Animal Trainers
O*NET files this work under Animal Trainers: people who train animals for riding, harness, security, performance, or obedience, or for assisting persons with disabilities. Its interest code is RSC. Realistic leads at 6.5 out of 7, so expect hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, with Social next at 3.6. The preparation level is some preparation, typically a few months to a year of learning on the job. O*NET’s skill data points to instructing, speaking, and learning strategies as the ones to build. One core duty is to cue or signal animals during performances. If you want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, keep it on your list. If you need creative work with room for original expression, it may feel thin.
What they do
Train animals for riding, harness, security, performance, or obedience, or for assisting persons with disabilities. Accustom animals to human voice and contact, and condition animals to respond to commands. Train animals according to prescribed standards for show or competition. May train animals to carry pack loads or work as part of pack team.
Main tasks
- Cue or signal animals during performances.
- Talk to or interact with animals to familiarize them to human voices or contact.
- Conduct training programs to develop or maintain desired animal behaviors for competition, entertainment, obedience, security, riding, or related purposes.
- Feed or exercise animals or provide other general care, such as cleaning or maintaining holding or performance areas.
- Observe animals' physical conditions to detect illness or unhealthy conditions requiring medical care.
- Evaluate animals to determine their temperaments, abilities, or aptitude for training.
Skills
- Instructing
- Speaking
- Learning Strategies
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
Who this career fits
May suit you if
- You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
- You get energy from helping other people move forward.
- You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
- You are comfortable relying on instructing and speaking.
May not suit you if
- You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
- You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.8 out of 7 here.
- You want a career built on years of advanced study.
Interest profile
O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RSC takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.
Preparation
Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.
Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.
Also called
- Agility Instructor
- Dog Obedience Instructor
- Dog Trainer
- Guide Dog Instructor
- Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI)
Related careers
Is this your direction?
See how your interests line up with RSC and 906 other careers.
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.