Association, with offices in Washington and Greenwich, Conn.

A career as a veterinary technician is expected to become hot during the next few years as Americans spend more on pet care, employment officials said. While many careers require college degrees and state licensing or certification, others -- such as massage and physical therapists or rehab specialists -- can be learned on the job or through training at company headquarters.

"My goal is: When the dog is happy, the people are happy, too. It's a whole circle of happiness," pet massage therapist Tomoko Kawasumi said.