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Animal Trainers

Outlook

Employment of animal care and service workers overall is expected to grow much faster than the average through 2032, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Dog trainers in particular are expected to have good employment opportunities. Competition for jobs will be especially strong, though, for marine mammal trainers and horse trainers. Openings for horse trainers are expected to diminish as the cost of owning and riding horses has become too high for many people. Some openings for animal trainers may be created, however, as zoos and aquariums expand or provide more animal shows in an effort to increase revenue.

Although criticism of the use of animals for purely entertainment purposes has reduced the number used for shows and performances, programs have expanded for companion animals and animals used in work settings. Also, more animal owners are seeking training services for their pets.

An increased number of trainers will be needed to train the growing number of search-and-rescue and bomb-sniffing dog teams. The latter will be in demand to ensure the safety of airports, government buildings, corporations, amusement parks, sports facilities, and public utilities. In all fields, applicants must be well qualified to overcome the heavy competition for available jobs.

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