How Do I Become a Dolphin Trainer / Handler?
Hi there,
I read this interesting website about becoming a dolphin trainer and what is involved. I thought I would share some of the insights in case you are interested.
Dolphin Trainers at Work
How should I prepare educationally for my training career?
There are really no specific colleges for marine mammal training. Moorpark College in California does focus on exotic animal training in a two-year program. The school is extremely hands-on, and graduates have a great success rate of employment. Please bear in mind, however, that some marine mammal facilities require a four-year degree for employment.
The college you choose will depend on your interests. You must first decide the area in which you would like to major. Your library will have a book of colleges to help you determine the schools in the U.S. that offer your Marine Education intended major. Look for schools that offer biology or animal behavior and psychology majors.
What other skills do I need to be a trainer?
Every facility has a different philosophy and mission and therefore looks for different skills in their employees. At many dolphin facilities public speaking skills will be very important. Take classes that will advance your public speaking skills and knowledge of the animals and environment in which you will be working. Physical fitness is also important and because you will be working in an aquatic environment, swimming skills will be required. Many facilities required a swim test before you will be hired. Additionally, you should become SCUBA certified since some facilities only hire trainers if they are SCUBA certified.
Should I volunteer or intern?
Yes! It can be quite difficult to get your foot in the door of a marine mammal facility. The best way to gain valuable hands–on experience is to complete volunteer work or an internship at a facility that has animals (they don’t necessarily have to be dolphins). Many colleges require or strongly advise these programs because they enable you to learn while in the field. Click here to see dolphin places to intern.
What are the average salary and benefits of a trainer?
The average salary of a trainer varies from one facility to another but is often in the $18,000-$20,000 range for an entry-level position. Most trainers have a second source of income to supplement their salary.
Higher salaries are often given to people with multiple years of experience; on average a trainer with 8-12 years of experience will make $25,000 – $40,000 a year. Most facilities usually offer medical plans to full-time staff members. Of course, the greatest benefit is the relationship you form with the animals!
What is a typical day like being a dolphin trainer?
Only dependable people can be successful trainers. Trainers are responsible for preparing meals, feeding, training, cleaning fish containers, and stimulating marine mammals both physically and mentally. The dolphins and trainers have training sessions each day, which are both mentally and physically stimulating. All trainers at DRC vary the dolphins with which they work. All of the dolphins receive at least three meals a day – usually a feeding in the morning, midday and afternoon.
Trainers also make sure that all of our animals receive their vitamins and any necessary medications. The dolphins also practice medical behaviors with their trainers, and each dolphin has a physical twice a year. As a trainer you need to show a great deal of enthusiasm and energy to keep the dolphins excited and interested. Trainers may continue to work on behaviors that have already been taught to the dolphins or they may have the opportunity (after they have gained much experience) to train a dolphin a new behavior. Each day brings something new to a trainer’s schedule. Life is never dull when you are a dolphin trainer!! Most importantly, the trainer needs to make sure these precious animals are ready to entertain and preform the swim with the dolphin programs for that day.
Dolphin Handlers Meeting
What books or references would help me to find out more about training and other careers in the marine mammal field?
“Careers in Marine Biologyâ€, Jay Hemdal (freshwater and Marine Aquarium, Vol 10, Feb. 1987, pg. 66-67).
“Don’t Shoot the Dogâ€, Karen Pryor (Bantam Books, 1999).
“I’ll do Anything to Work with Whales or Dolphins!â€, Valerie Chase (Current, 1992, 11 (1): 31-33).
“Training and Careers in Marine Science: An Information Packetâ€
Available for a small fee from:
International Oceanographic Foundation
4600 Rickenbacker Causeway
Miami , FL 33149
The biggest thing I can add is make sure you internship. This is the KEY in getting a job!!
Was this article helpful to you?
God Bless,
John
August 20th, 2008 at 5:12 am
Thanks for the tip. Now being a dolphin trainer is one career a scuba diving certification can lead into. I wonder though if a basic open water course is enough or would they require advanced certification and a few specializations. – steve
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Hi Steve,
Yes, an open water would get you a position as an intern or trainer. As time goes on, I am sure you would want to increase your scuba training to be a swim with dolphins trainer.
