Occupation

Animal Trainers

Human Advantage 72%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.5 / 10

This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.

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.

Also Known As: Agility Instructor, Animal Handler, Animal Trainer, Bronc Breaker, Bronc Buster, Canine Handler, Canine Service Teacher, Cat Groomer +43 more

Video

Core Tasks

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

Supplemental Tasks (5)

  1. 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.
  2. Use oral, spur, rein, or hand commands to condition horses to carry riders or to pull horse-drawn equipment.
  3. Retrain horses to break bad habits, such as kicking, bolting, or resisting bridling or grooming.
  4. Train dogs in human assistance or property protection duties.
  5. Organize or conduct animal shows.

Emerging Tasks

New and evolving responsibilities for this role:

  • Teach owners how to train their dogs.
  • Teach people with visual impairments to use guide dogs.

Education & Training

Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
44%
Less than a High School Diploma
23%
Some College Courses
17%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
8%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
7%
Bachelor's Degree
2%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Atlassian JIRA
  • Epic Systems
  • Facebook
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Database
  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • SAP software

Software (17)

  • Customer information control system CICS
  • Database software
  • Tracks Software
  • Work scheduling software

Tools & Equipment (32)

  • Agility A-frames
  • Agility dog walks
  • Agility jumps
  • Agility pause tables
  • Agility see-saws
  • Agility tire jumps
  • Agility tunnels
  • Agitation sticks
  • Agitation whips
  • Bite sleeves
  • Bite suits
  • Bite tugs
  • Clicker targets
  • Dog cooling vests
  • Dog muzzles
  • Dog training collars
  • Draw reins
  • Equine ear plugs
  • Equine training harnesses
  • Flat halters
  • Lead ropes
  • Long leashes
  • Personal computers
  • Pin brushes
  • Rope halters
  • Side reins
  • Slicker brushes
  • Stud chains
  • Swivel carabiners
  • Training forks
  • Training surcingles
  • Training whistles

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Animal Systems Healthcare & Human Services

Zone 2
Animal Trainers You are here
Zone 3
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians 94% match
Zone 4
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers 78% match
Zone 5
Veterinarians 78% match

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Real Talk

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