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Animal Training Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bouldercolorado

Animal Protection Officer

Boulder, CO · On-site

Training and/or certification from an accredited veterinary technical school. * Animal training or behavior consultant certificate. * Animal Welfare Association of Colorado certification. MINIMUM ...

fwzoo

Aquatic Ectotherms Keeper

Fort Worth, TX

Each animal must have an updated cage card (if applicable) and records in TRACKS • Animal training and enrichment directives assigned by management are to be implemented within instructed time ...

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How much do animal training jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 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 Care Internship at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

Parks Tacoma

Tacoma, WA

$1.0K/mo

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Description * This 12 week internship session will take place September through November of 2026 * NORTHWEST TREK WILDLIFE PARK is dedicated to conservation, education and recreation by displaying, interpreting, and researching native Northwest wildlife and their natural habitats. The 725-acre zoological park was established in 1975 and attracts over 200,000 visitors annually. It is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), which ensures rigorously high standards of animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation, education and more.

Northwest Trek is operated by Parks Tacoma, the oldest independent park district in Washington. OUR MISSION - Awakening a connection to Wild Life with everyone in the Pacific Northwest. For more information, visit www.nwtrek.org Our Animal Care internship is designed to provide instruction in the following areas: habitat maintenance, nutrition and diets, environmental enrichment, public presentation/interpretation, water quality and filtration, species natural history, training, and husbandry

This is a unique opportunity for interns to work alongside zookeepers and gain valuable on the job training. Essential Duties Under the guidance of experienced zoo, aquarium and wildlife park staff, interns will have the opportunity to gain experience in many areas of expertise, including, but not limited to: Daily Animal Husbandry: Cleaning and general maintenance of exhibits and holding areas Animal Observation and Record-keeping: Nutrition and diets. Diet preparation.

Appropriate vitamin supplementation. Environmental enrichment. Implementation and analysis Animal Training: The schedules of reinforcement, the types of operant conditioning, as well as the benefits of training Water Quality and Filtration: Our filtration process, water quality parameters and monitoring Public Presentation: Messaging as well as post presentation Q & A.

Learning the natural history of the animal species we care for, their behavior, and scientific names Project Completion: Interns will be expected to design, budget, build and use a small project Minimum Qualifications We are committed to finding the best overall candidate and welcome candidates who may come from less traditional backgrounds. Please consider the breadth of your life experience when interpreting our listed duties and qualifications: Must be 18 years or older with a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent certification. Must have a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career towards the care and protection of wild life.

Paid or volunteer experience working with animals. Examples may include, but are not limited to, zoological institutions, wildlife rehabilitation centers, veterinary clinics, laboratories, or other related facilities. This is an in-depth program requiring a 40 hour per week commitment, for a minimum of 12 weeks.

Eligible candidates must be able to commit to 40 hours a week for 12 weeks. Valid driver's license + acceptable driving record. If selected for internship a driving abstract will be requested at program start date Additional Information Physical Demands: Interns must be capable of the physical requirements required to work with animals, specifically: Lifting and carrying heavy objects or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.

Pushing, climbing, walking, kneeling and crouching to work with and feed animals. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized equipment and tools. Hazards: Exposure to potentially dangerous and sick animals.

Exposure to animal bodily fluids/products. Chemicals, fumes, odors, poor ventilation and noise. Contact with dissatisfied visitors.

Environment: Indoor and outdoor environment throughout the year Adverse weather conditions. Cold water while interacting with animals and cleaning exhibits. Confined or dark work areas.

Internships are limited-term programs, interns are not classified as employees of Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, the Northwest Trek Foundation or Parks Tacoma. Stipends, generously provided by the Northwest Trek Foundation, are considered taxable income and should be reported on your tax return.

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