What Does An Animal Trainer Do (including Their Typical Day at Work)

Stan T.Career, Overview

Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Animal Trainers

Animal Trainers train animals for riding, harness, security, performance, or obedience, or for assisting persons with disabilities. Accustom animals to human voice and contact, and condition animals to respond to commands. Train animals according to prescribed standards for show or competition. May train animals to carry pack loads or work as part of pack team.

Salary
$37950
Becoming One
Easy
Education
No degree required
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match


What they do

Animal Trainers train animals for riding, harness, security, performance, or obedience, or for assisting persons with disabilities. Accustom animals to human voice and contact, and condition animals to respond to commands. Train animals according to prescribed standards for show or competition. May train animals to carry pack loads or work as part of pack team.

  • Train horses or other equines for riding, harness, show, racing, or other work, using knowledge of breed characteristics, training methods, performance standards, and the peculiarities of each animal.
  • Cue or signal animals during performances.
  • Talk to or interact with animals to familiarize them with human voices or contact.
  • Conduct training programs to develop or maintain desired animal behaviors for competition, entertainment, obedience, security, riding, or related purposes.

Typical day

On a daily basis, Animal Trainers place tack or harnesses on horses to accustom horses to the feel of equipment. They talk to or interact with animals to familiarize them with human voices or contact.

A typical day for an Animal Trainer will also include:

  • Observe animals’ physical conditions to detect illness or unhealthy conditions requiring medical care.
  • Use oral, spur, rein, or hand commands to condition horses to carry riders or to pull horse-drawn equipment.
  • Keep records documenting animal health, diet, or behavior.
  • Retrain horses to break bad habits, such as kicking, bolting, or resisting bridling or grooming.
  • Conduct training programs to develop or maintain desired animal behaviors for competition, entertainment, obedience, security, riding, or related purposes.

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Animal Trainers also instruct jockeys in handling specific horses during races. They may also advise animal owners regarding the purchase of specific animals.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Animal Trainers administer prescribed medications to animals. They might also keep records documenting animal health, diet, or behavior.

In addition, they organize or conduct animal shows.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them evaluate animals for trainability and ability to perform.

To some Animal Trainers, it is also their responsibility to conduct training programs to develop or maintain desired animal behaviors for competition, entertainment, obedience, security, riding, or related purposes.

What is the job like

Job satisfaction

Average

Is this job meaningful

High

69% said they were satisfied with their job and 60% said they found their job meaningful.


Laura Cassiday
Pawsitive Vibes Cat Behavior and Training LLC

I do both virtual and in-person consultations for cat owners experiencing behavioral issues with their cats. It could be anything from training cats to stop jumping up on the counter to troubleshooting why your cat has stopped using the litter box. On a typical day, I am working on creating educational content for my website and social media and meeting with clients. I guide my clients through their concerns and teach them how to live more peacefully with their cats.

Pros

I love having the opportunity to educate people about cats. There are not many cat behavior consultants or trainers out there, and cats are often considered to be second class citizens next to dogs. I believe I am a valuable and much-needed resource to cat owners who often don’t know where else to turn.

Cons

However, this is a double-edged sword. Because many people believe the stereotypes that cats are just being jerks or that they can’t be trained, some people don’t see a need for my services. This is why I focus so much on client and public education.


Pros

Suitable for people who like practical and hands-on work.

Suitable for people who want independence and like to work on their own and make decisions.

This career is perfect for people who love to work outdoors.

It is easy to get into this career. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.

Cons

Not suitable for people who like to work with designs.

One of the lowest paying jobs.

How much do they make

Average salary

$37950 per year

Average hourly wage

$18 per hour

Entry-level Animal Trainers with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $21,550 to $25,160 per year or $10 to $12 per hour.

Salary by experience Annual Hourly
Highest (Top 10%) $62,040 $30
Senior (Top 25%) $43,370 $21
Median $31,520 $15
Junior (Bottom 25%) $25,160 $12
No experience (Bottom 10%) $21,550 $10

This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Animal Trainers based on their average annual salary.

Salary by industry Annual Hourly
Civic and Social Organizations $62330 $29.96
Local Government $48070 $23.11
Scientific Research and Development Services $45300 $21.78
Social Advocacy Organizations $44750 $21.52
Spectator Sports $44670 $21.47
Support Activities for Animal Production $44380 $21.34
Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions $40240 $19.34
Vocational Rehabilitation Services $40090 $19.28
Performing Arts Companies $39730 $19.10
Individual and Family Services $39600 $19.04

View more salary by industries here.

Where can they work

Where can Animal Trainers work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Animal Trainers including the average salary in that industry.

