Animal Training

Animal trainers teach animals, especially dogs, horses and certain marine mammals, specific skills and behaviors. Formal degree programs and on-the-job training is available, and may lead to careers as animal trainers at zoos, pet stores, marine mammal centers and dog shows. Read on to learn more about the career and employment of animal trainers.

Inside Animal Training

Individuals train animals for a variety of situations, including obedience, entertainment, security or for assisting people who have disabilities. They familiarize animals with human hand signals, body language and voice so they can perform a certain behavior. Trainers work with a variety of animals, the most common being dogs, horses, dolphins and sea lions. Most specialize in a particular animal.

Generally, careers in animal training do not require formal education or training. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 54% of all animal trainers were self-employed in May 2008 (www.bls.gov). The BLS reported there will be faster than average growth in this field between 2008 and 2018 due to regular turnover of professionals and the growing desire of people to train their pets. The median annual salary for animal trainers was $31,110 in May 2010, with the top 10% earning approximately $53,580 per year, according to the BLS.

Formal animal training programs are available at community colleges and vocational schools. Others may learn this occupation through personal experiences and continued interaction with animals. Most horse trainers, for example, begin working in stables as grooms or other types of stable hands, eventually gaining the skills and experience to successfully train horses.

Trainers who specialize in marine mammals must meet certain education requirements and possess specific certifications. Some marine animal parks require applicants to possess a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology or animal science. Because these trainers are often in the water, these types of animal trainers must also be SCUBA certified.

Learn More About Animal Training

Animal training can be a fulfilling profession for animal enthusiasts of all types. There are a variety of education and career programs available. Education-Portal.com is a resource for career and occupational information on animal trainers.

Career Options

As an animal trainer, you can choose from basic dog obedience training and horse training to more specialized occupations training marine mammals. Below are just a few of the careers in animal training.

Certification Requirements

Certification is not required to become an animal trainer, but it can help increase your knowledge and your techniques. Here is some information below to help you learn more about certification in animal training.

Degree Options

Degrees in majors related to animal training can give you a good foundation to start your career. Here are some degree options below that can help you decide on a career in animal training.

Distance Learning Options

New or experienced animal trainers may choose to further their education through distance learning courses. Below are some online courses that are available to animal training.

Animal Training Related Articles

  • Related
  • Recently Updated
  • Popular
Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Training Program Information

In emergency situations, animal disaster response personnel assess the extent of injuries, stabilize animals, provide food and water and...

Animal Breeding Education and Training Program Information

Animal breeders select animals to be bred based upon their genealogy and physical characteristics. Animal scientists conduct research about...

Animal Biology Education and Training Program Overviews

Animal biologists are more widely known as zoologists. Animal biology and zoology degrees are interchangeable both in terms of employment...

Top Computer Networking Degree Programs - Cincinnati, OH
The University of Cincinnati is 4-year, public school in Cincinnati, Ohio. With 14 colleges and 308 educational programs, it's got a lot to...
Top Business University - Charlotte, NC
Students looking for a top business university in Charlotte, NC, may consider the University of North Carolina's Charlotte campus. The...
Masters Degree in Hotel Administration Program Review

Whether one is looking to excel in the hospitality industry or go into private- or government-sponsored hospitality research, a master's...

Natural Health Courses Online

An alternative to traditional Western medicine practices, natural health describes methods of healing and care that include acupuncture,...

4 Popular Schools

  • Sanford-Brown

    Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must live within close proximity to school locations
    • Must be graduated from high school by 2011
    School locations:
    • Florida (2 campuses)
    • Pennsylvania (1 campus)

    Classroom-Based Programs

    What is your highest level of education?

    Request Info

  • Penn Foster Career School

    Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be 18 years of age or older
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Distance Learning Programs

    What is your highest level of education?

    Request Info

  • Argosy University

    Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Minnesota (1 campus)

    Classroom-Based Programs

    What is the highest level of education that you have completed?

    Request Info

  • Ashworth College

    Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be 17 years of age or older
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    What is your highest level of education?

    Request Info

Other Related Schools:

Other Popular Schools:

  • Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Agriculture
    • Architecture
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
    • Business
    • Communications and Journalism
    • Computer Sciences
    • Education
    • Engineering
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
    • Medical and Health Professions
    • Physical Sciences
    • Psychology
    • Visual and Performing Arts
    » Research Iowa State University's Programs

Popular Schools