As more businesses depend on online promotions, the demand for freelance writing has risen significantly. Online writers enjoy flexible working hours, competitive pay, and the freedom to work wherever they want. Although some writers work for multiple clients and cover a variety of subjects, others choose to focus on a single industry. If you’re interested in animals and pet care, you might consider looking for veterinary freelance writer jobs.
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Lorna Whittemore
Veterinarian, MRCVS
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Lorna Whittemore
Veterinarian, MRCVS
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), approximately 90.5 million homes in the United States have pets. The pet industry has experienced rapid growth in the last decade, and the trend does not appear to be slowing down. Veterinary writers can work for veterinary hospitals, animal shelters, animal rights organizations, kennel clubs, government sites, and much more. How do you get a freelance veterinary writing gig? We’ll show you some tips on getting your career started and succeeding in this growing industry.
Education Requirements
Some companies do not require college degrees for writing positions, but writers with degrees in English, Journalism, and Veterinary Science generally have higher pay rates. A high school diploma is the minimum requirement, but if you’re a skilled writer passionate about animals, you should not let your educational background deter you from applying for writing positions.
Veterinary sites are looking for applicants with strong writing skills, a firm grasp of English grammar, excellent research skills, and a love for wildlife and pets. Whether you’re submitting a proposal, test paper, or resume, ensuring the grammar is close to perfect is a top priority. Regardless of your background, an article riddled with errors will certainly be rejected.
Veterinary Experience
If you have any experience in the veterinary or pet industries, be sure to include it on your resume. Even if you worked part-time at a shelter or grooming business, the experience could improve your chances of landing an online job. The highest-paid jobs at online veterinary sites typically go to veterinarians who write technical articles and ensure the site’s articles are science-based and accurate. Veterinary specialists are in high demand for editing and fact-checking, and they rarely have issues landing lucrative writing positions.
Online Veterinary Research
While experience gives you a considerable advantage over other applicants, it’s not essential to becoming a successful freelance writer. Before applying to a business, study their website and look through their blogs, newsletters, and promotional material. Does the company use a casual tone in their articles, or do they prefer technical writing? Examining several examples of the site’s content will give you an idea of what they’re looking for in their writers.
If your application is accepted, you’ll usually have to submit writing samples and a test article. The test article shows hiring managers that you can write in the company’s style and follow their guidelines. Although each business has unique requirements and style guides, it helps familiarize yourself with word processing software, spreadsheets, online references, and basic online marketing techniques. Some of the software and platforms used by online veterinary sites include:
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Google Sheets
Google Docs
Copyscape
WordPress
Local Businesses
You can find numerous veterinary writing jobs online, but you shouldn’t limit your choices to online openings. Visit your local animal hospital, rescue shelters, veterinary clinics, and grooming companies to see the writing content they produce. If you cannot speak to an owner or manager of the business, try to set up an appointment to discuss how your skills can benefit the company. Private companies have smaller advertising budgets, but some of the local businesses in your area may be part of national networks that spend more on online content. Many veterinary practices produce monthly newsletters. They may be looking for some-one with writing skill to produce content for them and free up the veterinarians to do clinical work.
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Google Sheets
Google Docs
Copyscape
WordPress
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Google Sheets
- Google Docs
- Copyscape
- WordPress
Writing Platforms
If you’re new to freelance writing, you can apply to popular freelance sites to gain more experience in the industry. Most companies like Upwork and Freelancer.com cover multiple subjects, and you’re unlikely to focus on articles solely based on veterinary topics. However, you’ll gain vital experience and be able to apply to more veterinary companies you’re interested in. The only downside to being a new freelancer on a writing platform is the low pay, but you can increase your wages quickly by delivering high-quality work.
Free Articles
It’s agonizing to receive several rejections when you’re trying to secure your first writing position but try not to be discouraged. Continue to research veterinary sites and send proposals every day. Oftentimes, landing the first gig is the hardest. Although it may seem like a last resort, you can submit free articles to veterinary sites or offer to write free content for a trial period. If hiring managers are impressed, you may land a full-time position.
Conclusion
Writing articles about animals and pets can be an exciting career, and you’re unlikely to experience much downtime due to the high demand for veterinary articles. Freelance writing is not a simple profession, but it’s less challenging when you’re prepared to meet strict deadlines, knowledgeable about online writing methods, skilled with writing software, and willing to work from home. Whether you’re new to online writing or have experience in the industry, a career in veterinary freelance writing is a rewarding opportunity for writers of all levels and backgrounds.
Featured Image Credit: didesign021, Shutterstock
