If you are an animal lover looking for a new hobby, look no further!
Our list of animal hobbies is sure to spark a new hobby idea to get you started in the right direction…
Birdwatching
Birdwatching is a great hobby for any animal lover looking to spend more time outdoors exploring nature.
Learn about migration patterns and nesting habits while trying to spot as many different species as you can in your area.
Many birdwatching enthusiasts will utilize binoculars and a birdwatching handbook to enhance the experience.
Check out our full article on birdwatching for beginner tips, tricks and resources to get started!
Beekeeping
Beekeeping (also known as Apiary) is an awesome hobby for animal lovers looking to learn new skills, spend time outdoors and don’t mind the occasional sting.
While providing hives for the bees and maintaining their shelter and protection; A hobby in beekeeping has the added benefits of supplying your friends and family with fresh local honey.
Pet Sitting (Dog Walking, Rover etc.)
Pet sitting is the perfect hobby for any animal lover looking to make a little extra cash and spend time with pets!
Spend your time walking dogs, taking your friends dog while they’re on vacation or try house sitting with a house full of pets.
Looking to walk dogs or do some dog-sitting in your area?
Equestrianism
Equestrianism (from Latin equester, equestr-, equus, 'horseman', 'horse'),[2] commonly known as horse riding (Commonwealth English) or horseback riding (American English),[3] includes the disciplines of riding, driving, and vaulting. This broad description includes the use of horses for practical working purposes, transportation, recreational activities, artistic or cultural exercises, and competitive sport.
A hobby of horseback riding or equestrianism takes dedication, commitment and certainly a love of animals.
Learning the ins and outs of horse care, riding and training is a great hobby for a dedicated and passionate animal lover.
Check out the United States Equestrian Federation Learning Center to learn more about getting started in a hobby of equestrianism.
Wildlife Photography
Depending on where you live, you may find joy in exploring a hobby in wildlife photography.
Head to your local, state or national park and spot the wildlife in your area while capturing beautiful photos.
Check out our article of photography quotes to inspire your journey towards becoming a wildlife photographer.
Safari
If you can afford the airfare, going on a wildlife safari is a once in a lifetime opportunity for animal lovers!
Plan your vacation around seeing big cats, elephants, giraffes and more on a wildlife safari in Africa.
You will have stories to tell for years to come from your adventures!
Ant Keeping
Explore an ant keeping hobby and watch your colony grow and expand along with your care and expertise.
This easy to maintain “animal” hobby is fun to look at and you are sure to learn a ton in the process!
Get started with a simple ant farm terrarium available from Amazon Prime.
Check out antkeepingdepot.com for more information of getting started with your own ant farm at home.
Chickens
Raising your own chickens is a great hobby for animal lovers who love to tend to early morning chores and enjoy consuming or sharing fresh eggs.
Raising your own chickens can be a lot of work, but for many proves to be a great hobby and sustainable way to get a nutritious meal and a few new backyard friends.
Check out How to Raise Chickens: A Complete Beginner’s Guide from Healthline.com.
Aquariums
Having a home aquarium is a great hobby for fish and animal lovers. Maintain the tank, feed your fish and watch them thrive.
A home aquarium makes for a great accent piece and is a relatively simple way to have a home pet!
Looking to step it up a notch? Check out this coffee table / fish tank aquarium combination piece to really impress your guests!
Whale Watching
Depending on where you live, whale watching could become a great hobby for spending time outdoors and enjoying wildlife.
If you live close to the ocean, check out the best time and locations in your area to spot whales. According to whalewatching.com the best seasons to whale watch are as follows…
California (January – May)
Pacific Northwest (May-September)
Newfoundland & Labrador (May – September)
Hawaii (December – May)
We recommend picking up a decent pair of binoculars to enhance the experience. We recommend these Vortex Optics Crossfire HD Binoculars available from Amazon here…
Dog Training
Dog training is a great hobby for animal lovers and pet owners to teach their pets tricks, behaviors and habits.
Whether you’re teaching your dog to rollover, sit or fetch, spending time dog training is a worthwhile way to spend quality time with your pet.
If you are looking for more dog hobby ideas check out our Hobby Ideas for Dog Owners | Best Hobbies to Do With Your Dog article for tons of ideas.
Pet Adoption / Fostering
Pet adoption is more than a hobby; it is a fulfilling duty and heartfelt exercise in animal compassion.
If you have the means, adopting a pet can provide a home for a pet in need and provides you with a new furry friend.
Check out this helpful article from aspca.com for adoption tips, preparing your home for a new pet and things to consider before adoption.
Falconry
Falconry is the hunting of wild animals in their natural state and habitat by means of a trained bird of prey.
The ancient art of falconry is an animal hobby that requires hours of dedication, training and patience to master.
If you are serious about getting into a hobby of falconry, check out this article from the North American Falconers Association.
Zoo or Wildlife Refuge Volunteering
Volunteering at a Zoo or Wildlife Refuge is an awesome way to spend time with animals and spend your time giving back in a positive way.
Feed animals, clean living areas or facilitate visitors in the zoo or wildlife areas.
Check out volunteer.gov for volunteering opportunities in national parks, wildlife refugees and more.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is a great animal hobby for ocean lovers and adventurous souls!
If you are interested in exploring the depths of the ocean and swimming with wild fish, scuba diving may just be your next favorite hobby.
Check out the article How to Scuba Dive: A Guide for Beginners from padi.com.
