How to Become an Animal Trainer: Is it the Right Career for You?

Animal Trainer Career Video

Animal training is a rewarding and dynamic career combining a passion for animals and the ability to communicate and shape behaviors. Whether you want to work with domestic pets, wildlife, or service animals, the job of an animal trainer requires patience, creativity, and understanding. This comprehensive guide will help you determine if becoming an animal trainer is the right career path for you and explore the various facets of this exciting profession.

What Does an Animal Trainer Do?

An animal trainer’s primary role is to teach animals specific behaviors, commands, or tasks. This involves using various training techniques, including positive reinforcement, clicker training, or behavioral modification strategies. Depending on the area of specialization, animal trainers work with pets, farm animals, horses, or even wildlife.

Responsibilities of an Animal Trainer

The daily tasks of an animal trainer can vary widely depending on the type of animals they work with, but they often include:

  • Teaching Basic Commands: Trainers teach animals basic obedience skills such as sit, stay, come, and heel.
  • Behavioral Modification: Trainers work to correct problematic behaviors, such as excessive barking or aggression.
  • Training for Specific Tasks: Some animal trainers work with service animals, teaching them tasks like guiding the blind, detecting substances, or assisting people with disabilities.
  • Preparing Animals for Competition or Shows: Trainers may work with animals to prepare them for competitions, exhibitions, or entertainment.
  • Assessing Animal Behavior: Animal trainers often evaluate animal behavior to determine the best approach for training.

Animal trainers must often tailor their techniques to each animal’s temperament, learning style, and specific needs.

What is the Working Environment for an Animal Trainer?

Animal trainers work in various settings, and their work environment can be as diverse as their training animals. The setting depends on the type of animals being trained and the trainer’s area of specialization.

Types of Work Environments

  • Private Homes: Many animal trainers work in clients’ homes, teaching pets to obey commands, solve behavioral issues, or manage aggression.
  • Animal Shelters: Trainers working in shelters may focus on rehabilitating animals and making them more adoptable by improving their behavior.
  • Zoos and Aquariums: Animal trainers in zoos or aquariums work with exotic animals, often training them for educational demonstrations or research.
  • Veterinary Clinics: Some trainers specialize in providing therapy or rehabilitation for animals recovering from illness or injury.
  • Performance Venues: Trainers working with animals in movies, TV shows, or circus acts must prepare animals for performances, ensuring they can complete specific tasks on cue.
  • Service Animal Training Centers: These trainers work with dogs or other animals to assist individuals with disabilities, teaching animals to perform specific tasks like retrieving objects, opening doors, or providing emotional support.

Work Hours

The hours of an animal trainer can vary significantly. Many trainers are self-employed or work with clients on a flexible schedule. Animal training can sometimes require irregular hours, particularly if animals need training during specific times of the day, like in the morning for certain pet behaviors or late at night for animals being trained for particular jobs. Some trainers also work weekends or evenings depending on the needs of the animals or the schedule of clients.

How Do You Become an Animal Trainer?

Becoming an animal trainer typically involves a combination of education, hands-on experience, and a passion for animal welfare.

Education and Training Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED is the minimum educational requirement for entry-level animal trainer positions.
  • Specialized Training or Certification: Some roles may require specific training, such as certifications in pet grooming, animal behavior, or animal CPR.
  • Degree Programs: Although not always required, degrees in animal science, psychology, or zoology can provide a strong foundation for a career in animal training.

Many trainers gain practical experience by working with animals in shelters, clinics, or through internships before formally entering the profession.

Experience

Hands-on experience is crucial for success in this career. Many animal trainers begin their careers by volunteering at animal shelters or assisting experienced trainers. Practical experience allows you to develop your skills, learn training techniques, and build relationships with animals.

Certification

While certification is not always required, it can enhance your credibility and job prospects. Some organizations, such as the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), offer certification programs for trainers. Other certifications may focus on specific animal types, such as horses or exotic animals.

What is the Salary of an Animal Trainer?

The salary of an animal trainer can vary depending on several factors, including experience, location, the type of animals trained, and the trainer’s area of expertise.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for animal trainers in the U.S. was approximately $31,520 as of May 2020. However, the income can vary significantly based on experience and specialization. Trainers working with high-demand animals (such as service dogs or animals used in movies) may earn more, while those working in shelters or entry-level positions may earn less.

What is the Labor Market for an Animal Trainer?

The labor market for animal trainers is generally stable, but it can fluctuate depending on the economy and demand for certain services. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment for animal trainers is expected to grow 15% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to increased demand for animal services in various sectors, including companion animals, service animals, and animals used in entertainment.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Being an Animal Trainer?

Like any career, animal training comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. Here are some of the pros and cons to consider:

Pros

  • Rewarding Work: Helping animals improve their behavior or learn new skills can be deeply satisfying, especially when working with pets or service animals.
  • Variety of Work: Animal trainers can work with a wide range of animals, from domestic pets to exotic wildlife, which keeps the work interesting.
  • Independence: Many animal trainers are self-employed, offering the flexibility to choose clients, set your schedule, and work independently.
  • Job Satisfaction: The ability to see the direct impact of your work on an animal’s behavior or an owner’s relationship with their pet can be highly fulfilling.

