2 answers
2 answers
Updated
Jordan’s Answer
Thats actually a great question. There are so many different areas in working with animals. An animal trainer specifically, that's a head scratcher for sure. When you think animal trainer you automatically are probably thinking about larger animals such as zoo/ wildlife creatures. The question I dont think is if there are too many or too few people, I think its a matter of how do you get started. There are many facilities that are always looking for animal trainers (zoos, aquariums, dog/cat trainers, animal behavioralists) its just a matter of how you continue to pursue it. People working with animals are in short supply, so anyone wanting to take that step and work with these crazy critters is great!
Start finding out some information on the path through college to becoming a trainer. Should you pursue a degree in biology, animal science, zoology or some other form of science... from there you can distinguish if maybe you would like to further your education in understanding animal behavior and getting yourself to become an animal trainer. Never ask the question if there are too many people in the career field already. If this is something you want to do and are passionate about, then do it! Finding the job comes later, doing the work is now to pursue your dream is now!
Good luck and feel free to ask me any questions!!!
Start finding out some information on the path through college to becoming a trainer. Should you pursue a degree in biology, animal science, zoology or some other form of science... from there you can distinguish if maybe you would like to further your education in understanding animal behavior and getting yourself to become an animal trainer. Never ask the question if there are too many people in the career field already. If this is something you want to do and are passionate about, then do it! Finding the job comes later, doing the work is now to pursue your dream is now!
Good luck and feel free to ask me any questions!!!
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
That is a really great question! I'm not an animal trainer; however, I am an active volunteer at the SPCA in my county. We have two animal trainers on staff at the SPCA. They have to help to socialize the animals who have been abandoned and who come in as strays. The animal trainers not only help with socializing the animals, but they have classes for all the new volunteers before they are allowed to walk the dogs, etc. They have to train the volunteers on picking up on signals from the animals on aggression and teach the volunteers how to properly harness the animals, etc. I would really suggest applying to be a volunteer at your local SPCA and asking if you can follow the animal trainer for awhile and get advice from them!! Hope this helps!
Volunteer at local animal shelter.
Have a list of questions to ask their animal trainer.
Start helping to socialize the animals to see if it is something you are interested in.
Lisa recommends the following next steps: