• Marine Mammal Trainer: Trainers who work exclusively with marine mammals, like dolphins and sea lions.  These trainers are required to be able to swim well and often participate in shows with the animals.
• Dog Trainer: Trainers who work with all breeds of dogs.  Dog trainers can be employed by obedience schools, kennels, or private dog owners, or they can work with service dogs for the disabled.
• Equine Trainer: Trainers who work with horses.  These trainers prepare horses for spectator sports like horse races or shows or private homes, and they often work first through small, private stables before moving to larger establishments.

• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
• Bachelor's Degree: 3 to 4 years to complete (Biology, Animal Science)
• Master's Degree: 2 to 3 years to complete (Biology, Animal Science)
• Doctoral Degree: 3 to 5 years to complete (Biology, Animal Science)

The education requirements for animal trainers do vary between places of employment, and there are no official degrees available for animal training specifically.  However, degrees in animal science and biology are available and are normally taken by animal caretakers before employment.  Some trainers find these degrees useful since they enable them to perform more tasks than just basic training, and they can help trainers proceed past entry-level apprenticeship straight into advanced positions as head trainers. 

The basic requirement for an animal trainer is a high school diploma or a GED equivalent.  Since trainers often learn the specific procedures for their trade at their place of employment, they usually volunteer at zoos, kennels, or stables before applying for a position in order to gain experience with animals.  Some training positions, like equine trainers, begin working as grooms at stables before moving on to accredited training schools.  These schools are usually private and provide certification upon completion of their programs. 

Degrees in animal science, biology, and marine biology are common requirements for marine mammal trainers.  An associate degree isn't available specifically for any of these programs, but the general studies degree does enable students to proceed onto the subsequent bachelor's degree in a field of their choice.  An associate degree takes approximately two years to complete, and many trainers receive an associate degree before beginning apprenticeships with their employers. 

A bachelor's degree in animal science or biology is required for marine mammal trainers, though equine and dog trainers pursue these degrees in well.  These degrees take three to four years to complete, and they involve classes on animal anatomies, habitat studies, environmental impacts, and human and animal interactions.  Bachelor's degrees in both fields normally require lab participation with dead specimens, but animal science programs usually include visits to kennels or zoos in order to work with experienced professionals and to receive on-site experience. 

Master's or doctoral degrees in biology are commonly offered by most universities, and degrees of equivalent levels in animal science or animal health are becoming more popular. These programs are much longer than bachelor's degrees, and they involve more on site training and extensive research on live animal subjects.  These high level degrees are required for senior trainers who also want to be qualified in caretaking, since the knowledge gained through employer training isn't specified towards the long-term, day-to-day needs of animals. (BLS)

Animal training certification depends on the state.  Some careers in grooming and kennel operation do require specific training licenses, and these licenses can be obtained by trainers, though they aren't required.  Many horse training positions have minimum weight requirements, and marine mammal trainers are required to be able to swim well and can sometimes be required to have SCUBA certification. (BLS)

The salaries of animal trainers are generally low, but they do depend on the specification of the trainer, their experience, and their employment location. 

The median wages of animal trainers were $27,270 in 2008, and the middle 50 percent of earnings were between $19,880 and $38,280.  The lowest 10 percent of earnings were less than $16,700, and those included in these wages were entry-level trainers and assistants who had not been established as full-time employees.  The top 10 percent of earnings were more than $51,400, and these earnings were mainly from marine mammal and equine trainers with more experience. 

Multiple industries employ animal trainers, and the highest paying industry for animal trainers include amusement parks, specifically including zoos and sea parks.  The annual wage for these careers is approximately $44,970.  Individual and family services, like private animal training, have an annual wage of $35,120, though this salary does depend on the clientele.  Professional, scientific, and technical services, including obedience and service training, pay an average of $43,430 a year, which does depend on the type of animal and the type of training being provided. (BLS)

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predict a much faster than average growth rate of 21 percent for animal care and service workers between 2008 and 2018.  The pet population, specifically companion pets, is expected to increase, and thus requires an increase in handlers and trainers.  There is an increase in animal care and service workers, as awareness of animal abuse is more prevalent, and trainers are often requested in companies that require labor but need to implement it humanely.

Demand for marine mammal trainers is expected to grow slowly, and since there are a large amount of applicants, the competition will be intense.  Horse trainers are also in a competitive market as entry-level positions decrease in availability, but dog trainers continue to enjoy good job prospects—especially in metropolitan areas where pet owners are restricted in space for training. (BLS)

Those considering animal training should also look into veterinary technology or veterinary science programs. For more information, please watch our video testimonial from a student who completed a veterinary technology program from on of our online schools. Amber Trinh received a raise for pursuing her degree