Most jobs require individuals to have a high level of “people skills,” but people skills won’t get you very far when your job is working with animals. If you work as an animal trainer, it’s assumed that you have a great love of animals, but more than that, you’ll need to build a set of professional skills that not only enables you to be successful at your work, but also keeps you and your animal friends safe.

When one thinks of training animals, the circus, zoo, and aquarium are three opportunities that often come to mind. However, there are many different venues for animal trainers outside of the performance realm. Animal trainers help train and prepare animals for riding, protection and security, obedience, and assisting individuals who have disabilities. Dogs, horses, and marine life are among the most popular kinds of animals that are trained.

Talk to the Animals… for a Living
Do you have a favorite movie that prominently features an adorable animal? Animals that are used in film, television, or on stage must have a highly qualified animal trainer standing by at all times. But even animals not destined for the spotlight need to have their behavior modified so that they can coexist with humans and other animals in shelters and kennels, as well as on farms.

Additionally, animal trainers also help animals adapt to new environments, such as a change from the wild to a protected habitat, or even the moving of a horse from a stable to a trailer to be transported to a show or competition.

To train animals, one must also become highly trained. Many professional animal trainers have gone to school to study related subjects such as veterinary science or zoology, though a college degree is not always required for employment. For many animal training jobs, a minimum of a high school diploma or GED is required.

Much of an animal trainer’s education comes from hands-on experience, working as an apprentice to someone who has already racked up years of experience with animals. Many classes at animal trainer schools are taught on location at aquariums, zoos, farms, and other environments. Other training opportunities are also offered through various local, state, and national humane societies.

Working as an animal trainer can be a very rewarding career, though salaries will vary greatly depending on the kind of animal, the purpose of the training, and the environment in which the training occurs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for animal trainers are expected to grow during the next decade. The growth is due to the increased need for companion animals for both disabled and elderly people, as well as the fact that more and more dog owners are recognizing the need to have obedient, well-trained dogs that both protect their families and serve as a loving and loyal member of the household.

If you love animals and are interested in finding a career based on this love, search for animal training schools and find out more about opportunities in this exciting career.