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Animal Training Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wisconsin

Training Coordinator

Madison, WI

$65K/yr

TheResearch Animal Resource and Compliance (RARC) Training Programis looking for adriven, enthusiastic professionalto join acollaborative teamthat teaches UW-Madison researchers and animal care staff ...

City of Boulder

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 ...

City of Boulder

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Sedgwick County

Zookeeper - Mammals - ZOO

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

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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Animal Training information

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How much do animal training jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 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 to be an animal trainer?

To become an animal trainer, gain experience working with animals through volunteering or entry-level positions, and develop skills in animal behavior, training techniques, and communication. Many trainers pursue certifications from organizations like the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants or attend specialized training programs. A strong understanding of animal welfare and patience are essential for success in this field.

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 qualifications do you need to be an animal trainer?

Animal trainers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience working with animals. Many employers prefer candidates with knowledge of animal behavior, training techniques, and certifications from organizations like the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) or the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). Practical experience, patience, and good communication skills are also important for success in this field.

What jobs can I do if I love animals?

Animal training is a career that involves teaching animals to perform specific behaviors for entertainment, assistance, or companionship, often requiring knowledge of animal behavior and training techniques. Other related jobs include veterinary technician, zookeeper, pet groomer, animal shelter worker, or pet trainer, which may require certifications or specialized skills. These roles typically involve working closely with animals and may require physical activity and patience.

What is the highest paid animal job?

The highest paid animal training jobs are often in specialized fields such as marine mammal trainers, zoo curators, or animal behavior consultants, with salaries reaching six figures for experienced professionals. These roles typically require advanced education, certifications, and extensive experience working with complex or high-profile animals in professional settings.

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.
More about Animal Training jobs
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Animal Training jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Training job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,056 per year, or $18.3 per hour.
Sea Cliffs Intern - Fall 2026

Sea Cliffs Intern - Fall 2026

Wildlife Conservation Society

New York, NY

$2.0K/wk

Other

Posted 4 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

12th of 33 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Sea Cliffs Intern - Fall 2026

Location: New York Aquarium

Department: Animal

Duration: Fall 2026

Schedule: 3 days per week for 20 weeks, 4 days per week for 15 weeks, or 5 days per week for 12 weeks.

Stipend: $2,000 total stipend to be paid as one lump sum upon successful completion of the position, less applicable taxes.

Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis but must be received by August 15, 2026. The position may be filled before the deadline. Candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Overview: 

This internship is designed to be an important entrypoint for someone looking for a career working with animals. Interns will receive a well rounded training course in animal care and training while working alongside the animal care staff to assist with the husbandry of marine mammals (sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters) and penguins. Interns will also complete a final project.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Interns will learn the daily husbandry and care routines for marine mammals and penguins
  • Interns will learn about effective enrichment including how to schedule and administer enrichment to collection animals
  • Interns will learn the basics of operant conditioning and applied behavior analysis
  • Interns will learn the basics of guest interaction in a zoo or aquarium setting including how to convey educational information and effectively communicate conservation efforts.
  • Interns will learn about the essential role that zoos and aquariums play in conservation.
  • Interns will participate in classes on animal training and complete an animal training shaping plan.
  • Interns may learn to perform an educational narration

What Wildlife Conservation Society employees say

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