Pet Training Program Manager

Career Guide

Oversees design and delivery of pet training programs, manages trainers, and ensures safe, effective classes for clients and their animals. Sets curriculum, schedules, quality standards, and metrics, and resolves escalated behavior or customer issues.

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Key Responsibilities

Design and update group and private training curricula
Hire, train, schedule, and coach instructors
Set safety, welfare, and handling protocols for animals and people
Monitor KPIs (enrollments, completion, NPS, revenue, refunds)
Handle escalated behavior cases and customer concerns
Coordinate marketing of classes and partnerships with stores/shelters
Ensure compliance with facility and equipment standards

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Regional Dog Training Manager

Director of Training (Pet Services)

Animal Behavior Manager

Pet Services Operations Manager

Transition Opportunities

Animal Shelter Manager

Animal Behavior Consultant

Veterinary Practice Manager

Learning and Development Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Applied canine learning theory and behavior modification planningCurriculum design for progressive group classesInstructor evaluation and coachingSafety/risk management for dog-dog and dog-human interactionsScheduling optimization and KPI tracking

Development SuggestionsLog supervised training hours and complete a recognized certification (e.g., CPDT-KA). Shadow or assist a training program to practice curriculum design, class flow, and instructor feedback using real class data.

Market Intelligence Report

Pet Training Program Manager is part of the Pet Care category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level$50,000 - $65,000

Mid Level$65,000 - $85,000

Senior Level$85,000 - $110,000

Growth Trend

growing — Pet ownership and spend rising; chains and shelters expanding training programs

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

PetcoPetSmartASPCA

Industry Sectors

Pet RetailAnimal Welfare & NonprofitPet Boarding & Daycare Services

Recommended Next Steps

Earn CPDT-KA: accrue supervised hours, study learning theory, and pass the exam; add Pet First Aid/CPR.

Complete an advanced program (e.g., KPA-CTP) and Fear Free certification to strengthen humane, science-based methods.

Assist or volunteer to co-teach classes; build a sample multi-week curriculum and learn a scheduling/CRM tool (e.g., Mindbody/Gingr) and basic budgeting in Excel.