God Bless,
John
November 25th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
what all courses are necessary to become a dolphin trainer?
December 5th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Hi Amber,
You need to read all the post I have about Dolphin Handler and getting into this field. Click on How to become a Dolphin Handler section.
But the first thing I recommend is to try swimming with the dolphins and see how you like it. You be surprised how many people have an expectation caring for the dolphins and walk away not wanted to do this.
God Bless,
John
December 10th, 2008 at 11:52 am
It take a lot of hard work to train dolphins. Many people do not know what it takes to take care for these animals.
December 16th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Hi Jesse,
IF you have any experience with dolphins and would like to share those, we loved to hear what your experience was like.
I really do not know exactly what goes on behind the scenes but I do hear it is a lot of hard work.
My biggest questions is what is the best and worst part about being a dolphin handler?
Merry Christmas,
John
January 31st, 2009 at 12:38 pm
I thank you for the information…I am still in high School and realy want to become a dolphin Trainer…I realy think it would be exciting…do you know of any Colleges in Florida that will teach this stuff?
Thank you!
Kayla
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Sorry I didn’t respond sooner, but my anser is I don’t have a lot of experience with working with dolphins. I do know some however. One of my friends is a dolphin trainer, and I’ve know some of trainers at Sea World. I also did the camps. Right now I’m going to college to become a trainer. From my experience the best part is knowing that a creature from a whole other species loves you and you love them back. I don’t know the bad part.
February 6th, 2009 at 9:15 am
Hi Jesse,
Can you tell us which college you are going to learn to be a trainer? I am sure others would like to know about this school.
Thanks,
God Bless,
John
February 9th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
I thought of going to moorpark college in califorina. However I’m going to Lansing Comunuity College at the moment. I not for sure yet, but plan to go to school in Texas or Florida to finish up. Something in phycology, marine mammal zoology, or animal care.
February 9th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Sorry Psychology
February 16th, 2009 at 10:55 am
Hi Jesse,
I have heard Moorpark College was the place to go for Animal Sciences.
Here is a link for others to investigate about the college.
http://www.moorparkcollege.edu/departments/academic/animal_science.shtml
Yes, Psychology is great way to understand people and dolphins at the same time. Thanks for all your information and the best on your career.
God Bless,
John
February 19th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
THANK YOU SOOO MUCH FOR THIS PAGE!!!! IT HAS MADE MY DREAM COME TRUE!!! GOD BLESS!!!! (and thanks again)
February 20th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Hi Dolphin Lover,
I am glad you enjoyed this page.
God Bless you too!!!
John
March 8th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
It has been my life long dream to become a marine mammal trainer. I have been working as an insurance agent for 8 years (during that time going to school) I have a Associates in science and im getting by Bachelor in Leadership and Management in May (recieved my suba cert in 2005). I am wondering if the Bachelor in business will hurt me (i had to switch majors due to financial issues and having to work full time.) I just applied to a position for a trainer and im crossing my fingers and toes and hoping things pan out. Any feedback/suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated.
March 14th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Hi Rebecca,
Your determination will be the factor whether you get the job or not. If you don’t get the paid job, you should volunteer and show your love for the position. God willing, if a position opens up and you are at the right spot at the right time, you should get the job. I don’t think your business degree will hurt you at all. Keep me posted if you get the job or what happens.
God Bless,
John
April 23rd, 2009 at 10:49 am
I am planning on buyying a horse, and if i do i dont want it to interfer with my plans to go to collage after high school.
How much time a day goes into being a dolphin trainer?
About how many hours do i put into it?
April 26th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Hi Spotswims,
From what I hear, maintaining a horse takes a lot of time and love. As with any animal, it is a total commitment. The same for being a dolphin trainer. It is extremely competitive to get a position and you will need to invest a lot of time getting this position. Have you done a swim with the dolphin program yet? If you have not, then that is your first step and make sure you talk to the trainer at the facility you pick.
I hope it all works out for you.
