Social ServiceISCO 5164
Animal trainer
An animal trainer is a person who trains animals and their handlers, preparing them for defined tasks or for living alongside people.
Check yourself in a minute: animal trainer
Rate 5 of the 26 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
treat animals ethically
manage animal biosecurity
design training programmes for individuals and animals
practise veterinary professional codes of conduct
provide an enriching environment for animals
About animal trainer
The trainer prepares animals for assistance work with disabled people, for service roles, for competition, for transport, for obedience in everyday situations, and for entertainment and education. The trainer develops training programmes covering both the animal and its handler, so that the handler can go on working with the animal after training.
The trainer assesses animal behaviour: what provokes fear, what rewards it, when it tires, and where the limits of its capacity lie. The trainer handles animals ethically and advises on animal welfare, including when that means telling a client that a particular animal is not suited to the task they are asking about.
The trainer also deals with difficult people and manages animal biosecurity: vaccination, quarantine and keeping animals apart in group sessions. All of this work is carried out in line with national legislation, whether the goal is general obedience or a specific task.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a animal trainer.
1
Training Program Development
- Design customized training programs based on animal species, age, behavior, and intended purpose
- Set measurable training objectives and timelines for behavioral development
- Develop positive reinforcement techniques and reward systems appropriate to each animal
2
Direct Animal Training and Handling
- Work directly with animals to teach desired behaviors, commands, and responses
- Apply safe handling techniques to prevent injury to self, animals, and others
- Assess and correct problem behaviors using evidence-based behavioral modification methods
- Implement exercise and enrichment activities to maintain animal physical and mental health
3
Health Monitoring and Welfare
- Monitor animal health indicators, recognize signs of illness or stress, and report to veterinary professionals
- Maintain proper animal hygiene standards and biosecurity protocols to prevent disease transmission
- Provide first aid care and document health incidents
- Ensure animals have appropriate nutrition, housing, and environmental conditions
4
Handler and Owner Instruction
- Train animal handlers and owners in proper handling techniques, training methods, and animal behavior understanding
- Provide ongoing support and coaching to ensure consistency in training and handler confidence
- Educate on animal welfare responsibilities and legal requirements
5
Compliance and Professional Development
- Stay current with animal welfare legislation, ethical training standards, and behavioral science research
- Maintain professional certifications and pursue continuing education in animal behavior
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (26)
signs of animal illnesssigns of animal illnessPhysical, behavioural and environmental signs of health and ill health in various animals.animal welfare legislationanimal welfare legislationThe legal boundaries, codes of professional conduct, national and EU regulatory frameworks and legal procedures of working with animals and living organisms, ensuring their welfare and health.animal welfareanimal welfareUniversally recognized animal welfare needs as applied to species, situation and occupation. These are: need for a suitable environment need for a suitable diet need to be able to exhibit normal behav...physiology of animalsphysiology of animalsThe study of the mechanical, physical, bioelectrical and biochemical functioning of animals, their organs and their cells.environmental enrichment for animalsenvironmental enrichment for animalsTypes, methods and use of enrichment for animals to allow the expression of natural behaviour, including the provision of environmental stimuli, feeding activities, puzzles, items for manipulation, so...assistive instrumentsassistive instrumentsThe field of dealing with people in need of service animals and the working of assistive devices and technologies.safe work practices in a veterinary settingsafe work practices in a veterinary settingSafe work practices in a veterinary setting in order to identify hazards and associated risks so as to prevent accidents or incidents. This includes injury from animals, zoonotic diseases, chemicals, ...anatomy of animalsanatomy of animalsThe study of animal body parts, their structure and dynamic relationships, on a level as demanded by the specific occupation.animal behaviouranimal behaviourThe natural behavioural patterns of animals, i.e. how normal and abnormal behaviour might be expressed according to species, environment, human-animal interaction and occupation.treat animals ethicallytreat animals ethicallyCarry out activities according to accepted principles of right and wrong, including transparency in work practices and conduct towards clients and their animals.manage animal biosecuritymanage animal biosecurityPlan and use appropriate biosafety measures to prevent transmission of diseases and ensure effective overall biosecurity. Maintain and follow biosecurity procedures and infection control when working ...design training programmes for individuals and animalsdesign training programmes for individuals and animalsDevelop programmes to train humans and animals work together. Set objectives and targets. Evaluate the implementation of the training programme and progress by both the person and animal concerned.practise veterinary professional codes of conductpractise veterinary professional codes of conductAdhere to veterinary professional codes of practice and legislation.provide an enriching environment for animalsprovide