Animal Trainer

Your Fit

Income

$36K

Preparation

Some

Growth

16.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Animal Trainer?

An Animal Trainer is a professional who teaches animals a variety of behaviors and skills for purposes such as obedience, performance, riding, security, or assisting people with disabilities. This occupation involves not only training animals but also understanding animal behavior and welfare.

Sample job titles:

Dog Trainer, Animal Trainer, Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI), Horse Trainer, Trainer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Animal Trainer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Animal Trainer earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Animal Trainer.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$31K per year	$33K per year	$36K per year	$44K per year	$58K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $29K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Animal Trainer do?

Work environment

Animal Trainers typically work in a variety of settings, including kennels, stables, zoos, aquariums, and movie sets. They may also work independently, visiting clients' homes. The environment can vary greatly depending on the type of animals being trained and may require working outdoors in various weather conditions.

Quick task list

Assesses animal behavior and creates training plans.
Uses various techniques to teach animals obedience and perform specific tasks or tricks.
Ensures the safety and welfare of animals during training sessions.
Maintains training records and monitors progress.
Communicates with animal owners or handlers about training methods and progress.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Dog Training: Specializing in obedience, behavioral modification, or specific skills like search and rescue.
Horse Training: Focusing on riding, racing, or show performance.
Marine Animal Training: Working with marine animals such as dolphins or sea lions, often in aquariums or marine parks.
Service Animal Training: Training animals to assist individuals with disabilities.
Animal Actor Training: Preparing animals for roles in movies, television, or commercials.

Description

Animal training is a field driven by a passion for and understanding of animals. It requires patience, consistency, and a deep understanding of animal behavior and psychology. Trainers must be able to read animal body language and respond appropriately to ensure effective learning and safety.

The occupation demands physical stamina, as trainers often engage in hands-on work with animals. It also requires good communication skills to collaborate with animal owners or handlers and discuss training methods and goals. Animal trainers must stay up-to-date with the latest training techniques and animal welfare standards.

Career opportunities in animal training are diverse, ranging from working with household pets to exotic animals. It offers the satisfaction of fostering strong human-animal bonds and improving the quality of life for both animals and their owners or caretakers. The field is ideal for those who are passionate about animals and committed to lifelong learning about animal behavior and training techniques.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Developing strong bonds with animals and witnessing their progress.
The joy of improving the lives of animals and their owners.
The variety and challenges presented by working with different types of animals.

You might make a good Animal Trainer if you are...

Passionate about animals and dedicated to their well-being.
Patient and consistent, with a calm demeanor in challenging situations.
Observant and sensitive to animal behavior and non-verbal cues.
Physically fit and able to handle active work with animals.
A good communicator, able to instruct and collaborate with animal owners or handlers.

Pros:

Deeply rewarding work through close interactions with animals.
Variety in work environments and types of animals trained.
Potential for self-employment or flexible work arrangements.

Cons:

Physically demanding work that may involve risk of injury.
Emotional challenges when dealing with difficult animals or owners.
Irregular work hours, including weekends and evenings, may be required.

How to become an Animal Trainer

Typical education

While formal education requirements can vary, many animal trainers have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Post-secondary education in animal science, biology, or a related field can be beneficial. Most training is done on the job.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology or Life Sciences to understand animal physiology and behavior.
Psychology to gain insights into behavior modification techniques.
Physical Education to maintain fitness and handle active work.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at animal shelters, stables, or local zoos.
Joining clubs related to wildlife, environment, or animal welfare.
Participating in sports or outdoor activities to build physical stamina.

Preparation after high school

Consider courses or a degree in animal science, zoology, or a related field.
Gain hands-on experience through internships or apprenticeships with experienced trainers.
Obtain certifications from recognized organizations in specific areas of animal training.

More resources

Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) - Offers resources and certification for dog trainers.
International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA) - Provides education and networking for marine animal trainers.
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) - Offers certification and resources for dog trainers.
North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) - Offers resources for those interested in therapeutic horseback riding.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.