God Bless,
John
May 14th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
I know that being fit is a strong factor when it comes to training animals. I am very fit and muscular but i don’t have the body of skinny person, more of the muscular look. Do you know if how ’skinny’ you are is a factor when it comes to getting a job, lets say at Sea World?
Thank you, Ashley
May 22nd, 2009 at 10:00 am
Hi Ashley,
Skinny is not important but very fit is. So you say you are fit is fine, you will do well. You really need to be a good swimmer. Can you swim 1/4 mile in the pool? Which is about 24 laps, you can do well if you can.
God Bless,
John
June 28th, 2009 at 2:15 am
Hiiyaah im 14 and have loved dolphins all my life. this year im going out to malta to swim with the dolphins there. but people say to be a dolphin trainer is very rare to come across. is there any chance once i fished school and college and uni i would be able to. or is it a dream that wont come true. thankyou
June 30th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Hi Hannah,
Yes, you definitely can become a Dolphin trainer and handler but you need to be determined to do it. Only the assertive people get the jobs. The best advice I can give you is to apply for an internship. If you get the internship, it will help you getting a career in this marine mammal industry.
God Bless,
John
June 30th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
hello im tanner,
my life all i have been dreaming about is being a dolphin trainer ive been doing my research and i am young but i love help animals. My favorite is dolphins and i know every kind and i am 13. i would like to know what i would need to have like for scores in high school to be a dolphin trainer or if i even need any. well i hope u wright me back
July 1st, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Hello Tanner,
Yes, you need to work hard in school. Do well in science, especially in Biology. Save a some money and try a trainer of the day program. They have them in the Florida Keys and Orlando. It will give you great exposure into the industry and you can decide if you want to go further with Dolphin Training field in the future. You need to be passionate about the career, so make sure you are.
July 7th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Hello. I am going into my senior year of High School. I have always loved dolphins and would like to have a career involving them. We went on a cruise and went to dolphin encounterers in naussa, bahamas. I absolutely loved it. I am getting information on dolphin training right now. I have my schedule made already for this year and i have no internship on it. I live in Indiana and do not think that i have any dolphins near me. I think i have a sea world near me in ohio, which is still a drive. But i was thinking go there for a few days for my senior exit project. But i basically need to know what i can do to prepare for it and not waste time. thanks for your help
~amber~
July 8th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
hey I am 11 years old and I really want to be a dolphin trainer but do you need to be a certified scuba diver??
Thanks for your help!!
July 8th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Hi Amber and Dolphingirl,
Here are a few comments from you blog post. Thank you by the way for making them.
Amber, are there any Zoos near you? If there are, then this a good place to start as an intern. How far are you from the Chicago Aquarium. That place would be the best as an intern. You might want to consider a summer internship in Florida. Remember, you need to really want the job. There is a lot of competition!!
Dolphingirl, yes, I would recommend get your PADI dive certificate when you get a change. You can get it at your local dive shop where you live.
Have a great summer, ladies!! I hope you get your dream job with the dolphins one day.
God Bless,
John
July 11th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Hi, I came across this website when I was researching more into dolphin/marine mammal training/handling. I have always loved marine mammals and found that I wanted to get into the marine mammal care field. I figured that the best way I can start is to get a degree in marine mammalogy and a minor in psychology for behavioral knowledge. I live in North Carolina so my best choice would be University of North Carolina Wilmington. Am I on the right track? This is a job that I am really passionate about getting.
July 17th, 2009 at 11:48 am
Hi Luke,
Yes, those majors are perfect. Make sure you try to work or volunteer with Marine Mammals or any animals before you graduate. You have to be passionate in this career or you need to get out. The day to day care of animals is not as glamorous as it looks.
Take Care and God Bless,
John
July 18th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Hi,
Im 12 years old and I always wanted to be a marine animal trainer. I’ve read every thing on this page and this is GREAT advice. Where is a good place in Maryland to learn how to be SCUBA certified? When I went to Mexico I swam with Dolphins and I wish I could do it again and agian. Is there any thing else I could do while I’m in Middle School or when I get in to High School. Should I become a Lifeguard when im 16 or what should I do. I can ‘t do a Dolphin program because I live in Maryland and not near Flordia.
