How to become an animal breeder

Select and breed animals according to their genealogy, characteristics, and offspring. May require knowledge of artificial insemination techniques and equipment use. May involve keeping records on heats, birth intervals, or pedigree.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

What animal breeders do

• Record animal characteristics such as weights, growth patterns, and diets.
• Observe animals in heat to detect approach of estrus and exercise animals to induce or hasten estrus, if necessary.
• Treat minor injuries and ailments and contact veterinarians to obtain treatment for animals with serious illnesses or injuries.
• Select animals to be bred, and semen specimens to be used, according to knowledge of animals, genealogies, traits, and desired offspring characteristics.
• Examine animals to detect symptoms of illness or injury.
• Build hutches, pens, and fenced yards.

Skills that matter most

• Critical Thinking
• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Science
• Active Learning
• Monitoring
• Reading Comprehension
• Writing

Is animal breeder a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 0% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Ohio $68,980
• California $59,280
• Alabama $53,200
• Wisconsin $51,130
• Texas $48,410

Animal Breeders salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.