Wellbeing

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

College

You could do a course at college which may give you some of the skills and knowledge needed to do this job.

Courses include:

• Level 1 or 2 Diploma in Animal Care
• T Level in Animal Care and Management

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeship

You may be able to start by doing an intermediate apprenticeship as an animal care and welfare assistant.

With experience, you could move onto an animal trainer higher apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Work

You could get into this job by starting as a kennel worker then move on to training dogs and working with their owners.

Volunteering and work experience

You could gain experience of working with dogs and using positive training techniques through volunteering.

This might include:

• volunteering at kennels
• helping at a dog rescue centre
• working for an animal welfare organisation

Do IT has more information on voluntary opportunities in your area.

Direct application

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got some experience of working with dogs.

You'll need:

• knowledge of basic dog handling and positive training techniques
• understanding of the issues faced by disabled people

Depending on the people they support, some employers may also ask for more specific skills like:

• sign language when working with deaf people
• experience of teaching or instructing people
• knowledge of specific conditions like epilepsy, dementia, sight loss or autism

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks
• be over 18 years of age
• have a full driving licence

More information

Further information

You can find out more about becoming an assistance dog trainer from:Guide Dogs; Hearing Dogs for Deaf People; Dogs for Good; Canine Partners; Dog A.I.D.; Assistance Dogs UK

View all vacancies in this region

With experience you could become an area team supervisor, training manager or regional manager.

You could move into related jobs like veterinary nurse or RSPCA inspector.

You could also set up your own business and provide services like dog behaviour classes or private dog training.