HELP!
Thank you,
Cece
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Hi Cece,
Can you intern or volunteer at the Baltimore Aquarium? That is great place and they have a great dolphin facility there. Even if you did it one day week, would be great for your career. About scuba diving, look in your local phone book, and should be able to find a dive shop near you.
Live your DREAM!!
God Bless,
John
July 25th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
i might be able to volunteer if they let me at 12 years old hopefuly they will do u think they will?
August 4th, 2009 at 10:02 am
Thank you so much for this site! My 8 yr. old daughter dreams only of becoming a dolphin trainer; your information will set her on the right path to realize her dreams!
It sounds as if she’s able to do many of the right things: we are only a short trip to Baltimore to volunteer, we’re friends with a vet with whom she could volunteer, she’s fit as a fiddle with gymnastics, dance and swimming, and she does well in math and science!
However, the public speaking part will be key for her; she’s painfully shy! I thank you again for sharing the importance of public speaking for a trainer! We have been working on her overcoming her shyness for years, and now, I believe she will be intensely motivated to speak (and to build self-confidence)!
Bless you for your help!!!!!!
Dolphin Mom
August 10th, 2009 at 5:08 am
hello
im 17 and live in edinburgh, Scotland. im currantly going into my last year of high school. Ever since my first visit to seaworld when i was five it has been my dream to train dolphins or whales. since then i have returned to orlando twice and been lucky enough to visit discovery cove and swim with the dolphins there. doing this has made me even more passionate about becoming a trainer even though i know its hard work and understand its very hard to get the job. ive read lots of sites about what is required to get the job and i am willing and planning to do some volunteer work at a zoo near where i live and once i leave school im going to study either marine biology or zoology at university.
most of the websites say you need to be SCUBA certified and i was wondering where i could get this from as i dont think we have many places that do this in scotland. i have a lifeguarding certificate but i dont know if thats the same. Also there arent many places where you can interact with dolphins and whales near where i am so i plan to move to america once i have done my degree. people are also saying its easier to get the job if you ‘get your foot on the door’ first. would it be worth me trying to get a job teaching people about the animals at somewhere like seaworld?
i am a very strong swimmer and have been swimming competitivly for eleven years so the swimming aspect of the training shouldnt be too much of a problem.
any advice you can give me would be much appreciated. i know im going to have to put a lot of work in but i am willing to try anything in order to get my closer to my dream.
thanks a million
vicky
August 12th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Hi Vicky,
Yes, being Scuba Certified would really help you but not totally necessary. Most facilities will train you in scuba diving, while working there. The biggest step is getting an internship. Remember, you will work for FREE for a few months and if the facility likes you, you will get a paying job. To see the Dolphin Places in Florida, click this link to see more information of places and start calling.
God Bless,
John
August 18th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Hi, it has been a dream of mine to work with dolpihns, caring for them , training the etc. I am a college graduate but did not major in anything in which would help me with my dream, was kinda pressured in making a quick rash decison. Anyway my question is what do I need to do to make this dream of mine a reality , what steps , path anything and everything that I need for this job/lifestyle of working with dolphins etc. I am not able to go back to school for I have acquired a lot of college debt which is making me unable to go back to school. Also since most interships required most applicants to have some type of marine, or biology or physcology degree of some sort since I do not have these, do I have a chance for this dream to come true? I am willing to do anything and everything to make this happen , so if you could get back to me with the information needed , i’d highly appreciate it .
Thank You
August 25th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
hello, i just wanted to let you know about a program at seaworld for teens that gives you an insight on marine mammal training. There is a camp called Sea World Careers Camp, (as well as a more advanced one called Sea World Advanced Careers Camp that you can take afterwards). It’s a week long camp for kids 14-18 and everyday you see a different aspect of being a trainer. One day you work with dolphins, one with sea lions, one with penguins, etc. The advanced career is more in depth while the regular is basics. I just went there in july and it has helped me more than anything to be more motivated in what I want to do. There are camps in san diego and orlando but i’m not sure how those go since i went to the san antonio one.
