Occupation Profile for Animal Trainers

opportunity | video

Train animals for riding, harness, security, performance, or obedience, or assisting persons with disabilities. Accustom animals to human voice and contact; and condition animals to respond to commands. Train animals according to prescribed standards for show or competition. May train animals to carry pack loads or work as part of pack team.

Signficant Points

  • Animal lovers get satisfaction in this occupation, but the work can be unpleasant, physically and emotionally demanding, and sometimes dangerous.
  • Most workers are trained on the job, but employers generally prefer to hire people who have experience with animals; some jobs require a bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, or a related field.
  • Most positions will present good employment opportunities; however, keen competition is expected for jobs as zookeepers and marine mammal trainers.
  • Earnings are relatively low.
 

Tasks

  • Core — Evaluate animals in order to determine their temperaments, abilities, and aptitude for training.
  • Core — Observe animals' physical conditions in order to detect illness or unhealthy conditions requiring medical care.
  • Core — Talk to and interact with animals in order to familiarize them to human voices and contact.
  • Core — Conduct training programs in order to develop and maintain desired animal behaviors for competition, entertainment, obedience, security, riding and related areas.
  • Core — Feed and exercise animals, and provide other general care such as cleaning and maintaining holding and performance areas.

Activities

  • Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
  • Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.