For the last 23 years, there has not been a day that I wasn't proud beyond measure to be a veterinarian. But I have to admit I am sometimes a bit embarrassed when the most common things people tell me when they find I am a veterinarian is, ''I've always wanted to be a veterinarian!''

The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges says there are 31 accredited veterinary schools in North America. Millions dream of becoming a veterinarian, but only about 2700 are accepted by the schools each year. What about the others; do they drop their dreams or just pursue an alternate career working with animals?

The premise of ''105 Careers for Animal Lovers'' is that of abundance and choice.

Fitzsimmons believes that people desiring an animal-related profession, have many to choose from; and they can pinpoint one based on their interests and abilities. For this reason, the careers are separated into ten categories with a variety of careers such as animal transportation, aquarium maintenance, ecotourism guide, pet identification and recovery service, grief counselor, wildlife refuge manager, veterinary technician or assistant, wildlife rehabilitator.

In the first category, Writing and Publishing Careers, Fitzsimmons asks: ''Would you like to combine a passion for reading and writing with your love for animals?'' She adds that there are many opportunities, including -- but certainly not limited to -- book and magazine publishers, animal welfare organizations, zoos, museums and pet product manufacturers. Another example of a career in this category is grant writer, because many nonprofit organizations seek funding from grant-making foundations, corporations and outside sources. Each career description is followed by resources to get more information.

In the Health and Medical Careers category, Fitzsimmons writes that animals deserve quality health care. The veterinary health field has made significant advances, bringing about cures and treatments once deemed improbable. This means that career options in this industry are also more diverse and widely available. People who want to work in the animal health field, but don't have the grades or good fortune to be accepted into veterinary school or the time to go through years of veterinary school and training, have several possibilities. One alternative allied health career is pet massage therapist.

The author writes that ''People are not the only creatures to benefit from therapeutic massage. Other opportunities are with pet daycare facilities, pharmaceutical and pet food companies, and veterinary hospitals. Many times, on the job training is available.''

Some of the careers described, such as zookeeper and obedience trainer, are well known. But there are many that people may not even know exist.

Veterinary Informatics Specialist, pet chiropractor or copywriter for a pet products manufacturer, are likely not animal-related careers that come to mind.

In addition, there are articles throughout the booklet. One of these is ''Why a College Degree is Often Not Enough,'' in which Fitzsimmons writes ''Many jobs involving animals are often competitive. With so many people earning their college degrees, employers often have a choice of qualified candidates. If you want to stand out from the others, it is imperative to gain experience in your field. A resume that lists related experience is likely to seem more attractive to an employer, than just having a college degree.''

Particularly useful is the ''Additional Resources'' section, at the end of the booklet. ''105 Careers for Animal Lovers'' was written to help people jump start their imaginations. It is possible for people to find a satisfying career, while making a difference in the lives of animals.

Some of the most dedicated animal lovers, are the people who work in humane societies and animal shelters. They are involved in a great deal more than just cleaning cages (and of course, that is part of the job). They spend time handling and getting to know the animals awaiting new homes, feeding and nurturing them, giving them necessary health care, working with volunteers, talking to new owners and educating the public. It always brings a smile to my face when I consider their dedication and the animals that are benefiting from it.

I'm a good example of someone who shifted ''animal career'' lanes so to speak.

I graduated from veterinary school in 1980 and expected to practice companion animal medicine for the rest of my life. Now, I write, lecture, do media all on behalf of animals. This was probably not what my vet school professors had in mind.

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For more information on ''105 Careers for Animal Lovers,'' please visit www.pjpublications.com, or write to PJ Publications at P.O. Box 45468, Madison, WI 53744-5468.

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(Dr. Marty Becker appears frequently on ABC-TV's ''Good Morning America'' and now on two nationally syndicated radio programs, ''Pets Unleashed'' a two hour live talk program and a two minute vignette, ''The Pet Update'' on the national talk network, Talk ONE. Write to him in care of Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service, 790 National Press Building, Washington, DC 20045.)

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(c) 2003, Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service