August 26th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Hi Derek and Luis,
Derek, all I can say is go to this website and start calling, http://www.dolphinplaces.com.
And Luis, good information, I will post something about this camp on Dolphin World Blog – the new blog.
All the best,
God Bless,
John
October 19th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Hi,
I really, really want to be a dolphin trainer (I have for some time) and you said that an internship is very important. The only problem is that i live in montreal and there are obviously no dolphins. Were are some good places to get an intern job?
Thanks a lot
October 21st, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Hi Julia,
You will have to few options, work with a local veterinarian or you will have to move where the dolphins are. Most people that want to be with the dolphins, move to the area. Here is list a facilities in Florida, which is great place to move to. Click this website: http://www.dolphinplaces.com
If you contact the facility, they will give you details on moving and making your dream a reality. I hope you pursue your dreams!!!
God Bless,
John
November 22nd, 2009 at 6:09 pm
How do I become physically fit to become a trainer? Is their a plan that I should start following besides keep up with my swimming.
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Hello,
I am from Romania, and I am a doctor, radiologist. Since I was a kid I liked very much these amazing creatures. I would like to know if I could become a dolphins keeper or trainer, and how much hard would it be for me as romanian citizen?
Respectfully,
Iunius
November 28th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Hi Iunius,
Unless there is a dolphin facility in Romania, which I don’t think there is one there, you will need to move where the dolphins are. There are plenty of Dolphin facilities in Florida. To see them all, please click this hyper link for more information on the facilites. God Bless, John
November 28th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Hi Lisa, You should join your local YWCA or any swim club to get in shape. God Bless, John
January 4th, 2010 at 6:36 am
hey everyone i am currently a trainner and for everyone that wants to become a trainer that is a big dream ahead of you. I wish the best of luck to you. And if you ask about swimming well you really need to be fit. It is 36 feet down to the bootom of shamu’s tank well happy new year to alll. Do good and school and be sure to go to
moorpark college in california and do your best in school. And also i am from florida and i interned at the sanford zoo so yea. now i spend every day fulfilled with dolphins and its very funnn.
January 5th, 2010 at 7:21 am
Hi Tyler,
You had submitted your post to our blog which means it is open for all to read. Your post was very interesting and I am sure everyone would enjoy reading it. Let me know what you want to do.
God Bless, John
January 7th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
Hi Tyler,
Did you want your comments posted? Otherwise, I will delete them.
God Bless,
John
January 11th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
OK, your first post is now on the blog. Thank you for your input.
Happy New Year!!!
God Bless,
John
January 17th, 2010 at 10:19 pm
Hey my name is Abby and I live in Iowa. I have always dreamed about being a dolphin trainer and finally am getting the push to pursue my dreams. I am currently attending a college here to get my 2 year degree just so I have something under my belt and will be done December of 2010. I would then like to move away and attend a college where I can get hands on experience. I was wondering if you had any advice/ information about how I could get my foot in the door to a college on the coast or anything that would take me a step closer to achieving my dream.
January 27th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
hi! My name is Erin and i am 14 years old i am a USA diver. I am already looking into collages and i would like to be a dolphin trainer at sea world. in order to do this I am looking into florida state where I hope to get a diving scholarship there and study marine biology, but before i go to collage i would like an opportunity to interact with dolphin or go to a camp at sea world. please contact me as soon as possible.
January 28th, 2010 at 7:28 pm
hey i am wondering wat kind of expirence i can get with dolphins before collage, such as: camps, trips etc. thank you
February 5th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Hi Erin,
You can pay for internship in the Bahamas. It would be a great experience for you. Click this blog post about this opportunity for you < Click Here >
Have fun pursuing your dream!!
God Bless,
John
February 5th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Hi Erin,
Have you contacted Sea World? They have great program there.
Let us know what happens.
