Animal Training Certificate

Courses You Will Take

AB 201 Animal Behavior
In this course, students will study animal behavior through biological and psychological lenses. Deep exploration into the behavior of a species of the student’s choosing will complement examples of many species through the coursework. Students will design and conduct an ethogram study on their species informed by factors that impact behavior, types and categories of behavior, applied behavior and animal emotion and cognition. The course project includes the ethogram study as well as an animal behavior timeline, behavior graphics and a behavior management plan all specific to their focus species.

AB 301 Animal-Human Interactions
In this course, students will study the history of animal-human interactions, current research in anthrozoology and the application to practices in domestic, wild and captive environments.  Students will also study the effects of animals on humans and of humans on animals with specific focus on animals and environments of the student’s choosing. Students will create an Evaluation of Animal-Human Interactions in Practice for a species and environment of their choosing.

AB 401 Animal Training
In this course, students will study the basic concepts of learning theory, associative and non-associative learning, classical and operant conditioning and social and observational learning as they apply to animal training. Students will explore the application of different training techniques to a variety of species and examine the effects of stress and environments on training goals. Students will complete a Training Manual for a species and environment of their choosing.

Faculty Spotlight

Taylor Rezvani, Ph.D, M.A.T.

Dr. Taylor Rezvani is passionate about improving animal-human relationships and animal welfare through educational outreach and research, especially concerning the veterinary field and domestic dog preventative behavioral care. As an educator, Taylor strives to expand access to learning about animal behavior and welfare, particularly within the veterinary profession. Taylor has designed and delivered in-person and online curricula for high school, undergraduate, graduate and veterinary students as well as vocational learners. Interdisciplinarity has always been an important and natural part of Taylor’s personal educational trajectory, starting with her two undergraduate degrees: human biology (animal behavior: biology/psychology/sociology) and media studies (film), both from Pitzer College. She earned a master's degree in teaching biology from Lewis and Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling and an interdisciplinary doctoral degree in zoology, psychology and education from Washington State University. She was a postdoctoral fellow at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and assisted with developing and curating educational materials regarding domestic dog welfare. Taylor co-founded and directed Whole Dog Academy, an education-based nonprofit that includes a career school for dog trainers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should you get an animal training certificate?
An animal training certificate from Husson University is the perfect complement to any animal-related bachelor's degree program or any degree you currently have. This certificate program allows you to understand the techniques and tactics required for animal training while also giving you the skills needed to succeed in this growing field.

How much does an animal training certificate cost?

At Husson University, our animal training certificate requires students to complete nine credit hours, keeping the total cost for the program under $4,000. It is an affordable option for those who are looking to specialize in the competitive animal care career field.

Can you make a living being an animal trainer?

Animal trainers are highly qualified and skilled professionals who often work directly with animals to correct problem behaviors and encourage them to learn specialized skills. You can absolutely make a living as an animal trainer, especially if you invest in your education and hone your skill set. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the hourly wage for animal trainers can range from $13 per hour up to $32 per hour, depending on the type of animals that they work with and the position they have.

What skills do you need to be an animal trainer?

In addition to having the technical skills needed to train animals, you also must be patient, confident, understanding, focused and persistent. Animal trainers must work with a wide range of animals at various levels, and they need to be able to effectively train them for different circumstances. If you want to work in this field, you will also need to be a skilled problem-solver and a creative thinker, particularly as you begin to adapt to the various personalities and natural instincts of the animals you work with.

How do you become an animal trainer?

If you wish to become an animal trainer, you will find that most entry-level positions do not require you to have a degree or specialized certificate. While no education is necessary for this career field, a certification in animal training could certainly provide you with an advantage in the job market. By combining your certification with hands-on training, you should quickly be able to secure an animal trainer position.

Husson University has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.