an enriching environment for animalsProvide an enriching environment for animals to allow the expression of natural behaviour, and including adjusting environmental conditions, delivering feeding and puzzle exercises, and implementing m...provide first aid to animalsprovide first aid to animalsAdminister emergency treatment to prevent deterioration of the condition, suffering and pain until veterinary assistance can be sought. Basic emergency treatment needs to be done by non-veterinarians ...apply safe work practices in a veterinary settingapply safe work practices in a veterinary settingApply safe work practices in a veterinary setting in order to identify hazards and associated risks so as to prevent accidents or incidents. This includes injury from animals, zoonotic diseases, chemi...apply animal hygiene practicesapply animal hygiene practicesPlan and use appropriate hygiene measures to prevent transmission of diseases and ensure an effective overall hygiene. Maintain and follow hygiene procedures and regulations when working with animals,...implement exercise activities for animalsimplement exercise activities for animalsProvide exercise opportunities that are suitable for respective animals and meet their particular physical requirements.'.monitor the welfare of animalsmonitor the welfare of animalsMonitor animals’ physical condition and behaviour and report any concerns or unexpected changes, including signs of health or ill-health, appearance, condition of the animals' accommodation, intake of...assess animal behaviourassess animal behaviourObserve and evaluate the behaviour of animals in order to work with them safely and recognise deviations from normal behaviour that signal compromised health and welfare.'.provide animal trainingprovide animal trainingProvide training in basic handling, habituation, and obedience to enable the completion of day-to-day tasks while minimising the risks to the animal, the handler, and others.advise on animal welfareadvise on animal welfarePrepare and provide information to individuals or groups of people on how to promote the health and well-being of animals, and how risks to animal health and welfare may be reduced. Provide recommenda...train animals and individuals to work togethertrain animals and individuals to work togetherTrain animals and individuals to work together, including the match between individuals and animals, the design of integrated training programmes for people and animals, implementation of integrated t...deal with challenging peopledeal with challenging peopleWork safely and communicate effectively with individuals and groups of people who are in challenging circumstances. This would include recognition of signs of aggression, distress, threatening and how...biosecurity related to animalsbiosecurity related to animalsAwareness of hygiene and bio-security measures when working with animals, including causes, transmission and prevention of diseases and use of policies, materials and equipment.handle veterinary emergencieshandle veterinary emergenciesHandle unforeseen incidents concerning animals and circumstances which call for urgent action in an appropriate professional manner.
Optional (39) — show
young horses trainingyoung horses trainingPrinciples and techiques of educating young horses important simple body control exercises.animal production scienceanimal production scienceAnimal nutrition, agronomy, rural economics, animal husbandry, hygiene and bio-security, ethology, protection and herd health management.breed-specific behaviour of horsesbreed-specific behaviour of horsesThe behaviour and specificities of different horse species.horse anatomyhorse anatomyThe study of the anatomical structure and parts of a horse and how they interact.advise on care products for petsadvise on care products for petsProvide advice on basic care products, such as supplements and vitamins, that can be used on various types of pets.take advantage of learning opportunities in veterinary sciencetake advantage of learning opportunities in veterinary scienceUse different channels and learning styles such as journals, courses, and conferences to obtain new information, knowledge, skills, and know-how in relation to working with animals.understand the animal's situationunderstand the animal's situationCategorise and verify information about the environment and its impact on the animal. Analyse the situation, such as what the animal may want or need.collaborate with animal related professionalscollaborate with animal related professionalsCollaborate with veterinary and other animal related professionals through communication of animal details, case records and summary reports orally or via written or electronic transfer.train horsestrain horsesHarness, dress and train horses as per the instructions provided. Take into account the age and breed of the horse and the preparation purposes.advise customers on appropriate pet careadvise customers on appropriate pet careProvide information to customers on how to feed and care for pets, appropriate food choices, vaccination needs, etc.cope with challenging circumstances in the veterinary sectorcope with challenging circumstances in the veterinary sectorMaintain a positive attitude during challenging situations such as a misbehaving animal. Work under pressure and adapt to the circumstances in a positive manner.'