The Online Dog Trainer Institute
Having trouble finding a dog training institute near you? Wondering how to start a dog training career? Our hybrid dog trainer program can help you launch your career in about a year. For an animal lover, it’s an excellent opportunity to make a living while improving the lives of dogs and the people who love them.
Becoming a dog trainer can be a rewarding career in more ways than one – transforming the behavior of an animal and helping grow the bond between dog and human feels amazing. Professional dog trainers teach pet owners how to train their own dogs, which helps bond them to one another. That human-animal bond is essential for the happiness and well-being of both.
Whether you choose to work for an established business that offers dog training, take a job at an animal shelter helping dogs become more adoptable, or open your own dog training business, this career path affords you the satisfaction that most careers don’t. Whichever dog training career path you choose, formal education and practical training experience can help get you there.
Common Questions About A Dog Training Career
Is being a dog trainer a good career?
Can I make a living as a dog trainer?
What degree do you need to become a dog trainer?
How many hours do dog trainers work?
How long does it take to get certified as a dog trainer?
How do I start a dog training business?
Dog Trainers Are Needed Today
In 2023/2024 a national survey was conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) says 66% of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 86.9 million homes. They also show that pet industry expenditures are rising. It’s expected to exceed $150 billion in 2025, and a lot of that spending will be on trainers.
It doesn’t matter if you live in a big city or a small town, there’s plenty of business for certified dog trainers!
Don't Just Take Our Word For It
Get Paid Doing What You Love
Professional dog trainers have the opportunity to earn money while working with animals and helping people. For many, this represents the best of all possible worlds. Imagine getting paid for doing something you love.
Dog Trainer Career Earning Potential in California
Dog Trainer Career Earning Potential
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Academy of Pet Careers, Indeed.com and Talent.com 2024. Hourly rates may vary in your area.
Dog Trainer Career Earning Potential in Texas
Dog Trainer Career Earning Potential in Virginia
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Academy of Pet Careers, Indeed.com and Talent.com 2024. Own Your Own Business earnings statistics reference the prices charged in 2025 for private in-person dog training lessons, based on what multiple companies charge across various cities in the specified state. Hourly rates may vary in your area.
Own Your Own Business
ABC understands that many people dream of being their own boss. This dream can become your reality because there are relatively low start-up costs necessary to create a dog training business of your own. With ABC, you will not only learn how to become a dog trainer, but you’ll also be given step-by-step instructions on how to start a dog training business.
Please note: No school can guarantee you employment or success after you graduate. We can, however, give you many of the tools you may need.
Earn Part-Time Income
Earning a part-time income as a dog trainer can be accomplished by working part-time in your own dog training business or working part-time for an established company. For example, many pet stores offer dog training classes in the evenings or on weekends. Training dogs in the evenings or on weekends allows you to keep your present job or continue with school while still pursuing a career you love.
Where Dog and Animal Trainers Can Work
Dog trainers can find fast employment in major cities such as Chicago, as well as smaller rural communities. Find all the certified dog trainers in your area by using our Dog Trainer Database. As a dog trainer, you may have the opportunity to work at a variety of locations, such as:
- Pet retail stores
- Established dog training organizations
- Animal shelters
- Veterinary hospitals
- Established dog walking organizations
- Your own business
Please note that no school can offer any type of guarantee as to whether a graduate will find employment. Animal Behavior College makes no promises or guarantees about employment.
