About Britta

 
dog trainer and cat trainer in san diego
 
 
Britta Wilson

Me and Finnegan, a Golden Retriever, at the San Elijo Lagoon at sunset.

Me and Pokihantas, a South African Crested porcupine, at the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park.

Me and Karroo, a South African cheetah, at the San Diego Zoo on our morning walk.

Working as a Captive Wildlife Specialist for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). My job was to try and get legislation passed to ban the bull hook and improve the lives of elephants in captivity.

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor of Arts-Psychology, Minor-Biology, Emphasis-Animal Behavior-California State University, Long Beach

  • Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed-Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA)

  • Certified Training Partner-​Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior (KPA CTP)

  • ​Graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy Puppy Start Right for Instructor’s Course

  • Supporting Member of International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)

  • CATCH (Canine Mentors Academy) Official Mentor Trainer

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

My professional journey in the zoo field began during the mid-1980s, where I volunteered for The Orangutan Foundation in Los Angeles, California, and worked as a veterinary assistant at Sun Surf Animal Hospital in Sunset Beach, California. In 1993, I graduated from California State University, Long Beach, and secured a keeper position at the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park. There, I cared for a diverse array of animals, including mountain lions, colobus monkeys, ring-tailed lemurs, white-handed gibbons, and farm animals.

Subsequently, in 1995, I joined the Zoological Society of San Diego’s Education Department as an educator/guide at the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park. My multifaceted role involved leading behind-the-scenes tours, educating guests about wildlife and the environment, presenting animals to visitors, serving as a backup lead trainer for Wildlife Education, driving photo caravan trucks, and acting as a media spokesperson for local news.

In 2001, I realized my dream by becoming an animal trainer at the San Diego Zoo. Within the Animal Behavior Management Department’s Husbandry and Enrichment division, I collaborated with keepers to enhance training for husbandry and medical procedures. Additionally, I provided enrichment activities for a wide range of zoo inhabitants, including elephants, hippopotamuses, bears, gorillas, orangutans, tigers, lions, and giraffes.

In 2003, I transitioned to the shows division and became part of the Hunte Amphitheater of Animal Behavior. There, I cared for, handled, and trained over twenty-five exotic animals, performing in shows attended by thousands of guests annually. Among the remarkable creatures I worked with were a South African cheetah, a North American arctic wolf, North American red-tailed hawks, Southeast Asian binturongs, an African red river hog, Southeast Asian clouded leopards, an Australian emu, African servals, an Australian kookaburra, South American pacaranas, a North American reindeer, a North American badger, and golden retrievers.

My journey extended beyond zoos into the realm of animal welfare and rescue. In 2008, I transitioned to this field, serving as an adoption counselor for the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA. Additionally, I worked as a captive wildlife specialist for PETA, advocating for the welfare of elephants in zoos and circuses and as an elephant caregiver at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee—one of the United States’ three reputable elephant sanctuaries.

In June 2012, I founded Britta’s Animal Training and Pet Services, bringing my extensive twenty-five-plus years of experience in the animal field to pet parents in San Diego. During this time, I’ve trained volunteers for the County of San Diego’s Department of Animal Services, instructed at Rancho Coastal Humane Society, and developed the “Junior Animal Trainer” program at Mira Costa College’s “College for Kids.” This program focused on teaching children clicker training techniques, the benefits of enrichment for dogs, and potential careers in the animal field.

PERSONAL

I am a proud eighth-generation San Diegan, raised along the sun-kissed shores between Del Mar and Leucadia. My childhood was infused with the rhythm of the waves and the magic of nature, thanks to countless hours spent at the beach. My mother’s unwavering love for animals further ignited my passion for the natural world.

Beyond my work at Britta’s Animal Training, I manage two other businesses. When I’m not immersed in my professional endeavors, you’ll find me practicing yoga, riding my bike along San Diego’s scenic coast, capturing the ocean’s beauty through photography, and sharing delightful moments with my adopted kitties, Alessandra (Ali) and Gabriella (Gabby).

 

 

Professional Affiliations