How to Become an Animal Trainer in 2023 | Full Guide

Animal trainers play a crucial role in the world of animal care and entertainment. They are skilled professionals who work with various animals to ensure their well-being, train them for specific tasks, and even prepare them for roles in movies and television shows.

If you’re passionate about animals and have always dreamt of working closely with them, a career as an animal trainer might be the perfect fit for you.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what it takes to become an animal trainer in 2023.

Who is an Animal Trainer?

An animal trainer is a professional who specializes in teaching animals various skills and behaviors.

These skills can range from basic obedience and agility to more specialized tasks, such as assisting individuals with disabilities as service animals or performing tricks for entertainment purposes.

Animal trainers work with a wide variety of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, birds, and even exotic creatures like tigers and dolphins.

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Different Fields of Animal Trainers

Animal trainers can specialize in several fields, depending on their interests and career goals. Here are some of the most common specializations within the field of animal training:

1. Service Animal Trainer

Service animal trainers are responsible for training dogs to assist individuals with disabilities.

These dogs can be trained to perform a wide range of tasks, including guiding the visually impaired, alerting individuals with hearing impairments to important sounds, and providing emotional support to those with mental health conditions.

Service animal trainers must have a deep understanding of canine behavior and the specific needs of their clients.

2. Obedience Trainer

Obedience trainers work with pet owners to teach basic obedience commands to their dogs. This includes commands like sit, stay, come, and heel.

Obedience training is essential for ensuring that pets behave well in various situations and can be an enjoyable experience for both the animals and their owners.

3. Film Animal Trainers

Film animal trainers are responsible for preparing animals for roles in movies, television shows, commercials, and other forms of media.

They train animals to perform specific actions on cue, ensuring that they can meet the demands of a script or scene.

Film animal trainers often work closely with production teams to achieve the desired outcomes while prioritizing the safety and well-being of the animals involved.

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What Do Animal Trainers Do?

The specific duties of an animal trainer can vary depending on their specialization, but some common tasks include:

• Assessing an animal’s behavior and temperament to determine its suitability for training.
• Developing and implementing training programs tailored to an animal’s needs and abilities.
• Using positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewards and praise, to encourage desired behaviors.
• Monitoring and documenting an animal’s progress throughout the training process.
• Teaching animals to respond to verbal and non-verbal cues.
• Ensuring the safety of both the animal and the trainer during training sessions.
• Educating pet owners or handlers on how to reinforce trained behaviors.

How much do Animal Trainers Earn?

The salary of an animal trainer can vary widely based on factors such as their experience, location, specialization, and the type of animals they work with.

On average, animal trainers in the United States earn yearly salary of $31,280. Wages typically start from $23,160 and go up to $58,790.

However, experienced trainers in specialized fields, such as service animal training or film animal training, can earn significantly higher incomes.

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What are the Requirements for Becoming an Animal Trainer?

Becoming an animal trainer typically requires a combination of education, practical experience, and a genuine passion for working with animals. Here are the key steps and requirements to pursue a career as an animal trainer:

1. Education: While there is no specific educational path required to become an animal trainer, many professionals in this field hold a bachelor’s degree in animal science, psychology, biology, or a related field. A solid academic foundation can provide you with a deeper understanding of animal behavior and training techniques.

2. Gain Experience: Practical experience is essential in the world of animal training. Consider volunteering at animal shelters, interning with experienced trainers, or working part-time at a pet training facility to gain hands-on experience. The more experience you have, the more attractive you will be to potential employers or clients.

3. Specialize: Determine your area of specialization within animal training. Whether you want to focus on service animals, pet obedience, or film work, it’s important to develop expertise in your chosen field.

4. Develop Training Skills: Learn and practice positive reinforcement training methods. This involves rewarding animals for exhibiting desired behaviors rather than punishing them for unwanted behaviors. Positive reinforcement is the cornerstone of modern animal training.

5. Build a Portfolio: If you’re interested in working with animals in the entertainment industry, assemble a portfolio showcasing your training work. This can include videos of animals performing tricks or following commands.

6. Networking: Connect with other animal trainers and professionals in the industry. Building a network can help you learn from others, find job opportunities, and stay updated on the latest training techniques and industry trends.

Animal Trainer’s Job Outlook

The job outlook for animal trainers varies depending on the specialization and location. Here are some factors that can impact job prospects:

1. Location: Job opportunities for animal trainers can be more abundant in urban areas where there is a higher demand for pet services and entertainment. However, opportunities can also be found in rural areas, especially for those specializing in agricultural or equestrian training.

2. Specialization: Some areas of animal training may have better job prospects than others. For example, the demand for service animal trainers is expected to remain strong as the need for assistance animals continues to grow.

3. Industry Trends: Stay informed about industry trends and emerging fields of animal training. For example, as the awareness of animal welfare increases, there may be more opportunities in training animals for therapy and emotional support roles.

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How To Become an Animal Trainer?

