Animal Trainers - Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, animal trainers:

Are responsible for the health and safety of their animals.
Communicate with others by phone and in person on a weekly basis. They speak with people face-to-face more often.
Have a medium level of social interaction. Trainers spend time teaching animal owners, but they also spend time alone with the animals.
Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.
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May sometimes work as a team.

Work outside the majority of the time, but spend time indoors as well. They work in arenas, barns, kennels, and customers' homes. They also work outdoors at racetracks or in corrals.
Are occasionally exposed to hazardous situations with the animals they train. Animals can be unpredictable. They may bite, kick, scratch, or throw trainers.
Are occasionally exposed to hot or cold temperatures, such as when working outside.
May be exposed to sounds and noises that are loud and distracting, such as barking or braying.
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May travel with animals in a truck or van.
Work close to others, such as when sharing the same space with other trainers.

Must be sure that all details of the job are performed to ensure the safety of animals and those who work with them.
Make decisions that impact pet and animal owners on a weekly basis.
Rarely consult anyone before deciding a course of action.
Set nearly all their daily tasks and goals for the day without consulting a supervisor first.

Do not have a set schedule. The type of animal, performance schedule, and travel requirements all affect schedules.
Frequently travel. Trainers of guide dogs must travel to owners' homes for the final month or so of training. Trainers of circus animals, race horses, and show animals also travel.
May work long hours during the show season, from mid-spring to mid-autumn, if working as a show animal trainer.
May work long hours training animals for TV or movies. The trainer's day begins before shooting and ends after shooting is finished.