Animal Trainers
Overview
Animal Trainers work with various animals to teach them specific behaviours and skills for different purposes including entertainment, assistance work, and security. They use positive reinforcement techniques, modern training equipment, and behavioural science principles to condition animals to respond to commands and perform tasks. This career requires patience, physical fitness, and strong communication skills, with opportunities to specialise in areas like service animal training or entertainment industry work. Many trainers work in diverse environments from zoos and theme parks to private training facilities and film sets.
Did you know?
Consider pursuing a Certificate III or IV in Animal Studies or Companion Animal Services through TAFE. Some trainers also benefit from studying Animal Behaviour or Veterinary Science at university level for specialised roles.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$62,000 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Instructing
Key Responsibilities
- Teaches horses to obey verbal and non-verbal commands and addresses behavioural problems
- Trains horses to accept riders and pull vehicles
- Trains horses to perform in competitions
Career Considerations
Educational Pathways in Australia
Consider pursuing a Certificate III or IV in Animal Studies or Companion Animal Services through TAFE. Some trainers also benefit from studying Animal Behaviour or Veterinary Science at university level for specialised roles.
Physical and Emotional Requirements
Animal training requires physical fitness, patience, and emotional resilience. You'll need to work outdoors in various weather conditions and handle animals of different sizes safely.
Specialisation Opportunities
You can specialise in different areas such as service animal training, entertainment industry work, security animal training, or working with specific species like marine mammals or exotic animals.