Career Counselling

Animal Trainer

Description

An animal trainer is somebody who teaches dogs, horses or even marine animals to behave in a certain way using ­various techniques. He/she accustoms animals to human ­contact and teaches them how to respond to ­their ­commands.

Requirements

In India, there are no rules as to who can become an animal trainer or what education qualifications are required. While a college degree is not mandatory to enter this field, one should at least pass Class 12. In countries like the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom, courses in animal ­science, animal behaviour, biology, zoology, marine biology, and ­psychology are available for ­aspiring animal trainers

Job Prospects

A trainer could make anything between Rs. 20,000 (to start with) up to Rs. 1 lakh a month or even more as one gains more ­experience and expertise.

Pros & Cons

It doesn’t pay well unless you are recognised in this field. So, you should only do it if you truly love ­animals.
You get to work closely with ­different kinds of animals and form close bonds with them.