Will “Animal Handler” be Automated?

Core Skills & Abilities

• Administer prescribed medications to animals.

• Train horses or other equines for riding, harness, show, racing, or other work, using knowledge of breed characteristics, training methods, performance standards, and the peculiarities of each animal.

• Evaluate animals for trainability and ability to perform.

• Train dogs in human assistance or property protection duties.

• Use oral, spur, rein, or hand commands to condition horses to carry riders or to pull horse-drawn equipment.

• Advise animal owners regarding the purchase of specific animals.

• Observe animals' physical conditions to detect illness or unhealthy conditions requiring medical care.

• Cue or signal animals during performances.

• Organize or conduct animal shows.

• Conduct training programs to develop or maintain desired animal behaviors for competition, entertainment, obedience, security, riding, or related purposes.

• Talk to or interact with animals to familiarize them to human voices or contact.

• Keep records documenting animal health, diet, or behavior.

• Evaluate animals to determine their temperaments, abilities, or aptitude for training.

• Retrain horses to break bad habits, such as kicking, bolting, or resisting bridling or grooming.

• Feed or exercise animals or provide other general care, such as cleaning or maintaining holding or performance areas.