What Are the Types of Animal Handlers?

The term "animal handler" encompasses many professions. In its broadest sense, an animal handler might refer to laboratory animal workers, veterinarians and veterinary technicians, and livestock workers. A person who trains, exhibits or breeds animals for show or as working animals might be an animal handler. Zookeepers are animal handlers. The job requirements for animal handlers are as diverse as the animals involved.

  1. Research, Medicine, Food

    • People who work in the pharmaceutical industry and in university laboratories handle various animals for research. Such animals might include rodents, primates, snakes and farm animals. Besides conducting experiments, animal handlers in such positions feed, clean and transport the animals.

      Veterinarians and veterinary technicians treat sick and wounded animals. They work with cats, dogs, birds, ferrets, rabbits and reptiles, and essentially any other type of animal a person keeps as a pet. Veterinarians also handle essentially every kind of livestock, including such animals aas cattle, pigs, sheep and goats. Vets are also horse handlers.

      Livestock workers care for farm animals. They provide food and water for the animals. Other duties can include weighing, herding and branding animals. These workers assist animals that are giving birth. They also give vaccinations and medications when needed. Many people who grow chickens are considered animal handlers.

    Animal Trainers

    • Dog trainers teach basic obedience skills to dogs that are pets. Some trainers specialize in training dogs to help people with disabilities or in training police dogs or police officers. Other dog handlers show purebred dogs in show rings. They might be the owners of the dogs themselves, or they might be hired professionals who show other peoples̵7; dogs.

      Horse handlers train and exercise horses. They teach horses how to walk on leads, and they prepare horses for riding. Tasks include washing, feeding, currying, saddling and bridling horses. Horse handlers also trailer horses for transportation.

      Marine mammal trainers typically teach dolphins, sea lions and otters to perform in shows at marine parks. People can learn about the abilities and talents of the animals by watching their various feats. This type of training also provides public entertainment.

    Zookeepers

    • Zookeepers feed animals at the zoo and clean their environments. They might also raise the animals that are born at the zoo. Zookeepers must monitor their animals for any signs of illness or injury. They might also work with the public to provide education about the animals. Many zookeepers have bachelor̵7;s degrees in animal science.

    Breeders

    • Farm animal breeders use their knowledge of genetics to breed animals to have the most desirable, or most profitable, characteristics. That means choosing breeding pairs that will conceive healthy animals that produce the best-quality products. This could be meat, milk, eggs or wool, or any other material that comes from animals. Farm animals are typically bred through artificial insemination.

      Cat and dog breeders raise animals to sell as pets. Breeders should know the desirable characteristics of each breed as well as their potential genetic problems. Responsible cat and dog breeders should try to eliminate defects and should understand how to socialize the animals.