God Bless,
John
February 28th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
i have e-mailed sea world about a year ago but i never got a response
March 23rd, 2010 at 8:23 am
hi my name is Alisha. i am 12 years old and yesterday i dicided i wanted to become a dolphin trainer and i was wondering how old i had to be to become a dolphin trainer and where the closest facility was near amanda ohio or clombus area.
thanks alot! alisha
March 27th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
Alisha,
You can become a Dolphin Trainer when you graduate college. First I would recommend that you volunteer at your local zoo to make sure you enjoy working with animals. I am pretty Colombus has a zoo.
God Bless,
John
March 27th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
[...] read our blog post in our old site, where there have been lots of comments < Read it> Any comments from you about entering this field or dreaming to be in the field? We would love [...]
April 8th, 2010 at 4:54 pm
cool ! i really want to be a dolphin trainer ! it’s my dreeaaam jobb ! we’re doing a career project and language where we have to write a paper about a career we want to go into when we’re older, and I chose to do my paper on a dolphin trainer ! this website gave me TONS of information i need for my paper ! thanks sooooo much !
[:
April 9th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Wow, that is great. If you want to have your paper published, please email it to us, info@dolphinworld.org and if it is good, we will publish it on DolphinWorld.org and have other read what you came up with.
I am glad we were able to help you.
God Bless,
John
April 26th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
hey what’s up that is so cool and so great they also do have marine biology schools in miami florida if you are looking for one this is so cool and have fun being a trainer maybe soon i will be your trainee please e-mail us this if you want it published
May 4th, 2010 at 10:31 am
Hi Abby,
Yes, please send to me the link or article you have about the Marine Biology program in Miami. You send the information to info@dolphinworld.org
God Bless,
John
May 30th, 2010 at 3:44 pm
I am 12 yeares old and I want to be a dolphin trainer. What can I do NOW to start preparing? Also what should I look into as I get ready to go to college?
June 2nd, 2010 at 7:23 am
i am doing a project and i need a idea
June 9th, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Hi Cora,
What Ideas are you looking for?
John
June 9th, 2010 at 6:52 pm
Hi Ally,
Make sure you volunteer and work with animals, at an aquarium, or zoo, or lastly a veterinarian.
Also, become a certified scuba diver. There should be a dive shop in your town or close by.
I hope this helps you.
God Bless,
John
July 6th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
I have a quick question. I am a senior in high school and am looking at different colleges. I heard about Moorpark College; is it an undergraduate or graduate college?
July 7th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
Hi Gretchen,
Moorpark College is great choice for under graduate. I am not sure if they have a graduate program.
Go to their website to check out more information. http://www.moorparkcollege.edu/
God Bless,
John
August 5th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
Hello, I have been reading this page and it is really helpful. But I have a couple questions that I still need answers to. First, I live in VA and some people were telling me that I would have to go to college in FL somewhere, since there are no dolphins near us. But I was wondering is Virginia Western Community College a good idea to start at? Or do you know of better Community Colleges? Second,what 4year college could I transfer to, that is not too distant from VA. Thank you so much
August 5th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Oh I forgot to add I want to be a dolphin trainer. So I want a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology.
August 9th, 2010 at 2:46 pm
Hi Dominique,
I would go to your community college and talked to their guidance counselor. I am sure your Community College would be a great start for your undergraduate degree. But you should ask them about a Marine Science college in Virginia. i don’t know of any but I am sure their must be be one since the state is on the coast. Remember, you need to be working with animals now, a vet office or something to get your career started.
God Bless,
John
August 30th, 2010 at 2:03 am
hi i have a few questions.
i am currently a junior in high school and i know i want to be a marine mammal trainer. I would love to work my way up to sea world in the end.Would you happen to know which colleges have good psychology programs on the west side more in the california region? Also do you think the US navy marine animal training internship is a good choice?
September 29th, 2010 at 11:57 am
Hi Angelina, well those are some very good questions, as said before there are really no specific colleges for becoming a marine animal trainer. Moorpark College in California is definitely a good place to start. They do focus on an extensive 2 year program on exotic animal training. The school is all about hands on training, and graduates have a very high success rate of employment. The US navy marine animal training program is probably one of the best institutions to train you and educate you on marine animal life, i would definitely encourage that internship as it would absolutely open up possibilities for you in the field.
