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Hilary
Student
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Question
Updated
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How do I enter myself into the animal psychology field, and what career paths are available there (that can sufficiently support me)?
I am a senior in high school who, somewhat recently, discovered that I enjoy observing animal behaviors. I've always known that I love general/human psychology, but applying them to animals makes it much more fun for me. It's not a common field and there's not much out there that I can find on it. Also, to clarify, I am not interested in a veterinary path, as I do not want to treat animals (at least, not based on physical health).
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3 answers
Boniface Ndirangu
Medical Representative and Family Oriented Magazine Contributor/ Editor
4
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Boniface’s Answer
Hi Hilary!
You're embarking on a fascinating journey! Blending your passion for general psychology with an interest in animal observation leads you into a unique and captivating field. While roles specifically labeled “animal psychologist” may be less common than other professions, there are definitely fulfilling, financially viable paths to explore in this area.
Here’s a breakdown to guide you into the field and highlight potential career directions:
How to Get Started in Animal Psychology:
Build a Strong Educational Base:
High School: Prioritize science courses—especially biology and chemistry. Psychology, if offered, is a great start. Math and statistics will be key later for research.
Bachelor’s Degree: This is your first major academic milestone. While specific animal psychology degrees are rare at the undergraduate level, consider:
Psychology: Learn about behavior, learning processes, cognition, and research methods. Complement your major with electives in biology, zoology, or ecology.
Biology or Zoology: Focuses on animal systems, evolutionary behavior, and species diversity. Add psychology electives to round out your perspective.
Animal Behavior: Some universities offer specialized degrees in this—ideal if accessible to you.
Interdisciplinary Programs: Explore programs combining biology, psychology, or neuroscience for a well-rounded approach.
Master’s Degree: For most specialized or research-heavy roles, a Master’s is valuable. Look into programs like:
Animal Behavior: In-depth studies in ethology, comparative psychology, and behavioral applications.
Psychology (Animal Behavior Focus): Some grad programs allow specializations or research tracks in animal behavior.
Biology/Zoology (Behavioral Emphasis): Offers behavior research within ecological or conservation contexts.
Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare: Emphasizes real-world applications of behavior theory to improve animal care.
Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or D.V.M. with Behavior Focus): A Ph.D. is essential for academic research, university teaching, or senior research roles. A D.V.M. with behavior specialization (Veterinary Behaviorist) is for treating behavioral disorders medically—though not your intended path, it’s worth noting for its behavioral depth.
Get Hands-On Experience:
Volunteering: Gain experience at shelters, zoos, aquariums, wildlife centers, or farms. It’s invaluable for learning animal behavior up close.
Internships: Seek opportunities with researchers, trainers, or animal welfare organizations.
Research Assistant Roles: After your bachelor’s, look for lab assistant positions studying animal behavior.
Part-Time Work: Jobs in shelters, kennels, or assistant roles with trainers can offer real-world experience and insight.
Start Networking Early:
Join professional organizations (e.g., Animal Behavior Society).
Attend industry events—conferences, workshops, webinars.
Reach out to researchers and professionals for informational interviews or mentorship.
Career Options in Animal Psychology (That Can Support You):
While “animal psychologist” may not be a standard job title, your expertise can lead to rewarding, financially stable roles:
Animal Behaviorist / Applied Animal Behaviorist:
Role: Study and adjust animal behavior to address issues or improve well-being.
Settings: Private consulting, shelters, zoos, aquariums, research facilities.
Income: Competitive with experience; private consultants can set their rates.
Example: Helping shelter dogs overcome anxiety or designing enrichment activities for captive primates.
Wildlife Biologist / Conservation Behaviorist:
Role: Research wild animals, focusing on behavior, ecosystems, and conservation efforts.
Settings: Government agencies, conservation orgs, research institutions.
Income: Stable, especially in government or grant-funded positions.
Example: Monitoring wolf pack behavior to inform wildlife management or studying the impact of urbanization on bird migration.
Research Scientist (Animal Behavior / Comparative Psychology):
Role: Conduct studies on cognition, social behavior, or problem-solving in animals.
Settings: Universities, zoos, private research firms, nonprofits.
Income: Requires Ph.D.; university or grant-funded roles can pay well.
Example: Exploring how dolphins use vocalizations or studying memory in great apes.
Specialized Animal Trainer:
Role: Train animals using behavior-based techniques for service, education, or entertainment.
Settings: Service dog programs, film industry, zoos, research.
Income: High potential, especially in service animal training or entertainment.
Example: Training a guide dog or preparing a sea lion for an educational show.
Shelter Behavior Manager / Animal Welfare Specialist:
Role: Focus on the mental and emotional welfare of animals in shelters or captivity.
Settings: Shelters, rescue groups, zoos, sanctuaries.
Income: Growing field with improving compensation.
Example: Developing stress-reducing strategies for shelter animals or overseeing behavior rehabilitation programs.
Outreach/Education Specialist (Animal Behavior):
Role: Educate the public on animal behavior and welfare through presentations and programs.
Settings: Zoos, aquariums, museums, nonprofits.
Income: Varies by institution size; larger orgs often offer sustainable wages.
Example: Leading workshops on canine communication or developing educational exhibits on animal behavior.
Animal Industry Consultant:
Role: Advise businesses (e.g., pet food, toy companies, zoos) using your behavioral expertise.
Settings: Freelance or employed by companies.
