How to Become an Animal Trainer

Overview & Salaries

Recommended Degrees & Education:
The right degree for you depends on the industry and company you apply for. Those looking for an entry positions need some relevant experience. If you are looking to get into a competitive or advance position, then a certificate degree from a animal training or caretaking program can help you stand out in the hiring process.

Start your career path today by signing up for free information from one of our accredited technical schools below that offer programs to help get you started as an animal trainer.

How Much Do Animal Trainers Make? 
$19,970 (median salary)

Expected Growth from 2012-2020:
+35,400

Specialization Options:
Animal breeding, large animals, and pets

(all information above provided by the 2012 BLS Animal Care and Service Workers page) 

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Discover the Best Places to Become an Animal Trainer

Animal behavior and training degrees provide opportunities to work in a variety of settings, including independently-run practices and a variety of professional settings.

  • Veterinarian offices
  • Animal caretaker facilities
  • Schools
  • Independent practice
  • Zoos and parks

Employment and Information Data for Animal Training

Why Become an Animal Trainer?

Do you love animals? You can make a career doing what you love. A career in animal behavior and training allows you to work with a variety of animals or becoming a specialist in the animal of your choice. Animals are an important part of people’s lives and are integrated into several professions. By becoming a professional animal trainer you can practice animal communication and handling skills, and learn to care for animals and the people and professions they serve.

Recommended Courses to Help You Become an Animal Trainer

  • Training Basics
  • Animal Behavior
  • Animal Assisted Therapy
  • Animal Nutrition, Health and Disease
  • Animal Technology
  • Canine Training
  • Special K9 Handler Training
  • Animal Obedience

Degree Options to Help You Become an Animal Trainer

Science of Animal Behavior
The field of animal behavior is concerned with understanding the causes, functions, development, and evolution of behavior. Many colleges and universities in North America offer graduate training programs in animal behavior.

Animal Behavior Analysis and Counseling
Founded in the scientific principles of applied behavior analysis, this degree is structured to prepare individuals to analyze animal behavior and offer counseling and caregiving to select animal breeds.

Animal Shelter Administration
This growing field allows students to learn manage and operate animal shelters, helping provide homes to thousands of animals needing care.