October 22nd, 2010 at 10:41 am
I would really love to become a dolphin trainer. I have loved dolphins since I was little and I would love to have the opportunity to work with dolphins as a job. I am unsure what classes I need to take and how to pursue this so somebody please help me to live my dream job.
October 25th, 2010 at 11:26 am
Hi Deborah, we have a blog just for you, read this it will give you all the detailed specific answers on what classes you would need and internship possibilities. If you haven’t already done so you should really consider swimming with the dolphins and getting hands on experience with them. We do hope you will do a dolphins swim experience with us, we would love to have you.
God Bless,
Tarek
November 12th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
[...] essence if you are looking to become a professional dolphin trainer, this is an excellent place to [...]
December 6th, 2010 at 7:04 pm
ever since i was 5 i always wanted to be a dolphin trainer now working up to my dream!!!!:)
February 11th, 2011 at 6:50 pm
I’m eleven, soon to be twelve, and I needspecific information on how to become a dolphin trainer. I live in the Chicagoland area close to the Shedd Aqurium ( Chicago Aquarium ) and Brookfield Zoo. How should I ask to volunteer. Directly with dolphins or with any aquatic animal. Also how should I present myself being eleven they might not take me seriously. Also how much should I be able to swim. I need lots of tip as i am not experienced in this area.
February 15th, 2011 at 10:03 am
Hi DolphinLover,
You might be a little young to start volunteering yet at the aquarium. I would call Shedd Aquarium and see what kind of education classes they have for young people. I am sure they have some sort of class for you. You should sign up for any education classes they have. They usually are on Saturday. You should consider go and swim with the dolphins with your family because it will give you an opportunity to see if you really enjoy the dolphins. When you do the dolphin swim program, you will be able to talk to professional marine animal trainers. This is really important. Also, don’t forget to pray and ask for God’s plan for you because your plan might not be God’s plan. When it’s God’s plan all the doors open for you and you will work with Dolphins one day, this is guaranteed. God Bless, John
February 19th, 2011 at 10:44 am
http://swbgadventurecamps.com/adventure-camps/index.htm
If you are 5 grade – college adventure camps at SeaWorld Orlando, San Diego or San Antonio are a really good thing to do. You can get up close and personal with some of the animals and learn what it takes to be a marine mammal trainer. It also gets your foot in the door in one of the parks. They are highly recommended camps.
April 10th, 2011 at 7:23 pm
Is it possible to become a Marine Mammal Trainer and a marine mammal vet?
April 10th, 2011 at 7:26 pm
I live in Trinidad and there are no dolphins here?
April 18th, 2011 at 1:27 pm
Hi Ann Marie,
Sorry, there are no dolphin facilities in Trinidad. To see the other swim with the dolphin facilities, please go to: http://www.dolphinreservation.com to see them.
Have a nice Easter!!
John
April 18th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
Hi Ann Marie,
Yes, you can be a Dolphin trainer and Veterinarian but it will take a lot of schooling and time to do both. You might want to be a Dolphin Trainer and Handler and then shoot for the Veterinarian.
Live your Dreams!!
God Bless,
John
May 23rd, 2011 at 2:53 pm
hello, id like to know if studying marine biology will get me closer to becoming a dolphin trainer? its too detailed and not specifically about dolphins, its everything
thanks!
June 2nd, 2011 at 8:36 am
hi everyone i would like some info on how to become a dolphin trainer at a school in florida
June 7th, 2011 at 10:24 am
have fun
June 7th, 2011 at 9:27 pm
Hi Emily,
Did you read all the suggestions we put in this blog post? Depending on how old you are and how much education you have too. The biggest suggestion I have is to volunteer at a zoo or an aquarium. If you don’t have any of these facilities, then you need to check out http://www.dolphinplaces.com and contact them for a possible internship. I hope this helps.
God Bless,
John
June 7th, 2011 at 9:29 pm
Hi Lana,
Studying marine science will help. If you saw in this blog post about Moorpark College in California, this college deals with dolphin training specifically. You might want to check out this college and see what their program offers.
God bless,
John
July 1st, 2011 at 5:37 pm
i just wanted to say thankyou 4 all of the helpful information on this website it is really a great resource!!