Employers Total Employed Annual Salary Hourly Wages
Other Personal Services 4790 $39460 $18.97
Other Miscellaneous Store Retailers 2970 $27710 $13.32
Spectator Sports 1810 $44670 $21.47
Support Activities for Animal Production 1780 $44380 $21.34
Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions 750 $40240 $19.34
Social Advocacy Organizations 400 $44750 $21.52
Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 300 $31240 $15.02
Other Amusement and Recreation Industries 200 $30510 $14.67
Scientific Research and Development Services 100 $45300 $21.78
Motion Picture and Video Industries 60 $ $*

What is the work day like

Working hours

Less than 40 hours
47%

40 hours
22%

More than 40 hours
31%

Working schedule

63%

29%

8%

Email

How often do you use email in this job?

Once a week
28%

Every day
40%

Telephone

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

Once a week
25%

Every day
47%

Group discussions

How often do you have group discussions in this job?

Once a week
16%

Every day
74%

Public speaking

How often does this job require you to do public speaking?

Never
26%

Once a year
13%

Once a month
24%

Once a week
23%

Every day
15%

Level of competition

How much competitive pressure is in this job?

Not competitive at all
25%

Slightly competitive
11%

Moderately competitive
33%

Highly competitive
20%

Extremely competitive
11%

What is the work environment like

Office-style environment

Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition

Never
40%

Once a year or more
10%

Once a month or more
1%

Once a week or more
13%

Every day
37%

Warehouse-style environment

Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse

Never
40%

Once a year or more
1%

Once a month or more
0%

Once a week or more
22%

Every day
37%

Outdoors

Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions

Never
9%

Once a year or more
5%

Once a month or more
8%

Once a week or more
15%

Every day
64%

Outdoors – Under Cover

Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)

Never
11%

Once a year or more
19%

Once a month or more
14%

Once a week or more
18%

Every day
37%

How to become one

Difficulty to become one

Easy
You may need some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience. Most careers in this difficulty category usually don’t require a degree. However, you will need a few months of on-the-job training with experienced employees. Similar careers include Customer Service Representatives, Security Guards, and Bank Tellers.

Required level of education

What level of education do you need to perform the job?

Less than a High School Diploma
23%

High School Diploma or equivalent
44%

Post-Secondary Certificate
8%

Some College Courses
17%

Associate’s Degree or similar
7%

Bachelor’s Degree
2%

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
0%

Master’s Degree
0%

Post-Master’s Certificate
0%

First Professional Degree
0%

Doctoral Degree
0%

Post-Doctoral Training
0%

Relevant majors

Anthrozoology

A program of study that combines anthropology and zoology in order to examine the relationship between animals and humans. Includes instruction in animal behavior and communication, animal welfare, animal conservation, animal training, animal-assisted therapy techniques, biology, ethics, and education.

Animal Training

A program that prepares individuals to teach and exercise animals for leisure, sport, show, and professional purposes. Includes instruction in animal psychology, health, and safety; human-animal interaction; learning and behavior styles associated with different breeds and species; and the technical and pedagogical aspects of training animals for such specific functions as obedient household pets, performing show animals, animal athletes, caregiving (e.g., seeing-eye dogs), search and rescue, and police/security work.

Equestrian/Equine Studies

A program that focuses on the horse, horsemanship, and related subjects and prepares individuals to care for horses and horse equipment; ride and drive horses for leisure, sport, show, and professional purposes; and manage the training of horses and riders. Includes instruction in horse breeding, nutrition, health, and safety; history of the horse and horsemanship; horse development and training; riding and equestrian technique; stable, paddock, and track management; and equipment maintenance and repair.


Relevant work experience

How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?

None
16%

1 month
0%

1 to 3 months
5%

3 to 6 months
9%

6 months to 1 year
15%

1 to 2 years
10%

2 to 4 years
31%

4 to 6 years
6%

6 to 8 years
2%

8 to 10 years
0%

Over 10 years
7%

On The Job Training

How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?

None or short demonstration
0%

1 month
13%

1 to 3 months
12%

3 to 6 months
14%

6 months to 1 year
17%

1 to 2 years
23%

2 to 4 years
11%

4 to 10 years
6%

Over 10 years
3%

Should you become one

Best personality type for this career

The Builder

People with this personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

The Builder
100%

People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.


The Thinker
52%

People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.


The Artist
29%

People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.


The Helper
52%

People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.


The Leader
38%

People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.


The Organizer
52%

People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.


You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tend to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

They also like working with ideas and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.

Work Values

Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?

Achievement
57%

You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.

Working Conditions
50%

You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.

Recognition
43%

You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.

Relationships
62%

You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.

Support
43%

You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.

Independence
76%

You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.

FAQ


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