Animal Trainer Courses
An Animal Trainer teaches commands and behaviours to various animals, educates owners on training strategies, and requires patience, skill, and communication.
AI Exposure
Low
Core skills such as social intelligence and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Animal Trainer
Get qualified to work as a Animal Trainer with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
ACM20121
Duration
10 weeks - 12 months
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
Get started as an animal carer with the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care. This nationally recognised training course qualifies you for support roles at animal shelters, kennels, pet shops, and wildlife centres. The course covers: feeding and watering animals, cleaning pens and enclosures, assisting with animal health care, communicating with co-workers, keeping safe at work, assisting with animal enrichment and welfare, providing animal first aid, basic grooming, and much more. Enquire now for the f...
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Duration
10 weeks - 12 months
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
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ACM40322
Duration
12 months - 20 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
The ACM40322 - Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training equips students with essential skills and knowledge to work as animal trainers or practitioners. This qualification is ideal for those interested in animal-assisted services, rehoming, adoption, rehabilitation, or species-specific training. Specialisations include conditioning, training techniques, and interpreting animal behaviour, though they are not mandatory. Graduates are well-prepared for diverse roles that require ethical practice and c...
Career opportunities
Duration
12 months - 20 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
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Estimated fee
From $22,200
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
The Bachelor of Veterinary Technology covers fundamental sciences, including chemistry, biochemistry, and mathematics, alongside animal handling, care, welfare, and behaviour. The course delves into applied and clinical nutrition, animal disease mechanisms, and diagnostic techniques. It also includes studies in small and large animal health, therapeutics, surgical and medical nursing principles, and veterinary practice management. This degree equips students with both theoretical and practical skills nece...
Career opportunities
Estimated fee
From $22,200
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
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Estimated fee
From $23,919
Duration
3 years - 4 years
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
The Bachelor of Animal Science enhances understanding and skills in animal production, management, and welfare, encompassing both domestic and wildlife species. This course opens pathways to various careers across Australia and globally, including animal production enterprises, ancillary industries, educational or advisory roles, research laboratories, fieldwork, and management and conservation in diverse habitats and organisations. It prepares students for a multitude of opportunities in the animal scien...
Career opportunities
Estimated fee
From $23,919
Duration
3 years - 4 years
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
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Related career opportunities
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Common questions
How much does an Animal Trainer earn?
In Australia, a full time Animal Trainer generally earns $1,250 per week ($65,000 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for an Animal Trainer?
The number of people working in this industry has decreased in recent years. There are currently 4,100 animal attendants in Australia and many are employed as Animal Trainers. Animal Trainers may find work in all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
How do I become an Animal Trainer?
If a career as an Animal Trainer interests you, consider enrolling in a Certificate IV in Companion Animal Studies. This course covers a range of topics such as training animals and animal care. You’ll learn to work with a range of animals including dogs, cats, birds and mammals.
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Browse here online for the latest courses in horse care, animal grooming, equestrian sports, veterinary nursing, animal behaviour, and pet shop management.
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Gain practical skills to work in kennels or catteries, providing love, grooming, and safety to animals. Check your funding eligibility and apply today.
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These courses don’t just teach you how to catch and euthanise stray animals, you will learn underpinning state legislation and local government regulations, safety management approaches, and incident response.
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These nationally recognised qualifications will teach you the finer points of animal behaviour and refine your skills in behaviour correction.
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More information
An Animal Trainer teaches animals to follow commands and show expected behaviours when required. You might be training working dogs, assistance animals, performance pets or security dogs. You may also work with regular pets to improve their behaviour or reduce problematic issues. Animal Trainers educate owners and handlers on appropriate training strategies. You’ll usually work with individual animals but you might also train a group of animal at once.
Animal Trainers should be very patient and be willing to work with a range of behaviours and issues. You should have excellent animal handling skills and a thorough understanding of animal behaviour. Animal Trainers need good observational skills and should be ready for some physical work. It’s important that you are a good problem solver and can communicate well with both animals and people.
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