Animal Trainer

An Animal Trainer teaches animals to follow commands and show expected behaviours when required. You might be training working dogs, assistance animals, performance pets or security dogs. You may also work with regular pets to improve their behaviour or reduce problematic issues. Animal Trainers educate owners and handlers on appropriate training strategies. You’ll usually work with individual animals but you might also train a group of animal at once.

Animal Trainers should be very patient and be willing to work with a range of behaviours and issues. You should have excellent animal handling skills and a thorough understanding of animal behaviour. Animal Trainers need good observational skills and should be ready for some physical work. It’s important that you are a good problem solver and can communicate well with both animals and people.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $65,000
Skill level Beginner

How do I become a animal trainer?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended
ACM30122

Certificate III in Animal Care Services
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
9 - 21 months
$0 - $12,978
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Kennel Attendant Kennel Hand
Equine Veterinary Nurse Cattery Attendant Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Sheep Shearer Wool Worker Animal Shelter Manager Animal Management Officer Animal Trainer Veterinary Emergency Nurse Animal Welfare Officer Animal Health Officer Animal Technician
+ 14 more
ACM20121

Certificate II in Animal Care
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
4 - 12 months
$0 - $7,448
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Kennel Attendant Wildlife Carer
Zoo Keeper Equine Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Nurse Cattery Attendant Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Sheep Shearer Wool Worker Animal Shelter Manager Animal Management Officer Animal Trainer Animal Welfare Officer Animal Nutritionist Wildlife Officer
+ 15 more

Bachelor of Veterinary Technology
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $32,160
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Technician Veterinary Technician Veterinary Technologist
Equine Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Nurse Animal Shelter Manager Animal Management Officer Animal Trainer Animal Behaviourist Veterinary Emergency Nurse Veterinarian
+ 8 more

Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour)
On Campus
3 years
$0 - $32,100
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Behaviourist Animal Welfare Officer Wildlife Officer
Zoo Keeper Animal Control Officer Animal Shelter Manager Animal Management Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Animal Trainer
+ 7 more

Bachelor of Animal Science
Blended, On Campus
3 - 4 years
$0 - $30,512
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Welfare Officer Livestock Manager Animal Nutritionist
Animal Scientist Animal Management Officer Livestock Transporter Sheep Shearer Animal Trainer Animal Behaviourist Wildlife Rehabilitator Animal Health Officer Wildlife Officer Animal Technician Zoologist Veterinary Technologist
+ 12 more
ACM40322

Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training
Blended, On Campus, Online
12 - 20 months
$0 - $22,166
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Trainer Animal Behaviourist Zoo Keeper
Cattery Attendant Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Trainer Animal Behaviourist Zoo Keeper Cattery Attendant Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer + 4 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Apprentice Animal Trainer

An Apprentice Animal Trainer modifies animal behaviour, trains therapy, service, and performance animals, and guides owners on handling techniques.

Avg yearly income $49,920
Skill level Beginner

Assistant Dog Trainer

An Assistant Dog Trainer uses various strategies to train dogs in obedience or behaviour modification, working with both pets and service animals.

Avg yearly income $52,000
Skill level Beginner

Animal Behaviourist

An Animal Behaviourist identifies and addresses behavioural issues in animals, creating training programmes while advising owners on effective solutions.

Avg yearly income $78,520
Skill level Advanced

Dog Trainer

A Dog Trainer teaches dogs and their owners new behaviours and skills, addressing issues like aggression or social skills while requiring patience and strong communication.

Avg yearly income $69,940
Skill level Beginner

Common questions

How much does an Animal Trainer earn?

In Australia, a full time Animal Trainer generally earns $1,250 per week ($65,000 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for an Animal Trainer?

The number of people working in this industry has decreased in recent years. There are currently 4,100 animal attendants in Australia and many are employed as Animal Trainers. Animal Trainers may find work in all regions of Australia.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become an Animal Trainer?

If a career as an Animal Trainer interests you, consider enrolling in a Certificate IV in Companion Animal Studies. This course covers a range of topics such as training animals and animal care. You’ll learn to work with a range of animals including dogs, cats, birds and mammals.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

How to start a career in Dog Training

26th August 2021)

Most popular animal welfare and veterinary courses

12th April 2022)

Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers

10th November 2023)

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