Following Her Passion:
Anastasija Brown’s Journey Toward a Career in Animal Care
By: The ABC Staff
Anastasija Brown has always known her path would lead to animals. From a young age, she was surrounded by dogs and deeply involved in their daily care, experiences that helped shape her understanding of animal behavior and responsibility. Looking back, she shares that animals have always been her passion and that she “always knew that [she] wanted a career working with animals.”
Growing up alongside dogs taught Anastasija more than just basic care. It instilled in her a deep respect for animal boundaries, individual needs, and communication. Those early lessons became the foundation for her lifelong commitment to animal welfare and solidified her desire to pursue a meaningful career in the field.
Her journey with Animal Behavior College began when she first discovered the dog training program. Although she didn’t yet meet the qualifications to enroll, she didn’t let that stop her. Instead, she explored other opportunities and quickly realized there was a wide range of animal-focused careers she hadn’t previously considered. That discovery led her to enroll in the Zookeeper Assistant program, an experience she describes as something she “absolutely loved.”
For Anastasija, the program was more than just educational, it was transformative. Having faced challenges in traditional school settings, she found ABC’s approach to learning both accessible and empowering. She explains that the course was “fantastic, easy to follow, and made learning enjoyable,” helping her build confidence and recognize that she is fully capable of succeeding when pursuing something she genuinely cares about.
While she entered the program without prior experience in areas like aquarium maintenance, the knowledge she gained broadened her perspective and introduced her to new possibilities within the animal care industry. The experience not only strengthened her existing passion but also encouraged her to continue exploring and growing within the field.
Today, Anastasija is focused on gaining as much hands-on experience as possible. She is actively seeking volunteer opportunities in animal-related environments to expand her skills and deepen her understanding. Looking ahead, she hopes to work in a dog shelter or at a zoo – two paths that align closely with her passion for animal care and advocacy.
Her long-term vision is even more ambitious. Anastasija dreams of one day living on a ranch where she can build her own rescue organization, creating a safe haven for animals in need. She hopes to establish a dog shelter where she can help animals find loving, permanent homes, turning her passion into a lasting impact.
Currently working in housekeeping, Anastasija recognizes how her role has helped prepare her for a future in animal care. She notes that maintaining clean, safe environments is a critical part of working with animals, and her experience has allowed her to develop skills that translate directly into the field.
Reflecting on her journey so far, Anastasija describes the program as “an incredible step forward” in pursuing her dream career. With determination, compassion, and a clear vision for the future, she is well on her way to turning that dream into reality… and her ABC family is cheering her on!
