High School
Take biology, chemistry, and other science courses offered by your high school. The study of science will be important to any student of animals, as will the study of psychology and sociology. Knowing about animal nutrition, health, behavior, and biology will help you to understand the animals you care for, and how to best provide for them. And if you do choose to go on to college, most animal-related courses of study are science based.
Some may think of animal handlers as people who spend all their time separate from the rest of the community, communicating only with animals and limiting interaction with humans. However, most animal handlers work actively with the public; they present the animals in zoos and public programs, and may even perform with the animals. Join your speech and debate team, or your drama club, to prepare for speaking in front of groups of people.
Because so many animal programs, from petting zoos to animal therapy programs, rely on community support, there are many volunteer opportunities for high school students looking to work with animals. Zoos, parks, and museums need volunteers, as do kennels, shelters, and local chapters of the Humane Society of the United States (or the Humane Society of Canada). These organizations may even offer students paid part-time positions. If few opportunities exist in your area, check with the nearest zoo about summer internship programs for high school students.
Postsecondary Training
The value of a college degree depends on the work you do. Many animal handlers do not have degrees, but zoos often prefer to hire people with a postsecondary education. A degree can often determine promotions and pay raises among the workers of a zoo. Many universities offer degrees in animal sciences, zoology, and zoological sciences. There are also graduate degrees in zoology, which may require courses in physiology, animal behavior, and oceanography. Courses for animal science programs generally focus on animal research, but some programs allow students to create their own course plans to involve hands-on experience as an animal handler. Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida, offers a unique and popular zoo animal technology program; students work toward an associate's degree while gaining a great deal of firsthand zoo experience. The students run a 70-species zoo, with professional staff supervision, and upon graduation, enter bachelor's programs or other animal care jobs.
Some consider a job as an animal handler an internship in and of itself; after gaining experience in a petting zoo or teaching zoo, or working with a breeder or stable hand, some animal handlers pursue careers as zookeepers, veterinarians, and animal researchers. Most college animal science and zoology programs offer some hands-on experience with animals; in the case of Santa Fe College, an internship with the school's zoo is required along with the academic classes.
Many unpaid internships are available for those willing to volunteer their time to researchers and other animal professionals. Check with your local university and zoo to find out about opportunities to study animals in the wild, or to reintroduce animals to their native habitats.
Certification
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) offers a Professional Development Certificate Program in which participants can complete elective offerings via workshops, webinars, and courses. Certificate program concentrations are available in Behavioral Husbandry, Education & Interpretation, and Management & Operations. Contact the association for more information.
Other Education or Training
The AZA offers webinars, workshops, and other continuing education opportunities on topics such as animal management, management and leadership, and personal and professional skills.