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Full Time Exotic Animal Trainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ethos Veterinary Health

Kennel Assistant

Bothell, WA · On-site

Our doctors' advanced training in exotic animal medicine make them uniquely qualified to offer ... Job Types: Full-time, Part-time Benefits: * Employee assistance program * On-the-job training

City of Albuquerque

Zookeeper I, II, III

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$39K - $47K/yr

These positions are part of the BioPark Training and Certification program. This is a safety ... exotic animal husbandry zookeeping arthropod rearing Experience working in an Association of Zoos ...

Stonecliff Veterinary Clinic

This is an excellent opportunity for a veterinarian who is passionate about exotic animal medicine ... Full Time

Shedd Aquarium

(Sr.) Trainer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$26 - $35/hr

Supervisor of Oceanarium Team STATUS: Full-time, Non-Exempt PAY RATE: $26.00 - $35.00/hour LOCATION ... This role combines exceptional animal care and husbandry with positive reinforcement training ...

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How much do full time exotic animal trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time exotic animal trainer in the United States is $27.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $31.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time exotic animal trainer?

Full time exotic animal trainers are professionals who work with non-domesticated animals, such as big cats, primates, birds of prey, marine mammals, or reptiles, to teach them specific behaviors or assist with their care and enrichment. These trainers may work in zoos, aquariums, animal sanctuaries, theme parks, or in the entertainment industry. Their responsibilities include developing training plans, monitoring animal health, ensuring proper nutrition, and promoting animal welfare. This role requires patience, strong observational skills, and a deep understanding of animal behavior. Full time trainers often work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays, to meet the needs of the animals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time exotic animal trainer?

To thrive as a Full Time Exotic Animal Trainer, you need expertise in animal behavior, handling, and training techniques, often supported by a degree in animal science, biology, or related fields and hands-on experience with various species. Familiarity with animal management software, safety equipment, and certifications such as animal first aid or professional trainer credentials are commonly required. Patience, strong observational skills, and clear communication help trainers build trust with animals and collaborate effectively with team members. These competencies ensure the safety of both animals and humans while promoting positive animal welfare and successful training outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by full time exotic animal trainers, and how are they typically addressed?

Full time exotic animal trainers often encounter challenges such as building trust with animals that have diverse temperaments, ensuring safety for both animals and staff, and adapting training methods to suit each species' unique needs. Addressing these challenges typically involves ongoing education in animal behavior, collaborating closely with veterinarians and zookeepers, and maintaining clear communication within a multidisciplinary team. Trainers also spend significant time observing animals to tailor enrichment activities and training sessions, ensuring both the animals' well-being and compliance with ethical standards.

How to become a full time exotic animal trainer?

To become a full-time exotic animal trainer, individuals typically need a background in animal science, biology, or related fields, along with hands-on experience working with exotic animals. Certification from reputable organizations and strong skills in animal behavior, safety protocols, and training techniques are also important for securing full-time employment in this field.

What is a high paying job that works with full time exotic animal trainers?

A high-paying job related to full-time exotic animal trainers is often in zoological or wildlife management roles, such as zoo directors or conservation managers, which require extensive experience and education. These positions typically involve overseeing animal care, training programs, and conservation efforts, and they tend to offer higher salaries due to their responsibility level and specialized skills.
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Full Time Exotic Animal Trainer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Exotic Animal Trainer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,233 per year, or $27 per hour.

Veterinary Avian & Exotics

National Veterinary Associates

Akron, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

National Veterinary Associates rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 281 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 56 rated veterinary

Job description


Veterinary Avian & Exotics

Full-Time opportunity in Akron, OH

Why join Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital of Akron Metro

For more than 50 years, Metropolitan Veterinary Associates has set the gold standard in specialty and emergency medicine. Join a collaborative team of experienced ER doctors, board-certified specialists, and highly skilled VTS-supported nursing staff dedicated to exceptional patient care, teamwork, and medical excellence. With robust internship and residency programs and a strong commitment to professional development, Metro offers an outstanding environment to grow your career.

As part of Ethos, your voice, growth, and expertise truly matter.

Location Highlight

Join us in beautiful Northeast Ohio, where you'll be minutes from Cleveland, Lake Erie, and the sprawling Cuyahoga Valley National Park.  Our amenities are second to none for anyone who enjoys the nightlife, fine dining, or getting out in nature for a bike ride or a hike!

Perks & Benefits

Benefits for this role may include health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement benefits, paid time off (including sick leave and vacation), short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance
Competitive compensation
Sign-on or relocation assistance
Health, dental, and vision insurance
CE allowance and professional development support
Paid time off
Retirement savings options
Employee assistance programs

In your day-to-day, you will:

  • Provide advanced diagnostic, medical, and surgical care for avian, reptile, small mammal, amphibian, and other exotic animal patients.
  • Work closely with veterinarians, technicians, and support teams to provide seamless, compassionate patient care.
  • Communicate clearly and empathetically with pet owners during stressful and emotional situations.
  • Contribute to a positive, team-focused hospital culture built on collaboration, mentorship, and continuous learning.

What You Bring

  • DVM or equivalent veterinary degree with eligibility for state veterinary licensure.
  • Residency Trained and Board Certification in Avian and Exotic Animal Medicine or related specialty. 
  • Strong communication skills with a compassionate, client-centered approach.
  • A collaborative mindset and commitment to exceptional patient care.
  • A passion for continuous learning, teamwork, and advancing specialty medicine.

Join Us

At Ethos, this isn't just a job, it's an opportunity to practice medicine at the highest level and help shape the future of veterinary care.

Candidates can confidentially submit their CV to Mark Hyde at mark.hyde@ethosvet.com.




What National Veterinary Associates employees say

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About National Veterinary Associates

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

National Veterinary Associates, based in Agoura Hills, CA, US, is a leading provider in the veterinary healthcare industry. Established in 1996, it operates independently owned veterinary practices across the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. With a passion for pet health, National Veterinary Associates supports over 1000 veterinary hospitals and pet resort entities. Though their website, nva.com, doesn't explicitly describe their mission, it is evident that their aim is to empower veterinarians with the resources they need to provide high-quality, compassionate pet care services. They have made remarkable strides in advancing veterinary medicine, which is a testament to their industry influence and commitment.

Industry

Veterinary services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US

Year founded

1996

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