Animal Behaviourist
OFO No: 213101
What is an Animal Behaviourist?
People who study animal behaviour are divides into 2 categories:
Ethologist
- study what is known about the animal – like anatomy and how the animal behaves in its wild state
Behaviourists
- interested in what an animal can do and what can we do to change that behaviour to make the animal fit better into his home environment
CLICK HERE: Are you an animal lover?
As an Ethologist your tasks could include:
- watches the animal over days, months or even years
- collects statistics
- takes detailed notes and photographs
- collects specimens and samples for laboratory work
- writes reports
- attends conferences
- talks to other scientists
Are you … ?
- an animal lover?
- gentle and kind?
- observant?
- good with statistics?
- able to write reports?
- patient?
- willing to spend hours, days or even months on your own in remote places?
- able to work strange hours?
- willing to work under extreme weather conditions?
- able to sleep and live in very basic tents or shacks?
- willing to travel a lot?
- writes funding proposals
As an Animal Behaviourist your tasks could include:
- assesses the animal in its day to day life, as well as while it’s engaged in the problem behaviour
- communicates with the animal’s owner
- works with both animal and the owner on a solution
- liaises with vets
- writes reports
Are you . . . ?
- a caring person who is good at communication with people?
- an animal lover?
- gentle and kind?
- observant?
- able to write reports?
- patient?
- able to work strange hours?
- willing to travel?
How do I become an Ethologist or Animal Behaviourist?
Ethologist:
To become an Ethologist you need a 4 year Bachelor’s Degree in Science (BSc) or Animal Science.
A Master’s Degree in Biology or Behavioural Science with Animal Behaviour is an advantage.
Some Ethologists might do a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) which will give them special medical skills as if they are studying illness in animal behaviour.
Most universities in South Africa offer these degrees.
TRAINING:
- CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
- Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
- To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.
- CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
Animal Behaviourist:
To become an Animal Behaviourist you do not need to have a University degree or have attended Veterinary college. There are a number of institutions that offer courses, some up to Diploma level, that will give you a qualification in this specialised field.
Offers UK based Companion Animal (Dogs and Cats) Behaviour courses; from Pet Owner interest courses through to the internationally recognised, independently accredited Advanced Diploma.
Offers both basic and advance courses in Animal Behaviour in four different companion animal species namely dogs, cats, horses or birds (eg parrots).
Minimum requirements: a student must have completed Grade12 and be older than 18 years.
Some organisations offer specialised courses:
For example: African Wild Dog Behaviour Course is for those who want to learn more about wildlife and wildlife conservation.
Students with no prior experience in this field may also enrol for these courses.
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Animal Trainer … or … Animal Health Technician
Is becoming an Animal Behaviourist the right career choice for me?
