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Animal Training Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pasco County

Animal Care Tech I

New Port Richey, FL

$17 - $23.80/hr

General Description JOIN OUR TEAM AS AN ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN I Work which involves caring for ... EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable ...

Vale Park Animal Hospital

Play Yard Attendant

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

If you have an interest in animal behavior and/or want to utilize your animal training skills in a lively boarding and daycare facility, The Lodge at Vale Park Animal Hospital may be the place for ...

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 ...

Pasco County, FL

Animal Care Tech I

New Port Richey, FL · On-site

$17 - $23.80/hr

Animal Services Dept. Division: Animal Services Opening Date: 08/07/2026 Closing Date: 8/13/2026 11 ... EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable ...

System One

Comparative Medicine Trainer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$23 - $28.95/hr

Manage training colonies and maintain animal and training records. * Collaborate with research units to develop new procedures under guidance of global training leadership. Requirements * BS/BA with ...

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Animal Training information

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$10

$18

$26

How much do animal training jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 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.

What are the career paths for animal training?

Career paths for animal training include roles such as professional animal trainers, behaviorists, and rehabilitation specialists. These careers often require knowledge of animal behavior, certification, and experience working with different species, and can lead to opportunities in zoos, aquariums, film and television, or private training services.

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.

How do you become an animal trainer?

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

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 does an animal training earn?

Animal trainers typically earn a median annual salary of around $30,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and the type of animals trained. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and working with high-profile clients or organizations.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% 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.

Wild Animal Keeper, Oceans, Wonders: Shark!

Wildlife Conservation Society

New York, NY • On-site

$48K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Wildlife Conservation Society rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Position Title: Wild Animal Keeper
Department: Animal Programs/ Ocean Wonders: Shark!
Employment Type: Full-Time
Status: Union/Non-Exempt
Reports to: Animal Department Curator/Supervisor of Ocean Wonders: Sharks!
Schedule: 40 hours per week
Location: New York Aquarium, On-site
Salary: $48,119.00
About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS):
WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world's premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean.  We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence.  Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.
Position Summary:
To provide excellent animal care and enhance the visitor experience. To perform any activity required for the life support systems necessary for animal wellbeing and exhibit appearance at the New York Aquarium. Work with elasmobranchs, sea turtles, marine fishes and invertebrates. 
Principle Responsibilities (may include but are not limited to):
  • Adhere to all Wildlife Conservation Society, New York Aquarium and Animal Department standards of conduct, policies, and procedures to ensure the standards of safety, animal wellbeing, animal training, and animal enrichment are being maintained.
  • Adhere to safety practices for self, staff, the living collection and guests.
  • Take responsibility for safety by bringing potentially dangerous situations to the attention of Management. 
  • Maintain safe and sanitary areas of food preparation/storage and animal habitats.
  • Ensure animals receive the appropriate nutrition, the appropriate food bases, and report changes through clear communication with Animal Supervisor.
  • Perform all primary, as well as, supportive roles in public demonstrations and exhibit feeds.
  • Promptly report any indication of illness or significantly unusual behavior being displayed.
  • Carry out the instructions for the care of sick and neonate animals, including administering treatments, vitamins and medication.
  • Observe the animals and their habitats for any indication of problems with environmental parameters or life support.
  • Inspect exhibits to ascertain whether corrective steps need to be taken to ensure appropriate environmental conditions, including but not limited to, inspecting filtration, water quality, lighting, temperature, and cleanliness.
  • Supervise and participate in the transfer of animals from one enclosure, habitat, zoo, aquarium, etc., to another.
  • Participate, and/or lead in the installation of exhibit materials
  • Must function in a team environment, demonstrating consideration, tolerance, cooperation, reliability, the ability to accept feedback, and a consistent professional approach to job.
  • Excellent communication skills a must.
  • Work in all areas of the Animal Department and ensure that all animal enclosures are appropriately secured at all times, regardless of the staff member responsible for the area.
  • Use operant conditioning via positive reinforcement to condition new behaviors and maintain each animal's current behavior criteria as assigned by Animal Department Management.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of established behavior goals.
  • Maintain animal husbandry, training, and enrichment records of all animals and facilitate the same for all team members.
  • Maintain a proactive approach to behavioral husbandry and anticipate behavioral issues.
  • Consistently strengthen animal conditioning skills and techniques, through observation, listening, participation, reading appropriate materials, and providing feedback to colleagues.
  • Work with the Aquarium's education department to facilitate educational programs.
  • Clean pools, tanks, exhibits, and all appropriate habitats through SCUBA diving.
  • Provide relief and coverage for a Senior Wild Animal Keeper in his/her absence.
  • Participate in the training of new staff, interns and volunteers.

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