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Animal Trainer

Quick Facts

Median Salary$37,441
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+12.21%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment

What They Do

An Animal Trainer trains animals to become familiar with human voices and contact, and to respond to commands. Trains dogs to assist people with disabilities. May train animals for a health, competition, or show. May train other animals such as horses, dolphins, and apes.


Core Tasks:

  • Cue or signal animals during performances.
  • Talk to or interact with animals to familiarize them to human voices or contact.
  • Conduct training programs to develop or maintain desired animal behaviors for competition, entertainment, obedience, security, riding, or related purposes.
  • Observe animals' physical conditions to detect illness or unhealthy conditions requiring medical care.
  • Feed or exercise animals or provide other general care, such as cleaning or maintaining holding or performance areas.
  • Evaluate animals to determine their temperaments, abilities, or aptitude for training.
  • Administer prescribed medications to animals.
  • Keep records documenting animal health, diet, or behavior.
  • Evaluate animals for trainability and ability to perform.
  • Advise animal owners regarding the purchase of specific animals.

What to expect as an Animal Trainer

1Earn a High school or GED Diploma

19% of people achieve this level of education.

2Gain skills and experience

See Animal Trainer related courses on Tallo

3Land a job

985 openings for Animal Trainers

Career Progression

in United States (Nation)

The career progression is an interactive way to explore careers related to Animal Trainer. Click on each career to see its associated salary, job availability, skills, and more.