Cons

  • Physical Demands: Animal training can be physically demanding, especially when working with larger animals or in challenging environments.
  • Irregular Hours: Some animal trainers may be required to work evenings or weekends, depending on the clients and animals they serve.
  • Emotional Toll: Working with animals in distress or those with behavioral issues can be emotionally taxing. It may take time to see results, which can be frustrating.
  • Income Uncertainty: For self-employed people, the income may fluctuate depending on the number of clients and the demand for services.

What Are Related Jobs for an Animal Trainer?

Animal training is versatile, and several related careers share similar skills and responsibilities. Here are some options:

Veterinary Technician

Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians in providing medical care to animals. They may conduct tests, administer medications, and monitor animal health.

Zoologist

Zoologists study animal behavior, physiology, and genetics. They typically work in research, conservation, and wildlife management.

Animal Behaviorist

Animal behaviorists specialize in understanding and modifying animal behavior. They often work with animals that have behavioral problems or need rehabilitation.

What Types of Jobs Can an Animal Trainer Pursue?

Animal trainers have a wide array of career opportunities. Some of the most common roles include:

  • Pet Trainer: Work with pet owners to address behavioral issues or teach basic commands.
  • Service Animal Trainer: Specializes in training animals to assist individuals with disabilities.
  • Zoo or Wildlife Trainer: Work with exotic animals in zoos, aquariums, or wildlife centers.
  • Animal Behavior Consultant: Provide advice and strategies for managing animal behavior problems.

What Websites Are Best for Finding Animal Trainer Jobs?

If you’re looking for a job as an animal trainer, here are some websites to consider:

These sites often list animal training jobs across various industries, including pet training, service animal training, and wildlife management.

How do I know if I should be an Animal Trainer?

Deciding if animal training is the right career for you requires a deep understanding of your interests, skills, values, and personality. One effective way to explore whether animal training aligns with your goals is through self-assessment. Tools like the Free Career Fit Test™ can help clarify whether this profession matches you well.

The Career Fit Test™ is a comprehensive tool that offers three separate assessments designed to provide a well-rounded view of your potential fit for animal training. These assessments include:

Career Test

The Career Test is designed to match your interests with specific careers, such as animal trainer. It considers daily tasks and responsibilities that an animal trainer would engage in and compares them with your preferences and interests. If you enjoy working with animals, training them, and finding solutions to behavior problems, this test can give you insight into whether a career in animal training would be fulfilling. By identifying how closely your interests align with the duties of an animal trainer, you’ll be able to make an informed decision.

Career Aptitude Assessment

This assessment highlights your skills relevant to animal training, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and compassion. Animal trainers must be skilled in various areas, such as patience, consistency, and an understanding of animal behavior. The Career Aptitude Assessment will show you whether you possess these key skills and whether they are strong enough to succeed in the field. For example, an aptitude for learning new techniques, working with different animal species, and troubleshooting behavioral issues could indicate that you’re well-suited for this career.

Personality Trait Quiz

Understanding your personality traits is crucial in deciding whether a career as an animal trainer is the right fit. The Personality Trait Quiz evaluates characteristics like attention to detail, patience, empathy, and persistence. These are all essential traits for someone working with animals. Animal trainers must have a genuine passion for animals and the ability to stay calm and focused in potentially stressful situations. If your personality aligns with the typical traits of successful animal trainers, this quiz can confirm that this career path may be a good choice for you.

The Free Career Fit Test™ results include your Holland Code, a well-known career theory that categorizes people into different types based on their interests and personality traits. For example, animal trainers typically fall under the Realistic, Social, and Investigative categories (often abbreviated as R, S, and I). By comparing your personal Holland Code with the one for an animal trainer, you can assess how closely your interests and traits match those of successful professionals in this field.

Additionally, the Premium Report and Skills Map™ that comes with the Career Fit Test™ offers more in-depth insight. The Skills Map™ identifies your core strengths and weaknesses, helping you better understand which aspects of animal training may come naturally to you and where you might need to focus on further development. The Premium Report outlines specific recommendations for your best career fit.

Ultimately, the Career Fit Test™ is designed to empower you with the information you need to pursue a fulfilling and successful career. By combining the results of the Career Test, Career Aptitude Assessment, and Personality Trait Quiz, you’ll see whether animal training aligns with your natural talents and passions. If your results show a strong match with the traits and skills of animal trainers, it could be a strong signal that this career is worth pursuing.

For those who still feel uncertain, informational interviewing is another valuable tool. This involves reaching out to professionals in animal training to learn more about the day-to-day reality of the job. These conversations can offer you firsthand insight into the challenges and rewards of the profession, helping you make a well-rounded decision.

To get started, take the Free Career Fit Test™ and discover how your strengths align with the exciting world of animal training. Whether you’re just beginning to explore animal training as a potential career or want to confirm if it’s the right choice, this tool can help guide you toward a job you’ll love.

Visit CareerFitTest.com to take the test and start your journey today.

How Can I Learn More About a Career as an Animal Trainer?

To explore more about the career of an animal trainer, visit these valuable resources:

Conclusion

Becoming an animal trainer is a rewarding career that allows you to work closely with animals, helping them learn and improve their behaviors. Whether you work with pets, wildlife, or service