How to become An Animal Trainer

• Animal Tamer
• Animal Handler
• Pet Therapist

What do Animal Traniners do?

An Animal Trainer would typically need to:

• Conduct training programs to influence, modify or reinforce an animal’s behaviour; teach them to respond to commands for purposes of competition, obedience, security, and entertainment
• Train animals in the show business or animal competitions to follow commands, understand basic communication, do tricks, find objects or people, and perform for an audience
• Engage animals in training and rehearsals for tv shows, movies, music videos, and competitions
• Educate owners and caretakers on the needs of their pets; train them to command, interact with and take care of their pets; retrain animals to break bad habits
• Evaluate animal temperaments, abilities and aptitude to decide on what kind of training an animal needs to undergo; assess the progress and change in an animal’s behaviour as training continues
• Take care of the animals under their supervision; provide ample exercise, keep the animals clean and healthy, and feed them; maintain the holding and performance areas
• Maintain records for the animals under their care; observe the animals under their supervision to assess if they have any physical or mental illnesses that make them dangerous or unsuitable for a family or the entertainment business
• Use a variety of tools, such as reins, spur and muzzles and a variety of techniques to train animals; use cues or signals during a performance or competition to control an animal

The work environment differs according to the kind of animal you work with and the employer. Typically, an Animal Trainer works outdoors but may work indoors as well; they may need to confine themselves to specific areas, such as arenas, barns, kennels, racetracks, the corrals or a customer's home.

Depending on the animal and the environment, Animal Trainers may be exposed to hot or cold weather and loud and distracting noises, such as the barking, braying or roars of the animal.

You may work alone or in a team of people, including other Animal Trainers, and need to travel in a truck or van with the animals. You might have to travel frequently between movie sets or between places when working with individual clients.

Animal Trainers do not have a set schedule. It varies depending on the animal, the employer, and the situation in which they are working. For example, an Animal Trainer working in the entertainment industry would have to adopt the schedule that the directors, producers and actors set. The Animal Trainer’s schedule will likely begin before shooting starts and end after shooting finishes.

An Animal Trainer, for example, a dog trainer might have to travel between client’s houses with their dogs. An Animal Trainer might also have to travel with animals in their van or truck.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. You can boost your job search by asking your network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Employers typically include:

• Zoos
• Animal Shelters
• Aquariums
• Entertainment Industry
• Animal Rescue Agencies
• Animal Training Schools
• Pet Daycare Centers

Professional associations and organisations differ based on the species an Animal Trainer specialises in. However, membership with organisations like the International Association of Canine Professionals or the International Marine Animal Trainers Association is crucial for pursuing professional development. Membership allows you to stay updated about new work opportunities and network with like-minded individuals.

• High potential for injury when working with frightened or aggressive animals which might kick, bite, scratch, or cause other injuries
• Dealing with pet owners who have unrealistic expectations; working with intrusive or overly-involved pet owners
• Engaging in repetitive activities and commands with animals requires patience and self-discipline
• Working with unrealistic expectations of the entertainment industry, where animals are expected to act like people

Most employers expect Animal Trainers to have some experience working with animals. Volunteer or intern at a rescue shelter, veterinary practice, local zoo, or an experienced Animal Trainer are all good options for gaining work experience.

Typically, Animal Trainers do not require formal education beyond a high school diploma. Still, employers are more likely to hire candidates with certificates and diplomas, especially if the programs teach you unique skills on how to train exotic pets or a particular species such as dogs.

However, specific qualifications differ based on the species trainers are working with. For example, when training marine animals, an Animal Trainer must have a bachelor’s degree in marine biology, animal science, biology, or a related field.

Check with your local licensing and regulatory bodies for essential requirements. Depending on the species, certification requirements for Animal Trainers may change. For example, those working with marine animals may need SCUBA certification or a lifeguard certification. Most zoos and aquariums would require CPR certification.

Generally, all Animal Trainers will require a driver’s license, especially if their job requires regular travel by road. Those who wish to train horses and dogs will most probably need a special license to prove their professional competence and stand out in a very competitive field.

With additional training, certification, experience and networking, an Animal Trainer may advance from working with individual clients or working under an experienced trainer to owning their own business.

Some Animal Trainers can advance into working with animals in competition, such as horse jumping shows or dog racing shows. Similarly, Animal Trainers can become well-known and renowned in the entertainment business.

N/A

Typically, once hired, Animal Trainers entering the job market receive on-the-job training gained from shadowing experienced trainers.

National and international animal training associations and organisations offer continuing professional development (CPD) courses on specific species or exotic pets or certification and diploma programs that can help trainers stand out from among their competition.

You should aim to become competent in several areas related to animal training, such as animal behaviour, animal dietary and nutritional care, and animal behaviour, to show your dedication.

Focus on the One

Decide on which species of animals you would want to specialise in. Depending on the species, your education and certification requirements change immensely. For example, as a dog trainer, you don’t need a bachelor’s degree, though a professional certificate would be beneficial. However, as a marine animal trainer, you would need a bachelor’s degree.

Personality Matters

Often, Animal Trainers start as self-employed workers. To ensure that they can succeed, Animal Trainers should aim to be self-disciplined and organised in their work-life and have patience with their clients and the animals they are working with. You need to be able to adapt to working with different kinds of animals and clients in diverse situations, all of which may be challenging. Regardless of their work environment, Animal Trainers should be physically fit to ensure they can bring the best of their charges to the forefront.

Handy Tips

Animal Trainers would find it helpful to develop public speaking and presentation skills, especially if they work in a theme park, zoo, or aquarium where they have to participate in shows or present information about an animal under their care.

Self-Employed Animal Trainers vs Full-Time Animal Trainers

Freelancing or self-employed Animal Trainers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Animal Trainer has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety. When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Approximately 75% of dogs in the US are not appropriately trained. This puts the pet owners at risk of being bitten or hurt and the dogs at risk of being abandoned or euthanised.

Animal Trainers provide an essential service that allows pet owners and humans to interact with their beloved animals safely. If you love animals and want to create a society where there is a better understanding between pets and their owners and people and animals, then being an Animal Trainer would be a rewarding career for you.

Make sure to communicate with your clients on an individual basis; adapt your pace of teaching to the speed at which a pet-owner and their pet are comfortable learning.