Staff role

Animal Trainer

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.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Agility Instructor; Dog Obedience Instructor; Dog Trainer; Guide Dog Instructor; Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI); Guide Dog Trainer; Horse Trainer; Racehorse Trainer; Service Dog Trainer; Trainer

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.
  • Administer prescribed medications to animals.
  • Keep records documenting animal health, diet, or behavior.
  • Evaluate animals for trainability and ability to perform.
  • Advise animal owners regarding the purchase of specific animals.

Knowledge

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Education and Training
  • Psychology
  • Administration and Management
  • English Language

Skills

  • Speaking
  • Learning Strategies
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Learning
  • Active Listening
  • Monitoring

Abilities

  • Problem Sensitivity
  • Oral Expression
  • Oral Comprehension
  • Information Ordering
  • Speech Clarity
  • Fluency of Ideas
  • Originality
  • Deductive Reasoning
  • Speech Recognition
  • Written Comprehension
  • Written Expression
  • Inductive Reasoning
  • Category Flexibility
  • Selective Attention
  • Manual Dexterity
  • Multilimb Coordination
  • Trunk Strength
  • Stamina
  • Gross Body Coordination
  • Near Vision
  • Far Vision

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.

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