How to Become an Animal Trainer
There is a connection that can exist between humans and animals that seems to transcend science and reasoning. You have likely had moments where you felt that your dog knew exactly what you were thinking, or that you connected with an animal at the zoo.
If you are one of those people who feels a bond with animals and are motivated to care for them on a deeper level, then you might want to consider a career as an animal trainer.
What Does an Animal Trainer Do?
An animal trainer is a skilled professional who specializes in obedience, behavior or performance training. According to Indeed, animal trainers work with a wide variety of species, including household pets and exotic species in captivity.
The primary responsibilities of an animal trainer include:
- Introducing animals to specific commands and teaching them to follow those commands.
- Emphasizing positive reinforcement to encourage animals to behave appropriately.
- Educating pet owners about their own responsibilities and teaching them to reinforce commands and training methods in the home environment.
- Actively working to develop relationships with the animals that they work with to improve the overall results.
Animal trainers play an active role in improving animal welfare, advocating for conservation efforts and educating the public, making this an ideal position for those passionate about animal rights.
Where Do Animal Trainers Work?
Animal trainers can find work in a surprising number of employment settings. The U.S. Bureau of Labor of Statistics (BLS) states that animal workers are commonly employed by:
- Zoos and aquariums
- Private businesses that specialize in pet training services
- Service animal organizations
- Film and TV production studios
- Entertainment venues and spectator sports facilities
Skills Needed to Be an Animal Trainer
To become an effective and successful animal trainer, you will need to develop a wide range of practical, technical and interpersonal skills.
These are some of the most sought-after skills among employers looking to hire animal trainers:
Animal Behavior Knowledge
Animal trainers need to be experts in animal behavior, as they will be working closely with specific animal species to improve their behavior and promote safe habits in their environment. Understanding animal learning theory and communication is crucial for effective training, requiring you to be patient, resilient and adaptable. In many cases, you will need to prioritize observation to truly understand the behavior of the animal and its current needs.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Communication rests at the core of animal training. Obviously, you will need to be able to communicate clearly and effectively with the animals that you work with, providing them with precise commands that they can follow. However, you also will need to be able to clearly communicate with your colleagues, clients and members of the public, as you will often be responsible for educating them about your efforts and helping them learn to support the animals that they care for. By developing strong communication and interpersonal skills, you can become an integral part of the team and begin to build trust with your animals as well as your clients.
Physical Fitness and Stamina
Animal training can be a physically grueling position, requiring you to develop the strength and stamina needed to work with animals on a daily basis. As an animal trainer, you will likely be handling heavy equipment, working directly with large animals that may need assistance and possibly working outdoors in a wide range of weather conditions.
How to Become an Animal Trainer in 3 Steps
If you know that animal training is the right field for you, then you will be pleased to find out that you can become an animal trainer by following these three simple steps:
Pursue a Formal Education
A formal education can provide you with the advanced knowledge needed to work directly with animals on a daily basis. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in animal science, biology, zoology or another related field will allow you to develop an in-depth understanding of animal behavior, nutritional requirements, medical needs and more.
While a bachelor’s degree program can provide you with the skills and qualifications needed to pursue an entry-level position in animal training, a graduate degree program can equip you with the expert skills needed to continue to advance your career. A master’s in animal science and behavior, for instance, is a specialized program that takes a deep-dive into the nuances of animal behavior and the advanced training techniques that can be used with many different types of animal species.
In addition to an undergraduate or graduate degree program, you can pursue specialized certifications or attend workshops that allow you to develop specific, relevant animal training skills. By prioritizing your education and professional development, you will position yourself for growth and success throughout your animal training career.
Get Hands-On Experience
Most animal trainer positions require candidates to have extensive hands-on experience working with animals. One of the best ways to begin to gain hands-on experience caring for animals is to volunteer at animal-related facilities, such as shelters or foster care organizations. As you learn to connect with and handle animals, you can then pursue internships and apprenticeship programs to develop the industry-specific skills needed to work with animals on a professional level.
Networking plays a key role in the animal care industry, so it’s best to begin connecting with trainers and other animal care professionals as soon as possible.
Apply for Jobs
Once you have completed your degree program and gained practical skills in professional settings, you can begin applying for open positions. Be sure to craft a compelling resume that highlights your skills and experience as well as your passion for animal care.
Job and Salary Outlook for Animal Trainers
Given the vast range of opportunities for animal trainers in a wide variety of settings, there is usually consistent demand for skilled, qualified and passionate trainers. The median annual salary for animal trainers is about $38,000, though there is potential for salary variation based on specialization, experience and location.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Most entry-level animal trainers begin by working directly with animals, which is often exactly what they wanted to do with their careers. However, there are also opportunities for advancement. If you are looking to elevate your animal training career, you may be able to pursue a position as a species specialist, a head trainer or a training consultant. In fact, many animal trainers are also budding entrepreneurs, and they find that they can pursue their passion while also starting their own animal training business.
Prepare for a Career in Animal Care and Animal Nutrition at Unity Environmental University
While animal trainer education requirements may vary based on the position, a bachelor’s degree can provide you with a competitive edge. At Unity Environmental University, we offer a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science that equips students with the skills needed to work in animal care. The program’s curriculum is rooted in animal biology, physiology, nutrition and veterinary medicine, providing graduates with a foundational understanding of the basic needs of a wide variety of animal species.
Request more information about our online animal science degree program today.
