What kind of educational background is needed to train animals?

Question

Jim--

Fair enough. I think I do have that rapport with animals. Maybe a better way to phrase the question would be how to get the background experience and knowledge necessary to be hired in a job training animals.

Answer 1

None.  If you don't have that natural rapport with an animal you cant train it.

Training animals is NOT like educating or training people.  You can go to college for a degree in education.  But you cant get a degree in educating or training an animal.  There are degrees in animal behavior, ethology, if you think that might help.  However, the majority are graduate degrees.  

These people that are recommending a degree in zoology are clueless.  No professor of zoology is gonna lecture on training dolphins to jump through a hoop.  That's ridiculous.

Animals are not humans dressed in fur or feathers or scales.

Answer 2

Academic coursework in zoology, marine biology, animal behavior or psychology should do it.  No one is going to hire you without ANY education ...most places prefer a degree, but will often hire without one if you have some education plus experience.

Answer 3

Great Question! I too want to go into some branch of Zoology, and I researched the options. You will need to go to college and study zoology. Depending on what branch of it you want, the years will differ (how long you need to stay in college) For a trainer, that wont need nearly as many years as a vet would. I wanna be a zookeeper, and thats right around the middle of # of years. In terms of high school, in order to get in a college and study zoology, you will need good background in high school. Go into AP biology, maybe even anatomy and phisiology in some cases, and zoology if you school has it. And GET GOOD GRADES IN IT!!!!

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 4

http://www.seaworld.org/infobooks/ZooCar...

Animal trainers have one of the most visible jobs within a zoological park--the one most people ask about, and one of the most difficult to get. There are a very limited number of openings in this field. Background experience helpful for a position in this department would include courses or knowledge in zoology, behavioral and experimental psychology, animal behavior, public speaking, communications, education, and theater.

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/jobs/keeper_f...

How do I become an animal keeper?

There is no single way to become a keeper, but the more education and hands-on experience you have, the better.

Education– While you’re in school, learn as much as you can in your science classes. In college, choose a degree program in animal-related fields like biology, zoology, botany, ecology, conservation science, or animal behavior. Take as many different courses in those areas as you can, and graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in your chosen field. (Here’s a BIG hint: the competition for jobs caring for animals is so strong that you really HAVE to have a college degree these days to be considered.)

Hands-on Experience– Find opportunities to work with animals. Some potential keepers have volunteered at our department of Conservation and Research for Endangered Species (CRES), assisting CRES scientists and technicians. Sometimes work-study opportunities are available for college students.

What are some other ways to gain animal experience?

Some places to look for volunteer jobs or internships might be:

    Ã¢Â€Â¢ Veterinary offices

    Ã¢Â€Â¢ Animal training classes (does your dog need obedience training?)

    Ã¢Â€Â¢ Local Humane Society

    Ã¢Â€Â¢ Local Park Service

    Ã¢Â€Â¢ Wildlife rehabilitation centers (like for wolves, bears, big cats, birds of prey, and even bats)

    Ã¢Â€Â¢ Animal shelters

    Ã¢Â€Â¢ Farms (for domestic animals, or even ostrich, llama, or butterfly farms)

    Ã¢Â€Â¢ Pet breeders (those that breed specific kinds of dogs, cats, or horses)

    Ã¢Â€Â¢ Horse stables and boarding facilities

    Ã¢Â€Â¢ 4-H Clubs

http://www.seaworld.org/career-resources...

CATCH 22?

1. To get a job working with animals, you need experience with animals. This bit of truth seems to create a frustrating circle. You need experience to get a job, but you can't get experience unless you have a job, right? Well, yes and no.

VOLUNTEER

1. To begin a career caring for animals, you should be prepared to start with a volunteer or entry-level position. Call your nearest zoo or aquatic park and ask for details on becoming a volunteer (also called a docent or intern). Humane societies, animal rehabilitation clinics, and some veterinary clinics also welcome volunteers. Although your duties with a humane society or veterinary clinic will most likely involve working indirectly with animals (cleaning cages and preparing food), volunteer duties at a zoo or aquatic park range from filing or answering phones to being trained to make educational presentations or feed newly hatched birds.

Volunteering your time shows that you're serious about your commitment to animals. Develop a reputation for being an eager, cooperative, hard-working person, and your volunteer effort may help you get a job in the future. Supervisors are often asked to give character references for volunteers who've worked for them.

SETTING YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS

1. A strong background in zoology is necessary for most of the jobs that involve working closely with animals. Ask your school counselor to help you work out a course list that will prepare you to earn a degree in zoology, biology, chemistry, botany, or psychology. Take your classes seriously; zoological parks are more interested in hiring a hard-working, knowledgeable person than someone who "loves animals."

Don't wait until you have a degree before you apply for a job at a zoological park. Some of the curators, supervisors, aquarists, and others got their start by working at snack stands and gift shops before moving into their present careers. An entry-level position will help you establish a name for yourself as a dedicated employee, and introduces you to how hiring is handled within that zoological institution.

Lastly, many of the professional organizations listed in the Appendix have special membership rates for nonprofessionals and students. You'll be able to learn more about animals and zoological careers through their newsletters. Also, by attending local workshops and even national conferences, you might make some good contacts and get more information on how to chart your path for your zoological park career.

http://www.animalschool.net/FAQ.htm

How do I become an animal trainer?

The best way to pursue a career in this field is by attending a school like ours to start with, where we will give you a practical and solid foundation. Then it takes dedication, experience and patience to enter into this exciting field professionally. Most of the knowledge you will need and learn is from observing and participating in the actual handling, training, care and maintenance of exotic animals. Animal training is an art form learned by masters in the field. It is only truly learned by hands on practical experience and knowledge.

Our Professional Training Courses are designed to teach and provide you with the beginning tools necessary to accomplish these goals. After completing these courses you can then apply for our volunteer / apprenticeship programs. The more you watch, experience and see the more you learn. It is not the intent of this school to make you a professional animal trainer or behaviorist by just completing our courses! However, please note that where some people have a special aptitude with animals, others do not. Only you know whether you have the ability to grasp the knowledge and experience we offer.

For more information on the different types of animal careers go to: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos168.htm

What courses should I take in college to enter into the animal field?

Most colleges do not have a clearly defined program for practical animal careers. However some zoo and large corporate animal facilities require degrees in zoology, animal psychology, biological sciences, or veterinary studies.

http://careerplanning.about.com/od/occup...

Educational Requirements for Animal Trainers:

Although in most cases animal trainers need to have a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED) equivalent, some animal trainers must have a bachelor’s degree and additional skills.

Other Requirements for Animal Trainers:

Animal trainers must be patient and sensitive. They should have experience with problem-solving and animal obedience. While animal trainers aren't required to have certification, several organizations offer training programs and certification for those who want to enter this field.