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:18 pm
Hi, im 11 and have been wanting to be a dolphin trainer for some time, but also want to be a veterinarian, so is there like part time things for both of them? And what sort of swim tests are there?
July 28th, 2011 at 11:02 am
Hi Katherine,
I have not heard of anyone wanting or doing both, a Dolphin Trainer or Veterinarian. It takes so much work and education to do both. What I would suggest to you is to volunteer with your local veterinarian and see if you love it. If not, then come and do a swim with the dolphins program and talk to the trainers about their career. You should be able to make a decision if you try both careers before you enter collage. I hope this helps you!
God Bless,
John
August 7th, 2011 at 2:54 pm
Hi, i am 13 and have commited my life to become a dolphin trainer i have planned several camps to do in highscool and have already swam with dolphins several times. my question is how hard is it to get into atlantis dolphin training, because is my greatest dream.
August 17th, 2011 at 11:54 am
i would like to become a dolphin trainer but i dont know how old you have to be any awnsers?? and how much do you get paid an hour??
August 23rd, 2011 at 12:37 pm
Hi Jennifer,
You can be any age from 16 years old and up but most likely you will have to do a free internship. To get paid, you would to get hired from the dolphin facility. If you did get hired, you would get paid from $10 – $12 an hour.
God Bless,
John
September 9th, 2011 at 3:45 am
how to become a mechanic…
[...]Dolphin World Blog » How Do I Become a Dolphin Trainer / Handler?[...]…
September 30th, 2011 at 8:56 pm
Hey so I have been swimming with the dolphins 3 tines bow and it’s my absolute dream to become a dolphin trainer!!! I am a freshman in highschool and trying to figure out which classes to take, and beginning to look at colleges. If you have any suggestions that’d be great! Also I hear about the importance of interning and volunteering, but I live in northern Colorado and that I know of it’s too cold for dolphins to live anywhere near here. Would a humane society be an ok place to volunteer? Or do you know of a place around here that has dolphins? I know for sure that the Denver Aquarium only has sharks, no other large marine animal. Any suggestions on colleges or volunteer places?
October 1st, 2011 at 10:38 am
Hi DolphinLady,
Yes, the biggest thing is to volunteer either at an aquarium of some sort, the Denver aquarium would a nice choice, 2nd best, Denver Zoo, or finally, work with a veterinarian in your area.
Then spend a summer and volunteer with the dolphins. You can do this the at the swim with the dolphins Nassau Bahamas program. They have a great internship there. Read our Dolphin Summer Bahamas Internship blog post about this.
I hope this helps.
God Bless,
John
November 17th, 2011 at 9:32 pm
Hey! I have always been an animal lover, particularly with dolphins. Recently I’ve decided that I want to become a dolphin trainer, handler, or care specialist. I’m not good at public speaking so I think a handler who does not perform with the dolphins in shows would be a better idea. I’ve been contacting all of the animal shelters and zoos around my area I’ve contacted so far say I need to be 14 or 16 to volunteer. I’m only 13, but will be turning 14 in December. I really wish I could be involved with marine mammals (especially dolphins) but I live in Pottstown, PA. The closest aquarium would be Adventure Aquarium in NJ, but they don’t have dolphins and they’re age requirement is older than I am. When I went to Sea World, I got to talk to one of the trainers about getting a career invovled with dolphins. I stayed at the dolphin exhibit for hours while my family enjoyed all of the other exhibits. I have a fascination with dolphins and despite the kind of low salary, it is my dream job. My main question is how can I be involved with animals if my help and internship offers aren’t accepted? Also, are there any places near me that I’m over-looking where I could help with animals? I know this is long, but thank you for your help!! Please respond! Thanks SO much!!!
With much thanks in His service,
Ashleigh (:
November 22nd, 2011 at 3:04 pm
Hi Ashleigh,
You need to be persistent with this career. There is a lot of competition but don’t give up. You should work or volunteer with a local veterinarian until you are old enough for internship at a dolphin facility.
Live your dream, it can work out for you!!
God bless,
John