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How to Become An Animal Breeder

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What is a Animal Breeder

An animal breeder selects and pairs animals to produce offspring with the traits they want. It is a hands-on career with a strong science base. You will work with genetics, animal care, and breeding every day.

Breeders work with many species, including dogs, horses, cattle, and poultry. Each species has its own standards, health needs, and breeding rules. You choose your focus area based on your interests and the local market.

Day-to-day tasks include feeding and health checks, managing breeding schedules, and keeping detailed records. You will also spend time teaching buyers and attending shows. Building a strong network of vets, clients, and fellow breeders helps you grow your operation.

If you love animals and enjoy mixing science with hands-on care, animal breeding is a great choice. It lets you make a real impact on the animals you raise and the people who care for them.

Explore study options in Animal Care

Career Outlook for Animal Breeder

Animal breeding in Australia sits within the broader livestock and animal care industry. Breeders work across livestock farming, pet breeding, and horse sectors. Most work full-time, though around 26% of roles in the Livestock Farmers group are part-time (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025).

The Livestock Farmers group (ANZSCO 1213) employs around 72,400 people in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The median age is 60, showing that experience is highly valued. While the broader farming sector has seen some mergers, pet and niche breed markets continue to grow.

Future demand will be shaped by genetics research, ethical breeding trends, and rising pet ownership rates. Breeders who apply current science and meet welfare rules are best placed for long-term success. Staying up to date with breeding tools and industry rules will give you an edge in this field.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become an Animal Breeder

Step 1: Complete the Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30121)

Enrol in the Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30121) at a TAFE or RTO. This takes around 12 months full-time. It covers animal behaviour, basic health care, nutrition, and safe handling of animals.

Step 2: Complete the Animal Breeder Skill Set (ACMSS00036)

Build on your Certificate III by completing the Animal Breeder Skill Set (ACMSS00036). RTOs that deliver the ACM Animal Care and Management Training Package offer this skill set. It covers breeding work, animal enrichment, and safe interaction with breeding stock. This takes around 3 to 6 months part-time.

Step 3: Gain Hands-On Experience with a Skilled Breeder or Farm

Spend at least 6 to 12 months working with a skilled breeder or in an animal care centre. This gives you real-world knowledge of breeding schedules, newborn care, and health management. Helping out on a farm or at an animal shelter is a good starting point.

Step 4: Register with the Relevant Industry Body for Your Species

If you breed dogs, register with a state member body of Dogs Australia. For horse breeding, connect with your state breed society or Equestrian Australia. For livestock, check sign-up rules with your state department of primary industries. Membership gives you access to breed standards and pedigree records.

Step 5: Meet Legal Rules and Establish Your Breeding Program

Check the laws that apply to breeders in your state or territory. You may need a breeder ID number, a domestic animal business licence, or a property ID code (PIC). Once you meet these rules, set up your breeding program. Start producing animals that meet your chosen breed standards.

What does an Animal Breeder do?

A typical day for an animal breeder starts early with feeding, grooming, and health checks. Breeders check each animal’s state and adjust care routines as needed. Throughout the day, they plan and carry out breeding sessions, choosing pairs based on genetic data. They keep records of lineage, health, and breeding results to stay on top of their program. Time is also spent talking with clients, going to shows, and keeping up with industry news. It is a hands-on career that suits those who are neat, caring, and keen on the animals they raise.

Tasks

Animal breeders carry out a wide range of tasks to manage breeding programs and care for their animals. These tasks are key to producing healthy offspring and running a successful operation.

  • Animal Care – Daily feeding, grooming, and health monitoring of all breeding animals.
  • Breeding Management – Planning and running breeding programs based on genetic goals.
  • Record Keeping – Tracking lineage, health records, and breeding outcomes for each animal.
  • Health Assessments – Regular health checks and vet visits to keep animals in top condition.
  • Genetic Analysis – Selecting the best breeding pairs based on genetic traits and breed standards.
  • Facility Maintenance – Keeping housing and equipment clean, safe, and compliant with regulations.
  • Market Research – Staying across breed trends and what buyers want from the market.
  • Client Consultation – Advising buyers on animal care and what to expect from their new pet or stock.
  • Training and Socialisation – Helping young animals settle in and get ready for their new homes.
  • Collaboration – Working with vets, nutritionists, and other specialists to improve breeding outcomes.

Skills for Success

Animal breeding calls for both science smarts and a caring nature. You need to understand genetics well enough to pick parent animals that will pass on the traits you want. Knowledge of animal health, nutrition, and breeding cycles is also key.

Good record-keeping is a must. You will track breeding histories, health checks, and genetic data for every animal in your care. Staying tidy and organised helps you make smart choices and build a program others can trust. Strong people skills help you deal with clients, vets, and other breeders every day.

Skills & Attributes

  • Knowledge of animal genetics and breeding techniques
  • Understanding of animal husbandry and reproductive biology
  • Strong observational skills for assessing animal health and behaviour
  • Accurate record-keeping and data management
  • People skills for working with clients, vets, and fellow breeders
  • Problem-solving ability to address breeding and health challenges
  • Patience and physical stamina for hands-on animal care
  • Commitment to ethical breeding practices and animal welfare
  • Basic business skills for managing a breeding operation
  • Ability to comply with relevant legislation and regulations

Average Salaries

Animal breeders in Australia earn around $71,000 a year on average (ERI Economic Research Institute, 2026). Pay ranges from $53,000 to $84,000 based on species, experience, and the size of the breeding business.

min $53 K

max $84 K

av $71 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.