Online Education in Animal Training, Behavior & Care
Turn your passion for animals into a rewarding career. Learn about canine, feline, and equine behavior & training, animal-assisted therapy, shelter management, zookeeping, and wildlife rehabilitation at the Animal Behavior Institute. Our flexible online programs can help prepare you to transform animals’ lives.
Launch Your Career in Canine and Service Dog Training
If you love working with dogs, our canine training programs can open up new career opportunities as a dog trainer, working in obedience, service work, sports training, and more. Our canine training curriculum will help you gain practical skills, industry knowledge, and hands-on experience to work confidently with dogs in a variety of settings.
Prepare for a Career in Zookeeping or Wildlife Rehabilitation
Do you have a passion to work with wildlife? You may be the perfect candidate for a career as a zoo keeper, aquarist, or wildlife rehabilitator. In our animal care and training courses you’ll learn how to interact with wild animals safely, create enrichment programs, and manage housing & care.
Develop the Skills to Become a Feline Behaviorist
Help individuals and organizations better understand and train cats with our feline behavior and training program. Learn how to work with cats at all development stages, work through cat trauma and fear, and create cats ready to go to their forever homes. You can work in a shelter, vet office, animal rescue or start your own business as a professional cat trainer.
Enter the Field of Equine Training
Turn your passion for horses into a new career in equine training. Our program teaches you about horse social behavior and how to use it to create training programs that work. You’ll learn how to understand equine vocalizations and body language, improve communication, and develop a deeper connection with your horses. Work for yourself or for an equestrian center, the choice is yours.
Prepare for a career in Animal Assisted Therapy
This comprehensive program teaches you how to train and work with therapy animals in various settings, resolve potential issues, and understand any legal or ethical concerns with the use of therapy animals. You’ll have the confidence to participate in an existing program as well as the skills to build one of your own.
Other Program Options
The Animal Behavior Institute offers several additional, unique programs. Animal Shelter Management will prepare you to take a leadership role in your current institution, enhance your skills as a manager, or help you launch your own shelter or rescue organization.
Animal Training & Enrichment is ideal for students that would like a more general program preparing them to work as trainers for both domestic animals and wildlife.
Exotic Animal Training includes both fundamental courses in animal training and enrichment, along with specialized electives focusing on birds, carnivores, primates and marine mammals.
Laboratory Animal Behavior provides you with a comprehensive set of tools for improving the lives of laboratory animals, including training, environmental enrichment, and behavioral management.
Why Students Choose the Animal Behavior Institute
Choosing the right school and animal training courses is crucial for your career development. You’ll learn from experienced professionals while engaging with peers who share your love of animals. At ABI, we’re committed to providing high-quality, personalized instruction that prepares you for your dream career in animal training, behavior, and care.
Top reasons to choose ABI include:
- Founded by animal professionals who wanted to make animal training certification programs accessible to all
- Accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) for over 14 years
- Faculty with advanced degrees with extensive experience in their field
- Networking opportunities with employers and alumni.
- Online courses that address experiential, intellectual, and applied learning
- Individual student support from faculty and staff
What Our Students Have Achieved
Blaine was in a job slump after college, where he earned a Biology degree. He wanted to find a career that used his degree and catered to his love of exotic animals.
Blaine found ABI and signed up for our zookeeping, wildlife, and animal trainer courses. He’s already completed the Zookeeping program and the Wildlife Rehabilitation program. Next, he’s working on completing the Exotic Animal Training and Animal Training & Enrichment programs. Blaine has completed his field requirements through his current job as a zookeeper.
Blaine Peluso-Miller: Wildlife Rehabilitation and Zookeeping
Hear What Our Students Have to Say About Their Experience
How to Get Started with ABI
From choosing your program to enrolling and launching your career, here’s how the process works.
- Choose Your Program: Explore our 15 accredited programs in canine, feline and equine training, zookeeping, wildlife rehabilitation, animal assisted therapy, and more.
- Apply Online: Submit your quick, easy application and pay the one-time $50 application fee.
- Register for your courses: Once accepted, choose your semester start date and enroll in the courses that fit your schedule.
- Start Your New Career Path: Complete your program in as little as 6 months and gain the skills to move directly into the career you’ve always wanted.
Animal Behavior Institute FAQ
Does ABI offer animal training courses online?
Yes, all our animal training courses are online and can be accessed whenever and wherever is convenient for you.
What education is needed to become an animal trainer?
A high school diploma is required for most forms of animal training. However, professional certification and hands-on experience will allow you to excel in the field. To enroll in our programs at ABI, you’ll need to have completed high school or have your GED and be at least 18 years old.
What careers can I pursue after completing an ABI program?
After finishing an ABI program, students have undertaken careers as zookeepers, animal trainers, shelter managers, entrepreneurs, wildlife rehabilitators, and so much more.
How much does your program cost?
The Animal Behavior Institute’s tuition is $3,960 for a three-course program and $6,600 for a five-course program. There is also a $50 application fee. You do not need to pay for the entire program up front; you can pay for the courses as you take them each semester. We also offer financing and a 100% tuition refund available through the first week of every semester.
Can I work while completing an ABI program?
Yes, you can work while completing your ABI program. Depending on your occupation, you may be able to use your current job to satisfy your field requirement.
Do you accept federal funding?
No, we do not accept federal funding; however, we offer 0% (interest-free) financing with multiple options for monthly payments.