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Animal Training Jobs (NOW HIRING)

San Bernardino County

Animal Keeper I

San Bernardino, CA

$19.41 - $28.18/hr

Primary duties include feeding exotic animals, observing and documenting animal behavior, answering questions from the public, assisting with presentations, animal training, performing maintenance in ...

fwzoo

Animal Programs Swing Keeper

Fort Worth, TX

... the training of assigned animals; guide animals through daily routines according to established training schedules and guidelines • Carry out animal diet directives from Nutritional Services ...

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How much do animal training jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal training in the United States is $18.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are Animal Training Jobs?

Animal training jobs include a wide variety of positions, a few examples being dog trainers, horse trainers, agility instructors, or jobs training guide dogs and other service animals. In any of these careers, your duties and responsibilities may include teaching animals to behave and follow cues or signals for performances or completing a task for their owner. You may also teach the animals how to familiarize themselves with human voices and commands and monitor the animals’ health and mood. While many of the skills required for these jobs carry over from one to the other, they are very different careers with different qualifications.

How can you become an animal trainer?

To become an animal trainer, gaining experience working with animals through volunteering or entry-level positions is important. Many trainers pursue a degree or certification in animal behavior, zoology, or related fields, and developing skills in patience, communication, and understanding animal training tools like clickers or positive reinforcement techniques is essential.

What is the difference between Animal Training vs Animal Behavior Specialist?

AspectAnimal TrainingAnimal Behavior Specialist
CredentialsCertifications in training techniques, animal handlingAdvanced degrees in animal behavior, certifications in behavior analysis
Work EnvironmentZoological parks, pet training centers, aquariumsResearch facilities, veterinary clinics, animal behavior consulting
Employer & IndustryZoos, pet industry, entertainmentAcademic, research, veterinary, consulting

Animal Training focuses on teaching animals specific behaviors through conditioning, often for entertainment, obedience, or safety. Animal Behavior Specialists analyze and modify complex animal behaviors, often requiring advanced education. While both roles involve working with animals, Animal Training emphasizes practical skill development, whereas Animal Behavior Specialists focus on understanding and treating behavioral issues.

What job can I do if I love animals?

Animal training is a career where you work with animals to teach behaviors for entertainment, obedience, or assistance. It often requires knowledge of animal behavior, patience, and sometimes certification or experience with specific species. Other related jobs include veterinary technician, zookeeper, pet groomer, or animal shelter worker.

What are three examples of careers in animal training?

Three careers in animal training include working as a marine mammal trainer, a dog trainer, and a wildlife rehabilitator. These roles typically require knowledge of animal behavior, training techniques, and sometimes certifications or specialized education. They often involve working in zoos, aquariums, or private training facilities.

What are some common challenges animal trainers face when working with new animals, and how are they typically addressed?

Animal trainers often encounter challenges such as building trust, overcoming fear or anxiety in animals, and addressing behavioral issues. These challenges are typically managed through consistent positive reinforcement, patience, and gradual acclimation to new environments or routines. Trainers also collaborate closely with veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and owners to develop tailored training plans that prioritize the animal’s well-being and learning pace. Ongoing communication and observation are key to successfully addressing and adapting to each animal’s unique needs.

How much do you make as an animal trainer?

Animal trainers typically earn between $25,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of animals trained. Salaries can be higher for those working with specialized or exotic animals, and certifications or advanced skills may lead to increased pay.

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

To thrive as an Animal Trainer, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, training techniques, and often a background in biology, zoology, or psychology. Familiarity with training tools, positive reinforcement methods, and sometimes certifications from organizations like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) are beneficial. Patience, strong observation skills, and clear communication are important soft skills for building trust with animals and collaborating with owners. These skills ensure effective training outcomes, safety, and positive relationships between animals and humans.

What is animal training?

Animal training involves teaching animals specific behaviors or responses to commands using various techniques, such as positive reinforcement, repetition, and consistency. Trainers work with a variety of animals including dogs, horses, marine mammals, and even exotic species, depending on the setting. The goal of animal training can range from basic obedience and companionship to specialized tasks like service work, performance, or assisting with research. Professional animal trainers need patience, a deep understanding of animal behavior, and strong communication skills. Training methods should always prioritize the animal's welfare and well-being.
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Animal Training jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Training job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,056 per year, or $18.3 per hour.
Animal Research Training and Compliance Specialist (Hybrid)

Animal Research Training and Compliance Specialist (Hybrid)

City of Hope

Duarte, CA

Other

Posted 28 days ago

City Of Hope rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 88 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 886 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Join the transformative team at City of Hope, where we're changing lives and making a real difference in the fight against cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope's growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and treatment facilities in Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix. Our dedicated and compassionate employees are driven by a common mission: To deliver the cures of tomorrow to the people who need them today.

Under the supervision of the Post-Approval Monitoring and Animal Training Program Manager, this position coordinates, conducts, and facilitates training for animal research personnel and supports the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) Post-Approval Monitoring (PAM) Program. The role ensures animal research, teaching and testing is performed in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, City of Hope IACUC policies, and AAALAC accreditation standards. This position requires frequent collaboration with Principal Investigators, laboratory personnel, Center for Comparative Medicine (CCM) staff, and IACUC members to promote regulatory adherence and best practices in animal research.

As a successful candidate, you will:

       Deliver hands-on training for animal research personnel, including onboarding, procedural instruction, and refresher courses that promote safe, compliant practices.

       Develop and continuously improve training content and resources to align with evolving regulations, institutional priorities, and best practices.

       Conduct Post-Approval Monitoring (PAM) through protocol review, staff engagement, and procedure observation, and partner with investigators to implement corrective actions.

       Support compliance oversight by identifying and escalating noncompliance or animal welfare concerns and contributing to investigations and regulatory reporting.

       Serve as a liaison between the IACUC and research teams by communicating policies, reporting findings, and facilitating collaboration.

       Support IACUC operations through protocol review, training compliance verification, and participation in inspections and reporting activities.

       Maintain training systems, records, and online resources to support effective training delivery and compliance.

Your qualifications should include:

       Bachelor's degree in a science or education related field; 3 additional years of experience plus the minimum experience requirement may substitute for minimum education.

       Three (3) to five (5) years of applicable experience in a laboratory animal research setting, knowledge of animal research procedures and techniques used in a research setting.

Preferred qualifications:

       AALAS Learning Library, CITI

       AALAS certified at Laboratory Animal Technologist level

       Registered Veterinarian Technician (RVT)

       AALAS Certified Manager of Animal Resources

       Seven (7) years of applicable experience in a laboratory animal research setting, knowledge of animal research procedures and techniques used in a research setting.

City of Hope employees pay is based on the following criteria: work experience, qualifications, and work location.

City of Hope is an equal opportunity employer.

To learn more about our Comprehensive Benefits, please CLICK HERE.

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About City of Hope

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment organization for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy. City of Hopes translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin, monoclonal antibodies and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution. AccessHope, a subsidiary launched in 2019 serves employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hopes specialized cancer expertise. City of Hope is ranked among the nations Best Hospitals in cancer by U.S. News & World Report and received Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California and in Arizona.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Duarte, CA, US

Year founded

1913

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