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Animal Trainer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

University of Virginia

Animal Caregiver

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $19.50/hr

No prior experience is required - comprehensive training is provided. CCM also offers opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the animal care and research support fields. If you ...

City of Richmond

Animal Control Officer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$50K - $72K/yr

Richmond Animal Care and Control is committed to being an employer of choice and we are dedicated ... The selected candidate will have the opportunity to attend applicable training and educational ...

City of Richmond, VA

Animal Control Officer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$50K - $72K/yr

Office of Animal Care & Control Opening Date: 08/26/2026 Closing Date: 9/9/2026 11:59 PM Eastern ... The selected candidate will have the opportunity to attend applicable training and educational ...

PETA

Animal Care Officer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$43K - $55K/yr

Offer and provide animal and family services to existing and potential clients in Hampton Roads ... on-the-job training will be provided) Willingness and ability to be on 24-hour emergency call ...

FSAP and PETA

Animal Care Officer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$43K - $55K/yr

Offer and provide animal and family services to existing and potential clients in Hampton Roads ... job training will be provided) • Willingness and ability to be on 24-hour emergency call • ...

Virginia Tech

Animal Care Technician (ACE)

Blacksburg, VA

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

Animal Care Technician (ACE) Apply now Back to search results Job no: 537470 Work type: Staff ... training can be provided). Tracking supply needs, identifying equipment and facility dysfunctions ...

New

Paws Awhile Pet Motel

Animal Care Technician

Warrenton, VA · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Paws Awhile Pet Motel is hiring a full-time or part-time Animal Care Technician, and this could be ... We specialize in boarding, grooming, training, and doggy daycare, delivering personalized care that ...

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How much do animal trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal trainer in Virginia is $16.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $14.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an animal trainer do?

An Animal Trainer works with animals to teach them specific behaviors, improve obedience, or prepare them for performance, service, or companionship. They use positive reinforcement, conditioning, and training techniques to help animals respond to commands. Trainers may work with pets, service animals, marine mammals, or animals used in entertainment. Their responsibilities often include assessing animal behavior, developing training plans, and ensuring the animals' well-being.

What does a typical day look like for an animal trainer?

A typical day for an Animal Trainer involves conducting training sessions with animals, assessing their progress, and developing customized training plans based on each animal's needs and temperament. Trainers often spend time demonstrating techniques to animal owners or other staff members, as well as recording progress and addressing behavioral issues. Work may take place in a variety of settings including homes, animal shelters, zoos, or training facilities, and schedules can include weekends or evenings. Collaborating with veterinarians, keepers, or animal behaviorists is common, ensuring each animal receives comprehensive care and training support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal trainer, and why are they important?

Animal Trainers need a solid understanding of animal behavior, patience, and physical stamina, often supported by relevant courses or hands-on experience with specific species. They commonly use tools like leashes, clickers, training gear, and may benefit from certifications such as Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) or animal handling courses. Strong observation skills, clear communication, and compassion are vital soft skills, especially when interacting with animals, owners, or other handlers. These qualities ensure the safety and well-being of animals, support effective training outcomes, and help build trust with clients and colleagues.

How do you become an animal trainer?

To become an animal trainer, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, experience working with animals, and knowledge of animal behavior. Many trainers gain skills through internships, volunteering, or working with animals in shelters or zoos, and some pursue certifications from professional organizations to enhance credibility.

How much do you make as an animal trainer?

Animal trainers typically earn a median annual salary of around $30,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and the type of animals they work with. Salaries can be higher for those with specialized skills, certifications, or working in entertainment or marine parks.
More about Animal Trainer jobs

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For Animal Trainer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Animal Trainer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Trainer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,584 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Clinical Animal Behavior Coordinator

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Virginia Tech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

234th of 627 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Clinical Animal Behavior Coordinator

Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536272
Work type: Administrative & Professional
Senior management: Agriculture & Life Sciences
Department: School of Animal Sciences
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Agriculture / Life Science

Job Description

The School of Animal Sciences (SAS) at Virginia Tech is searching for a coordinator to lead in the provision of clinical animal behavior services with owners and their pets, mentor students in this service, and assist in the development of a research line that would include but not be limited to the study of companion animal behavior, training, and welfare.
The coordinator in this position will be expected to provide behavior consultation and training services to owners and their pets; provide classroom and experiential learning opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students; and carry out research that explore companion animal problem behaviors as informed by the clinical service. This position will be involved in community outreach through the provision and dissemination of evidence-based practices as well as collaborating with veterinarians, animal trainers, and other industry professionals.
As such, applicants must have a strong understanding of learning theory/behavior analysis and its application with companion animals, a robust comprehension of applied animal research, and awareness of relevant issues in the field of companion animal behavior and welfare.
Responsibilities
Provide clinical animal behavior services to owners and their pets, including consultations and training sessions (60%)
Mentor and train students in clinical animal behavior (15%)
Help create, assemble and deliver companion animal behavior curriculum (15%)
Conduct research related to companion animal behavior, particularly problematic behaviors (10%)

Required Qualifications

Master's or PhD in Animal Behavior, Biology, Psychology, Veterinary Science or related field; Experience providing companion animal consultation and training services and conducting applied animal research; Mentorship of undergraduates and/or graduate students; Evidence of instructional abilities with undergraduate and/or graduate students. Strong organizational and collaborative skills

Preferred Qualifications

Expertise in addressing complex companion animal behavior problems (e.g., fear, anxiety, and aggression); Experience carrying out companion animal behavioral and/or welfare research; Interest in wearable animal technologies for collection of physiological data.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

08/23/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Lisa Gunter at lisagunter@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: April 28, 2026
Applications close:

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About Virginia Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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