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Animal Training Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sedgwick County

PT Zookeeper - Birds

Wichita, KS · On-site

$20.72/hr

Produces and provides goal-based animal training and enrichment. Inspects facilities for security, safety, repair and maintenance. Interacts and provides customer service to all Zoo-defined customers.

Seattle Humane

Puppy Socialization Coach

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$23.50 - $25.50/hr

The Seattle Humane Animal Training Program is seeking an experienced Puppy Socialization Coach specializing in Positive Reinforcement training methods to work part time leading Puppy Play Skills ...

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How much do animal training jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 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 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 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.

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
Animal Care Specialist 1-Marine Mammal Pinniped Department $21/hour

Animal Care Specialist 1-Marine Mammal Pinniped Department $21/hour

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

Vallejo, CA • On-site

$21/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Six Flags rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 519 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 55 rated theme parks

Job description

Responsibilities
Job Responsibilities Include:
  • Prepares daily rations, feeds animals, and stores food according to schedule duties
  • Cleans and sanitizes animal enclosures, food preparation, storage areas, and office spaces
  • Administers medications as prescribed by veterinarians
  • Closely monitors and records animal behavior and notifies staff of potential health and social challenges
  • Assist veterinarians with examinations, treatments, surgery, emergency care and necropsies
  • Effectively and efficiently communicates in a professional manner to staff of all levels
  • Demonstrates an understanding of operant conditioning animal training techniques and how to apply it for maintaining animal behavior with supervision of an ACS 2 or higher.
  • Understand how to interpret animal behavior and make decisions appropriately with the aid of ACS2 or higher
  • Perform in shows as well as conduct educational lectures and/or animal interactions and tours as assigned
  • SCUBA dive in exhibits as required
  • Collects and labels blood, urine, fecal and other diagnostic samples as directed by veterinary staff
  • Provides support on carrying out capture and restraint procedure for animals in the assigned area with veterinarian and management's assistance as well as assist in emergency situations
  • Responsible for the daily operations in area assigned
  • Provide animal enrichment and husbandry training maintenance with the animal collection
  • Maintain, recognize, and aid in the renovation of facilities and equipment up to USDA standards
  • Maintains area equipment such as tools and equipment such as scuba gear, transport units, squeeze cage, electric carts and more
  • Provides support in the implementation and/or modifications to presentations and guest interactions
  • Properly handles, uses, and stores all chemicals in accordance with SFDK policy
  • Represents SFDK in a well-informed, positive manner before other zoological facilities, professional and educational organizations, the media, and federal and state agencies.
  • Ensure excellence in guest service by responding promptly to customer requirements, expectations and special needs
  • Practices safe work habits
  • Performs other duties as requested/assigned.

Qualifications
The ideal candidate must possess:
  • 32 hours per week minimum
  • Must have minimum of 4 days of unrestricted availability to include weekends, holidays, early mornings, and late nights
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • SCUBA certification preferred
  • Must have an Associate's degree in biology, psychology, zoology or related field preferred or equivalent of 2 years of relevant experience
  • Minimum of 1-year paid, full time experience in the care, husbandry and training of a variety of marine mammal species
  • Minimum of 6 months experience as an Animal Care Intern
  • Must have valid California driver's license
  • Must have strong written/verbal communication skills, able to speak effective before large groups.
  • Must be able to lift and/or move 50 pounds
  • Must possess strong swimming skills
  • Must be able to read, write and speak English and be proficient in MS office applications
  • Must be willing and able to work both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Must be available to work weekends, evenings and holidays
  • Must possess quick reflexes and be able to react quickly to changing animal situations
  • Must possess the mental and physical capacities necessary to perform the primary job duties
  • Must be willing and able to work in and around cold saltwater
  • Must be able to work with chemicals and adhere to the MDS and company standards
  • Must have a basic understanding of water chemistry

Safety Sensitive Position

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