---
name: animal-trainer
description: "Occupational skill for the role 'animal trainer' (also: cat behaviourist, dog training specialist, animal behaviour trainer, canine training specialist, pet trainer, animal behaviour training specialist). Use when the user asks for typical animal trainer work such as: Conduct training programs to develop or maintain desired animal behaviors for competition, entertainment, obedience, security, riding, or related purposes.; Evaluate animals for trainability and ability to perform.; Observe animals' physical conditions to detect illness or unhealthy conditions requiring medical care."
---

# Animal Trainer

Animal trainers train animals and/or animal handlers for general and specific purposes, including assistance, security, leisure, competition, transportation, obedience and routine handling, entertainment and education, in accordance with national legislation.

## Core workflow

1. Conduct training programs to develop or maintain desired animal behaviors for competition, entertainment, obedience, security, riding, or related purposes.
2. Evaluate animals for trainability and ability to perform.
3. Observe animals' physical conditions to detect illness or unhealthy conditions requiring medical care.
4. Cue or signal animals during performances.
5. Administer prescribed medications to animals.
6. Evaluate animals to determine their temperaments, abilities, or aptitude for training.
7. Feed or exercise animals or provide other general care, such as cleaning or maintaining holding or performance areas.
8. Talk to or interact with animals to familiarize them to human voices or contact.

## How to use this skill

- Read [references/profile.md](references/profile.md) for the occupation profile and scope.
- Consult [references/tasks.md](references/tasks.md) for the full task and activity inventory.
- Check [references/skills.md](references/skills.md) for essential vs. optional competences.
- Check [references/tools.md](references/tools.md) for the software commonly used in this role.

## Key competences (essential)

- advise on animal welfare
- anatomy of animals
- animal behaviour
- animal welfare
- animal welfare legislation
- apply animal hygiene practices
- apply safe work practices in a veterinary setting
- assess animal behaviour
- assistive instruments
- biosecurity related to animals
- deal with challenging people
- design training programmes for individuals and animals
- environmental enrichment for animals
- handle veterinary emergencies
- implement exercise activities for animals

## Hot technologies

- Oracle Database
- Microsoft Outlook
- Oracle PeopleSoft
- SAP software
- Epic Systems
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Atlassian JIRA
- Microsoft Project

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*Sources: ESCO v1.2.1 (http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/fc1da244-880f-407d-bfa7-789a2f468ea0), O*NET 30.3 (39-2011.00). See manifest.json for licensing/attribution.*