Individuals who are interested in entering the field of animal training and management can pursue certificate or degree programs in specialized areas through private training schools or colleges. Students should look for programs that offer curricula matching their interests. Some schools offer associate degrees in overall pet care, which are helpful for aspiring dog trainers. Students who are interested in training and managing exotic or marine animals usually need a bachelor's degree in fields such as animal science, marine biology or animal behavior. Other related degree programs include zoology, animal husbandry or animal science. Many of these programs also offer internship opportunities.
Hollywood Animals in California is an example of a training school that provides private courses for training exotic animal actors such as lions, tigers, bears, panthers and primates in about 10 days. Meanwhile, Moorpark College in California offers exotic animal training and management certificate and associate degree programs that prepare students in one to two years to work with animals in television/movies, theme parks, zoos and wildlife education programs. The Bergin University of Canine Studies in California offers associate, bachelor's and master's degrees in areas such as canine studies or assistance dog education, while Breyer State University in Arizona features a bachelor's degree program in equine studies. Texas A&M University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in marine biology that provide a strong foundation for aspiring marine animal trainers.
Certification is important in certain areas of the animal training and management field. For example, aspiring dog trainers should consider programs that offer credentials from organizations such as the Animal Behavior Society or the International Association of Canine Professionals. Marine biology students should look for college programs that feature SCUBA diving certification. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers also provide credentials to animal trainers.
In animal management and training programs, students complete courses related to their focus area. These classes might include marine ecology, the emotional lives of dogs and other animals, equine reproduction, behavioral ecology of predators and prey, nutrition, problem-solving and public speaking. Students also might study animal learning theory, health and disease management, safety and business building, according to Animal Behavior College in California. In hands-on animal training programs, students additionally learn how to care for animals, which includes, feeding, watering, exercising, grooming and bathing them as well as cleaning and repairing their cages.
Individuals who have completed animal training and management programs can find work at animal shelters, rescue leagues, boarding kennels, aquariums and stables. They also can work for zoological parks, veterinary hospitals and clinics, zoos and circuses.
Employment of animal care and service workers, which includes animal trainers, is projected to climb 21 percent from 2008 to 2018. Median annual wages of animal trainers in May 2008 were $27,270, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.