How Do I Become An Animal Trainer?

by Willette Francis

Animal lovers can have a rewarding and fulfilling career as animal trainers. Having a love for all the cute, cuddly, furry creatures in the world is a great start when combined with the right training and education. Mix that with a thorough knowledge of animal healthcare and you're well on your way to a fun and terrific career in animal training.

How do I become an animal care and service worker?
Animal trainers need a high school diploma or equivalent but some jobs in animal training require advanced skills and a bachelor's degree. For people who want to be mammal trainers, you'll need a bachelor's degree in biology, marine biology, or a related field of study. An animal health technician degree can also enhance your chances at employment opportunities.

Equine trainers gain experience by working as groomers but are there some private training schools where they could learn their trade. Dog trainers can attend workshops and take courses at community colleges or vocational schools.
Caretakers at zoos need experience with animals and a bachelor's degree in biology, animal science, or related fields. Pet groomers participate in apprenticeships where they work with experienced groomers or they can learn their craft at a state-licensed grooming school program. Caretakers in animal shelters don't need to have special training but can attend training and workshops through the American Humane Association and the Animal Control Association.

Animal service professionals can receive certification, giving them an advantage when it comes to employment opportunities. Dog trainers can become certified through state-approved trade schools and professional or vocational school. The National Dog Groomers Association of America certifies dog trainers as master groomers and The American Boarding Kennels Association has a three-part program where you become a certified kennel operator. Marine mammal trainers who also have certification in SCUBA gain an advantage in the job market.
What will I learn in animal care and service worker school?
Through workshops and community college or vocational school students learn the basic study of canines, theory of animals, teaching obedience cues, problem-solving, and safety. Future equine trainers majoring in equestrian studies will take courses that may include introduction to equestrian studies, CHA riding instructor certification, dressage, jumping, eventing, breaking and training, horse show judging, mini prix equitation, and other requirements. A dog trainer's program of study would include advanced pet obedience, competitive obedience training, advanced clicker training, advanced behavior modification techniques, kennel management, agility training, protection, police k-9, assistance dog training for the handicapped, search and rescue, and group classes, private lessons, in-kennel training, and in-home training.

Zoo caretakers can major in zoology where they will learn about the various animals they may work with. These course include principles of zoology I and II, cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, comparative physiology, information resources in the life sciences, zoogeography, conservation biology, population biology. comparative vertebrate anatomy, vertebrate embryology, histology, animal behavior, wildlife ecology and management, aquatic ecology, parasitology, protozoology, problems in zoology, readings in zoology, and other courses that are beneficial to a career as a zoo caretaker.