Now that you have a better understanding of the requirements and options available in the field of animal training, let’s delve into the step-by-step process of becoming an animal trainer in 2023:

1. Get Certification

While certification is not always required, it can significantly enhance your credibility as an animal trainer. Several organizations offer certification programs, such as the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). These programs typically involve passing an exam and meeting specific training and experience requirements. Certification demonstrates your commitment to professionalism and your mastery of training techniques.

2. Join a Professional Group

Consider joining a professional association or group related to animal training. These organizations provide valuable resources, networking opportunities, and access to continuing education. Some prominent associations include the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), the International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association (IMATA), and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Progression Chart for Animal Trainer

As you gain experience and expertise in the field of animal training, you may have the opportunity to advance your career and take on more specialized roles. Here’s a progression chart that outlines potential career paths for animal trainers:

Entry-Level Animal Trainer: At the start of your career, you may work as an entry-level animal trainer, assisting more experienced professionals and gaining practical experience.

Specialized Trainer: With experience, you can choose to specialize in a particular area, such as service animal training, obedience training, or film animal training.

Lead Trainer: As you become more skilled and experienced, you may take on a lead trainer role, where you’re responsible for designing training programs, supervising other trainers, and working directly with clients.

Animal behaviorists

Some animal trainers go on to become animal behaviorists. Behaviorists specialize in understanding and modifying animal behavior, often working with animals that have behavior problems. They may be called in to address issues like aggression, anxiety, or phobias in pets.

Animal Breeders and Technicians:

Another career path for animal trainers is to become animal breeders or technicians. Breeders focus on selectively breeding animals to maintain or improve specific traits, such as health, temperament, or appearance. Technicians assist veterinarians in providing medical care to animals.

Animal caretakers

Animal trainers may also transition into roles as animal caretakers in zoos, aquariums, or wildlife rehabilitation centers. In these positions, they are responsible for the daily care and well-being of animals, including feeding, cleaning, and providing enrichment.

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How much does becoming an Animal Trainer cost?

The cost of becoming an animal trainer can vary widely depending on your educational choices and the resources you invest in your training. Here are some potential expenses to consider:

1. Education: The cost of obtaining a relevant degree, if you choose to pursue one, can vary depending on the institution and program. Scholarships and financial aid may be available to help offset these costs.

2. Certification: Certification programs typically have fees associated with exam registration and study materials. These fees can range from a few hundred to a thousand dollars.

3. Practical Experience: If you choose to gain experience through internships or volunteering, this may involve unpaid or low-paid positions. The cost can be minimal, but it’s important to consider your living expenses during this time.

4. Continuing Education: As a professional animal trainer, you may want to invest in ongoing education to stay current with the latest training techniques and industry trends. Seminars, workshops, and conferences can incur additional costs.

How long is the training process to become an animal trainer?

The duration of the training process to become an animal trainer can vary depending on your chosen path and how quickly you progress. Here is a general timeline:

1. Education: If you pursue a bachelor’s degree in a related field, it typically takes four years to complete. However, shorter programs, such as associate degrees or certificate programs, can take one to two years.

2. Practical Experience: Gaining practical experience can vary widely. Some individuals may accumulate enough experience to start working as entry-level trainers within a year, while others may take several years to build their skills and reputation.

3. Certification: Certification programs often have specific training and experience requirements that can take several months to meet. Once you meet the requirements, you can prepare for and take the certification exam, which may take additional time.

4. Specialization: If you choose to specialize in a particular area, such as service animal training or film work, additional training and experience may be necessary, extending the overall training process.

It’s important to note that the journey to becoming a successful animal trainer is ongoing. Continued learning and professional development are essential to stay competitive in the field and provide the best care and training for animals.

Benefits of Becoming an Animal Trainer

A career as an animal trainer offers several rewards and benefits:

1. Fulfillment: Working closely with animals and witnessing their progress can be incredibly fulfilling. Helping animals learn and thrive is a rewarding experience.

2. Diverse Career Opportunities: Animal trainers can choose from a wide range of specializations, allowing them to pursue their specific interests and passions within the field.

3. Positive Impact: Service animal trainers, in particular, have the opportunity to make a significant positive impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities, providing them with greater independence and companionship.

4. Creativity: Film animal trainers have the chance to be creative in their work, teaching animals to perform unique and entertaining behaviors for movies and television.

5. Flexibility: Many animal trainers have the flexibility to work as freelancers or run their own businesses, giving them control over their schedules and work environments.

6. Job Security: As long as there are animals in need of training and care, there will be a demand for skilled animal trainers.

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In conclusion

Becoming an animal trainer in 2023 is a rewarding and fulfilling career choice for those who have a passion for working with animals.

Whether you aspire to train service animals, teach obedience to pets, or work with animals in the entertainment industry, the journey to becoming an animal trainer involves a combination of education, practical experience, and a dedication to positive reinforcement training methods.

While the path may vary for each individual, the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of animals and their human companions is a common thread that unites all animal trainers.

With the right education, training, and experience, you can embark on a fulfilling career as an animal trainer and enjoy the many benefits it has to offer.

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