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Rebekah
Student
Pensacola, Florida
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Do you need to go to college to be an animal trainer and do you have to study a specific group like dogs or marine animals ?
I want to become an animal trainer and work with whatever animals I can. I am just wondering if college is necessary because I struggle with math and science and biology.
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Dr H
Dr. H's Research
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Hey Renekah,
To just say it in short, Nope, you don’t have to go to college to become an animal trainer—unless you want to work with highly specialized animals like marine mammals, zoo animals, or service dogs, in which case a degree in animal behavior, zoology, or marine biology can help.
But if college-level math and science make you feel like a cat stuck in a bathtub, don’t worry—you have plenty of other paths!
So Rebekah, Here’s the deal. If you want to train dogs, horses, birds, or even exotic pets, hands-on experience matters way more than a degree. Many successful animal trainers started with apprenticeships, volunteering at shelters, or working under experienced trainers. Certification programs like those from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) can boost your credibility without requiring college.
If you dream of training dolphins or sea lions at an aquarium (because who wouldn’t want a sea lion as a coworker?), some facilities prefer degrees in marine biology or psychology. But even then, experience working with animals, diving certifications, and internships are often more important than a perfect GPA.
So now a little something which hope helps about How to get started (without college stress)!
1. First out most
Get hands-on experience – Volunteer at shelters, farms, or zoos. Even dog walking helps! Its animal!
2. Work with an experienced trainer and learn their tricks (of the trade and for the animals).
3. Get certified – Groups like IAABC or CCPDT offer credentials to show you know your stuff.
4. Read & watch – Tons of free resources online can teach you about animal behavior, positive reinforcement, and training techniques.
5. Start small – Train your own pets or foster animals. If you can teach a cat to do tricks, you’re basically a wizard. Animal training starts somewhere right? So do what you have or can easily.
So, college, Its not always necessary. Passion, patience, and persistence is whats absolutely required! Keep learning, stay curious, and soon enough, you'll be the Dr. Dolittle of your dreams—without the student loan debt! If this helped let me know and if not need any further clarification or anything just know I am one clock away Rebekah, good luck!
To just say it in short, Nope, you don’t have to go to college to become an animal trainer—unless you want to work with highly specialized animals like marine mammals, zoo animals, or service dogs, in which case a degree in animal behavior, zoology, or marine biology can help.
But if college-level math and science make you feel like a cat stuck in a bathtub, don’t worry—you have plenty of other paths!
So Rebekah, Here’s the deal. If you want to train dogs, horses, birds, or even exotic pets, hands-on experience matters way more than a degree. Many successful animal trainers started with apprenticeships, volunteering at shelters, or working under experienced trainers. Certification programs like those from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) can boost your credibility without requiring college.
If you dream of training dolphins or sea lions at an aquarium (because who wouldn’t want a sea lion as a coworker?), some facilities prefer degrees in marine biology or psychology. But even then, experience working with animals, diving certifications, and internships are often more important than a perfect GPA.
So now a little something which hope helps about How to get started (without college stress)!
1. First out most
Get hands-on experience – Volunteer at shelters, farms, or zoos. Even dog walking helps! Its animal!
2. Work with an experienced trainer and learn their tricks (of the trade and for the animals).
3. Get certified – Groups like IAABC or CCPDT offer credentials to show you know your stuff.
4. Read & watch – Tons of free resources online can teach you about animal behavior, positive reinforcement, and training techniques.
5. Start small – Train your own pets or foster animals. If you can teach a cat to do tricks, you’re basically a wizard. Animal training starts somewhere right? So do what you have or can easily.
So, college, Its not always necessary. Passion, patience, and persistence is whats absolutely required! Keep learning, stay curious, and soon enough, you'll be the Dr. Dolittle of your dreams—without the student loan debt! If this helped let me know and if not need any further clarification or anything just know I am one clock away Rebekah, good luck!
Thank you so much for the advice! I am volunteering at a parrot rescue right now and learning so much about them and how to handle them. Can you still work with marine animals like otters or dolphins without a collage degree?
Rebekah
Rebekah, that's fantastic! Volunteering at a parrot rescue must be a feather-ruffling adventure. 🦜 Regarding marine animals like dolphins or otters, while a college degree isn't strictly mandatory, many facilities prefer or require one. However, substantial hands-on experience can sometimes make up for the lack of formal education. Your current volunteer work is a great step in that direction. Keep diving into these opportunities, and you'll be swimming with the dolphins in no time! Stay awesome and love your dedication, Hope this helps.
Dr H
Oh and ofcourse To make your path smoother into marine animal training, stack up hands-on experience like a pro. Keep volunteering, but try to expand to marine-focused rescues, aquariums, or rehabilitation centers. Get cozy with water (scuba certification helps!) and consider short courses in animal behavior or marine biology—some places offer workshops without a full college commitment. Networking is gold, so connect with marine trainers through organizations like IMATA (imata.org) and attend events where professionals gather.
Basically, the more you dip your toes in the water now, the easier it’ll be to ride the wave into marine animal training later! But you soaring with the parrots is already and amazing start so i am sure you will be swimming with dolphins in no time! 😉🐬
Dr H