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Animal Trainer

What does an Animal Trainer do?

An ANIMAL TRAINER is a professional who trains and works with animals when a show needs an animal on stage. ANIMAL TRAINERS can be a part of agencies, work freelance, or be brought on specifically because their pet was cast in a production. They work with the DIRECTOR to determine what it is the animal is being asked to do, as well as the ACTORS so that the ACTORS know which cues to use and be familiarized with the animal.

Skills

Patience | Caring for animals | Ability to train animals | Collaboration |Grooming animals

Pathways

Experience working with animals

How to become an Animal Trainer

Getting a degree in biology, animal behavior, or zoology is the first major step in becoming an animal trainer. Some colleges offer special programs, such as Moorpark College in California, that train students in animal training management. Aspiring trainers also complete internships in zoos, aquariums, or apprenticeships with accomplished animal trainers in the industry.

Union/Professional Organization Affiliations

The Association of Professional Dog Trainers

Resources

Playbill’s “He Trained the Original Sandy from Annie – and Made an Entire Career Out of It”
Bill Berloni’s Broadway Tails: Heartfelt Stories Of Rescued Dogs Who Became Showbiz Superstars
The New York Times’ “White Rodent Finds Fame on the Great White Way”

American Theatre Wing’s “Working in the Theatre: Theatrical Animals”

Virginia Repertory’s “Broadway Animal Trainer Bill Berloni comes to Virginia Rep”