Fashionista Studios — Trainer & Coach Careers
Trainer & Coach Application
Fashionista Studios accepts applications from credentialed animal training professionals on a selective, rolling basis. All positions require verified credentials, a clean background, and demonstrated experience working with animal talent in professional production environments. We do not accept unsolicited resumes or walk-in inquiries.
Compensation
$1,750 – $3,500 / session
Compensation is determined by verified credentials, years of documented professional experience, species specialization, and production environment history. All offers are made in writing following successful completion of the full hiring process.
Entry — 3 to 5 years experience
$1,750 / session
CCPDT or APDT credential required. Limited or no production environment experience.
Mid-Level — 5 to 8 years experience
$2,400 / session
Active CCPDT certification preferred. Documented production experience required.
Senior — 8 or more years experience
$3,500 / session
Extensive production credits, multi-species capability, and demonstrated on-set leadership.
Compensation ranges are subject to change. Final offer is contingent on credential verification, background clearance, and drug screening results. Fashionista Studios does not negotiate compensation outside of the formal offer process.
Location Partner Supplement
+$1,200 / session
Training & Boarding Location Supplement
Fashionista Studios partners with certified trainers who own or operate approved farm and rural properties to board and train talent animals on-site. Qualified trainers who provide a compliant location for up to six pets simultaneously are eligible for an additional $1,200 per session location supplement, paid on top of their base session compensation.
Approved Location
The property must be a farm, rural, or equivalent facility with adequate space, secure enclosures, and appropriate infrastructure to safely house and train up to six animals at one time. All facilities are subject to inspection and approval by Fashionista Studios prior to any animals being placed.
Capacity
The supplement applies to a maximum of six pets boarded and in active training at the location at any given time. Compensation does not scale beyond six animals regardless of actual capacity.
Additional Credentials Required
To qualify for the location supplement, the trainer must hold credentials or certifications from professional pet training programs accredited by the recognized councils listed under Professional Credentials — CCPDT, APDT, or equivalent bodies recognized by those councils. Credentials specific to animal boarding, animal husbandry, or facility management are strongly preferred and must be submitted with the application.
Partner Agreement
Location partners must execute a separate Fashionista Studios Location Partner Agreement covering facility standards, animal welfare obligations, liability, insurance requirements, and inspection rights. The supplement is contingent on the agreement remaining in good standing. Fashionista Studios reserves the right to suspend or terminate the supplement if facility standards are not maintained.
The location supplement is not guaranteed and is subject to availability of partner placements. Fashionista Studios operates a limited number of active location partnerships at any time. Eligible applicants interested in the supplement should indicate their interest and facility details in the application.
Ready to execute the Location Partner Agreement?
Review the full agreement and sign electronically online. No printing required.
Total Compensation
Benefits & Perks
Fashionista Studios offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the long-term wellbeing, professional growth, and financial security of every trainer on our team.
Commission & Bonuses
- Per-session performance bonuses ranging from $130 to over $6,000 annually, tied to scheduling efficiency and session volume.
- Employee Bonus Shares of up to $10,000 paid in December and end of July each year.
Health & Wellness
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance for all employed trainers.
- Essential liability coverage for property damage and animal bites through Pet Care Insurance.
Paid Time Off
- Year 1: 100 hours PTO. Years 2–4: 150 hours. Years 5–9: 200 hours. Year 10+: 230 hours.
- Sick leave: up to 30 hours per year.
- 4 rolling holidays plus fixed holidays: Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, and Easter Weekend (Good Friday through Easter Monday).
Continuing Education
- Allowance and paid time off for professional seminars, behavior certifications, and national conferences including those hosted by the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT).
Equipment & Mileage
- Fuel reimbursement and mobile-training vehicle stipends.
- Specialized training gear and equipment coverage.
Retirement & 401(k)
- Up to 8% company 401(k) match, with a minimum 4% match for the first 3 years.
- 100% vested in the company at 10 years of employment.
- Access to SEP-IRA and Solo 401(k) options for self-employed arrangements.
Benefits eligibility is subject to employment classification and tenure. Employment with Fashionista Studios is governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee. Details provided during the offer process. All figures are subject to change.
Our Standards
Every trainer and coach employed by Fashionista Studios is held to the same rigorous standard we apply to our talent programs. We are a credential-first organization. We do not make exceptions to our hiring requirements regardless of experience level, personal referrals, or prior industry recognition. The following requirements are non-negotiable and apply to all applicants without exception.
Non-Negotiable Requirements
All requirements apply without exception
CCPDT or APDT Certification Required
All applicants must hold a current, active certification from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) or membership in good standing with the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT). Lapsed, suspended, or revoked certifications will result in immediate disqualification. Certification documentation must be submitted with the application and will be independently verified.