.evaluate dogsevaluate dogsAssess whether certain dogs are ready to work as a guide dog or not, whether certain dogs should be withdrawn from the training programme, need extra training or a different approach, etc.bathe dogsbathe dogsPrepare dog by removing excess hair, knots and tangles. Bathe and clean a dog’s coat and skin.provide mentorshipprovide mentorshipGuide and support less knowledgeable or less experienced colleagues.manage a small-to-medium businessmanage a small-to-medium businessManage the organisational, financial and day-to-day operation of a small-to-medium enterprise.calculate rates per hourscalculate rates per hoursMake simple calculations regarding the money that should be earned in relation to the number of hours worked.assess the compatibility of individuals and animals to work togetherassess the compatibility of individuals and animals to work togetherEnsure work harmony between humans and animals, regarding to physical characteristics, capacity, temperament and potential.design training programmes for animalsdesign training programmes for animalsAssess the training needs of the animal and select appropriate methods and activities to meet training objectives.advise on animal purchaseadvise on animal purchaseAdvise clients and customers on the purchase of animals.assist in transportation of animalsassist in transportation of animalsAssist with the transportation of animals, including the loading and unloading of animals, the preparation of the transport vehicle, and maintaining the wellbeing of the animal throughout the transpor...protect health and safety when handling animalsprotect health and safety when handling animalsProtect health and welfare of animals and their handlers.assess animal's conditionassess animal's conditionInspect the animal for any external signs of parasites, disease or injury. Use this information to determine own actions and report your findings to owners.assess customersassess customersEvaluate customers’ personal circumstances, needs and preferences.make decisions regarding the animal's welfaremake decisions regarding the animal's welfareMake a choice from several alternative possibilities that promote the animal's well-being.design plans to address undesirable behaviour in animalsdesign plans to address undesirable behaviour in animalsGather information about the animal behaviour issues, interpret relevant information about the animal, assess the impact of external factors, and assess husbandry/management practices on the animal to...select animals for trainingselect animals for trainingSelect animals for training using selection criteria including intended outcome of training, age, temperament, species and breed differences. Selection of animals for training includes basic training ...maintain relationships with animal welfare establishmentsmaintain relationships with animal welfare establishmentsEnsure good relations with other animal welfare establishments and agencies.create animal recordscreate animal recordsCreate animal records according to industry relevant information and using appropriate record keeping systems.select therapy animalsselect therapy animalsIdentify the right animal with the right temperament appropriate for the therapy.maintain animal accommodation hygienicmaintain animal accommodation hygienicMake sure animal enclosures such as habitats, terrariums, cages or kennels are in the appropriate and hygienic condition. Clean the enclosure and provide new bedding material if called for.clean stallsclean stallsClean stalls to remove all soiled bedding to prevent moisture and fumes from building up and to cut down on potential parasite problems.interview animal owners on animals' conditionsinterview animal owners on animals' conditionsAsk questions appropriate to the setting and purpose, with the aim to elicit accurate information on the animal's health condition, in order to facilitate a correct diagnosis.develop an animal handling strategydevelop an animal handling strategyDevelop plans and strategies to deal with the animal in order to achieve established goals and optimal results.'.manage personal professional developmentmanage personal professional developmentTake responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional developmen...work with veterinarianswork with veterinariansConsult veterinarians and assist them in the examination and nursing of animals.care for horsescare for horsesProvide the basic requirements to keep horses healthy , such as feed, water, shelter, space and exercise, company, health care, and treatment of illness or injury.transport horsestransport horsesTransport horses using safely special vehicles for horse transportation; lead horses to vehicles taking into account the safety of people and horses.teach young horsesteach young horsesSocialise young horses (cleaning, collaring, bridling, raising feet, etc.), taking into account the safety and welfare of the horse and teacher.provide nutrition to animalsprovide nutrition to animalsProvide food and water to animals. This includes preparing food and water for animals and reporting any changes in the animal feeding or drinking habits.'.
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
animal behaviourist23 shared essential skillsanimal care attendant20 shared essential skillsanimal handler20 shared essential skillsgeneral veterinarian19 shared essential skillshorse trainer18 shared essential skillsdog trainer17 shared essential skillsveterinary nurse17 shared essential skillsalternative animal therapist16 shared essential skills
Frequently asked questions
What does an animal trainer do?
Animal trainers train animals and/or animal handlers for general and specific purposes, including assistance, security, leisure, competition, transportation, obedience and routine handling, entertainment and education, in accordance with national legislation.
What skills does an animal trainer need?
An animal trainer needs 26 essential skills, including signs of animal illness, animal welfare legislation, animal welfare, physiology of animals, environmental enrichment for animals.
Will AI replace animal trainer jobs?
The AI disruption score for animal trainer is 13/100 (very low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: calculate rates per hours, create animal records, animal welfare legislation. Most resilient: train horses, bathe dogs, transport horses.
AI Replacement Risk
13/ 100
Very Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
What are you missing to work as animal trainer?
The free skill gap analysis compares your skills with what this occupation requires and shows where to start.
Check your gaps