Animal Trainer Onboarding Checklist

Animal Trainer Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Animal Trainer starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Education onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Animal Trainer, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Animal Trainer onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Animal Trainer Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new animal trainer attends an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the company’s mission, values, policies, and procedures. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated trainer.

2. Introduction to the Team: The new animal trainer is introduced to their immediate team members, including fellow trainers, supervisors, and support staff. This helps establish relationships and fosters a sense of belonging within the company. The team leader or supervisor usually performs this task.

3. Facility Tour: The new animal trainer is given a comprehensive tour of the company’s facilities, including animal enclosures, training areas, and administrative offices. This task is typically performed by a senior trainer or a designated staff member.

4. Safety Training: The new animal trainer undergoes safety training to ensure they understand and adhere to the company’s safety protocols. This includes learning about potential hazards, emergency procedures, and the proper use of personal protective equipment. The safety officer or a designated trainer is responsible for conducting this training.

5. Animal Handling Techniques: The new animal trainer receives training on proper animal handling techniques specific to the species they will be working with. This includes learning about appropriate restraint methods, positive reinforcement training, and understanding animal behavior. Senior trainers or experienced animal handlers typically perform this task.

6. Training Program Overview: The new animal trainer is provided with an overview of the company’s training programs, including the curriculum, training methods, and goals. This task is usually performed by the training manager or a senior trainer.

7. Shadowing Experienced Trainers: The new animal trainer shadows experienced trainers to observe and learn from their techniques and approaches. This allows them to gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience in working with animals. Senior trainers or designated mentors within the company perform this task.

8. Learning Company Policies: The new animal trainer familiarizes themselves with the company’s policies and procedures related to animal welfare, ethical guidelines, and professional conduct. This task is typically performed through self-study or training sessions conducted by the training manager or HR department.

9. Equipment Familiarization: The new animal trainer is introduced to the various equipment and tools used in animal training, such as clickers, target sticks, and harnesses. They learn how to properly use and maintain these tools. Senior trainers or equipment specialists perform this task.

10. Administrative Training: The new animal trainer receives training on administrative tasks, such as record-keeping, scheduling, and reporting. They learn how to use relevant software or systems for data management. The training manager or administrative staff provides this training.

11. Continuing Education Opportunities: The new animal trainer is informed about the company’s commitment to ongoing professional development and provided with information on relevant conferences, workshops, and courses. The training manager or HR department typically shares this information.

12. Performance Expectations: The new animal trainer is provided with clear performance expectations, including goals, targets, and evaluation criteria. They understand what is expected of them in terms of animal training outcomes, teamwork, and professional growth. The training manager or supervisor communicates these expectations.

13. Introduction to Animal Species: If the new animal trainer will be working with specific animal species, they receive an introduction to the characteristics, behavior, and specific needs of those animals. This task is typically performed by experienced trainers or animal specialists.

14. Introduction to Animal Training Techniques: The new animal trainer is introduced to various animal training techniques, such as positive reinforcement, shaping, and desensitization. They learn how to apply these techniques effectively and ethically. Senior trainers or experienced animal trainers perform this task.

15. Introduction to Animal Training Tools: The new animal trainer is introduced to the various tools and props used in animal training, such as target sticks, platforms, and toys. They learn how to incorporate these tools into their training sessions. Senior trainers or experienced animal trainers typically perform this task.

16. Introduction to Animal Training Software: If the company utilizes specialized software for animal training management, the new animal trainer receives training on how to use the software effectively. This task is typically performed by the training manager or designated IT staff.

17. Introduction to Animal Training Protocols: The new animal trainer is introduced to the company’s specific training protocols, including step-by-step procedures for teaching various behaviors or skills to animals. Senior trainers or experienced animal trainers typically perform this task.

18. Introduction to Animal Training Assessments: The new animal trainer learns about the company’s assessment methods for evaluating animal training progress and performance. They understand how to conduct assessments and interpret the results. Senior trainers or experienced animal trainers typically perform this task.

19. Introduction to Animal Training Documentation: The new animal trainer learns how to properly document their training sessions, including progress notes, behavior logs, and training plans. They understand the importance of accurate and detailed documentation. Senior trainers or experienced animal trainers typically perform this task.

20. Introduction to Animal Training Safety Measures: The new animal trainer is educated on safety measures specific to animal training, such as proper handling techniques, avoiding potential risks, and ensuring the well-being of both animals and trainers. Senior trainers or experienced animal trainers typically perform this task

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Animal Trainer checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Animal Trainer up to speed and working well in your Education team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.