Continuing Education Compliance
Applicants must demonstrate compliance with their certifying body's continuing education requirements for the current and preceding two certification cycles. Transcripts or CEU records must be submitted as part of the application package.
Force-Free Methodology
Fashionista Studios operates exclusively under force-free, positive reinforcement-based training methodology. Applicants who have used, advocated for, or been formally associated with aversive training tools or methods — including prong collars, shock collars, alpha-dominance frameworks, or compulsion-based techniques — will not be considered.
Comprehensive Criminal Background Check
All applicants are subject to a comprehensive criminal background investigation conducted by a third-party screening provider. The investigation covers a minimum of seven years and includes federal, state, and county criminal records; sex offender registry; and global watchlist screening. Any conviction involving animal cruelty, abuse, neglect, or endangerment results in permanent disqualification. Other convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.
Professional Conduct History
Applicants must disclose any formal complaints, disciplinary actions, or sanctions filed against them with any professional certifying body, animal welfare organization, or regulatory authority. Undisclosed disciplinary history discovered during the screening process will result in immediate disqualification and may be reported to the relevant certifying body.
Driving Record Review
A current motor vehicle record (MVR) check is required for all applicants. Positions involving animal transport require a clean driving record with no DUI, reckless driving, or at-fault accident history within the preceding five years.
Pre-Employment Drug Testing
All applicants who advance to the final interview stage are required to complete a pre-employment drug screening administered by a certified collection site. Testing is conducted via urinalysis and screens for a standard 10-panel substance panel. A confirmed positive result will result in disqualification. Applicants may not reapply for a period of 24 months following a confirmed positive.
Random and Post-Incident Testing
All employed trainers and coaches are subject to random drug and alcohol testing throughout the duration of their employment. Post-incident testing is mandatory following any on-set incident involving an animal, handler, or crew member. Refusal to submit to testing is treated as a positive result and constitutes grounds for immediate termination.
Minimum Experience Threshold
Applicants must have a minimum of three years of documented, paid professional experience in animal training. Experience must be verifiable through employment records, client contracts, or professional references. Volunteer experience, personal pet ownership, and hobbyist training do not count toward this requirement.
Production Environment Experience
Preference is given to applicants with direct, documented experience working with animal talent in commercial, editorial, broadcast, or film production environments. Applicants without production experience must demonstrate equivalent on-set readiness through portfolio documentation and a practical skills assessment conducted during the interview process.
Species Specialization
Applicants must identify their primary species specialization (canine, feline, or exotic companion) and provide documentation of relevant experience within that specialization. Generalist claims without supporting documentation will not be accepted.
Three Professional References Required
Applicants must provide a minimum of three professional references. All references must be current or former supervisors, employers, or professional colleagues with direct knowledge of the applicant's training work. Personal references, family members, and self-employed clients without verifiable business credentials will not be accepted. References will be contacted directly and asked to complete a structured reference questionnaire.
Certifying Body Reference
At least one reference must be a credentialed professional who can speak directly to the applicant's training methodology, ethical conduct, and professional standing within the animal training community. This reference may be a CCPDT-certified trainer, a APDT member in good standing, a veterinary behaviorist, or a recognized industry professional.
Application & Hiring Process
01
Submit Complete Application Package
Applications must include: completed application form, current resume or CV, copies of all active professional certifications, CEU transcripts for the current and preceding two cycles, and contact information for three professional references. Incomplete packages will not be reviewed and will not receive a response.
02
Credential Verification
Our hiring team independently verifies all submitted credentials directly with the issuing certifying body. This process typically takes 3 to 5 business days. Applicants whose credentials cannot be verified, or whose credentials are found to differ from what was submitted, will be disqualified and may be reported to the relevant certifying body.
03
Reference Interviews
All three professional references are contacted and asked to complete a structured questionnaire covering training methodology, professional conduct, reliability, and on-set behavior. Reference interviews are conducted by phone or video conference. Negative or inconsistent reference feedback may result in disqualification at this stage.
04
Panel Interview & Practical Assessment
Qualified applicants are invited to a formal panel interview with Fashionista Studios' senior training staff and operations leadership. The interview includes a structured behavioral assessment and, for applicants without documented production experience, a live practical skills demonstration with a studio animal. Interviews are conducted at our facility and require in-person attendance.
05
Background Investigation & Drug Screening
Applicants who advance past the panel interview are required to authorize a comprehensive background investigation and complete a pre-employment drug screening within 48 hours of receiving the authorization request. Failure to complete either within the required window will result in withdrawal of the application.
06
Conditional Offer & Onboarding
Applicants who successfully complete all stages receive a conditional offer of employment contingent on satisfactory background and drug screening results. Upon clearance, the offer is confirmed and onboarding is scheduled. All new hires complete a mandatory two-week orientation covering Fashionista Studios' protocols, animal welfare standards, production procedures, and conduct expectations before working with any talent.