Income: Strong potential based on experience and industry.
Example: Consulting on how diet influences pet behavior or designing enrichment-friendly animal enclosures.
Key Things to Keep in Mind:
Competition Exists: Particularly in academic and research fields—advanced degrees and strong portfolios make a difference.
Income Can Vary: Based on role, organization, and your credentials. Research salary ranges in your area of interest to plan ahead.
Passion is Vital: This work demands dedication to animal welfare and behavioral science. That drive will set you apart.
Starting young gives you a huge advantage. Build your knowledge in psychology and biology, immerse yourself in practical experiences, and begin forming connections in the field. With time, passion, and persistence, you can absolutely build a fulfilling and financially solid career in animal psychology.
Good luck—you’re on an amazing track!
You're embarking on a fascinating journey! Blending your passion for general psychology with an interest in animal observation leads you into a unique and captivating field. While roles specifically labeled “animal psychologist” may be less common than other professions, there are definitely fulfilling, financially viable paths to explore in this area.
Here’s a breakdown to guide you into the field and highlight potential career directions:
How to Get Started in Animal Psychology:
Build a Strong Educational Base:
High School: Prioritize science courses—especially biology and chemistry. Psychology, if offered, is a great start. Math and statistics will be key later for research.
Bachelor’s Degree: This is your first major academic milestone. While specific animal psychology degrees are rare at the undergraduate level, consider:
Psychology: Learn about behavior, learning processes, cognition, and research methods. Complement your major with electives in biology, zoology, or ecology.
Biology or Zoology: Focuses on animal systems, evolutionary behavior, and species diversity. Add psychology electives to round out your perspective.
Animal Behavior: Some universities offer specialized degrees in this—ideal if accessible to you.
Interdisciplinary Programs: Explore programs combining biology, psychology, or neuroscience for a well-rounded approach.
Master’s Degree: For most specialized or research-heavy roles, a Master’s is valuable. Look into programs like:
Animal Behavior: In-depth studies in ethology, comparative psychology, and behavioral applications.
Psychology (Animal Behavior Focus): Some grad programs allow specializations or research tracks in animal behavior.
Biology/Zoology (Behavioral Emphasis): Offers behavior research within ecological or conservation contexts.
Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare: Emphasizes real-world applications of behavior theory to improve animal care.
Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or D.V.M. with Behavior Focus): A Ph.D. is essential for academic research, university teaching, or senior research roles. A D.V.M. with behavior specialization (Veterinary Behaviorist) is for treating behavioral disorders medically—though not your intended path, it’s worth noting for its behavioral depth.
Get Hands-On Experience:
Volunteering: Gain experience at shelters, zoos, aquariums, wildlife centers, or farms. It’s invaluable for learning animal behavior up close.
Internships: Seek opportunities with researchers, trainers, or animal welfare organizations.
Research Assistant Roles: After your bachelor’s, look for lab assistant positions studying animal behavior.
Part-Time Work: Jobs in shelters, kennels, or assistant roles with trainers can offer real-world experience and insight.
Start Networking Early:
Join professional organizations (e.g., Animal Behavior Society).
Attend industry events—conferences, workshops, webinars.
Reach out to researchers and professionals for informational interviews or mentorship.
Career Options in Animal Psychology (That Can Support You):
While “animal psychologist” may not be a standard job title, your expertise can lead to rewarding, financially stable roles:
Animal Behaviorist / Applied Animal Behaviorist:
Role: Study and adjust animal behavior to address issues or improve well-being.
Settings: Private consulting, shelters, zoos, aquariums, research facilities.
Income: Competitive with experience; private consultants can set their rates.
Example: Helping shelter dogs overcome anxiety or designing enrichment activities for captive primates.
Wildlife Biologist / Conservation Behaviorist:
Role: Research wild animals, focusing on behavior, ecosystems, and conservation efforts.
Settings: Government agencies, conservation orgs, research institutions.
Income: Stable, especially in government or grant-funded positions.
Example: Monitoring wolf pack behavior to inform wildlife management or studying the impact of urbanization on bird migration.
Research Scientist (Animal Behavior / Comparative Psychology):
Role: Conduct studies on cognition, social behavior, or problem-solving in animals.
Settings: Universities, zoos, private research firms, nonprofits.
Income: Requires Ph.D.; university or grant-funded roles can pay well.
Example: Exploring how dolphins use vocalizations or studying memory in great apes.
Specialized Animal Trainer:
Role: Train animals using behavior-based techniques for service, education, or entertainment.
Settings: Service dog programs, film industry, zoos, research.
Income: High potential, especially in service animal training or entertainment.
Example: Training a guide dog or preparing a sea lion for an educational show.
Shelter Behavior Manager / Animal Welfare Specialist:
Role: Focus on the mental and emotional welfare of animals in shelters or captivity.
Settings: Shelters, rescue groups, zoos, sanctuaries.
Income: Growing field with improving compensation.
Example: Developing stress-reducing strategies for shelter animals or overseeing behavior rehabilitation programs.
Outreach/Education Specialist (Animal Behavior):
Role: Educate the public on animal behavior and welfare through presentations and programs.
Settings: Zoos, aquariums, museums, nonprofits.
Income: Varies by institution size; larger orgs often offer sustainable wages.
Example: Leading workshops on canine communication or developing educational exhibits on animal behavior.
Animal Industry Consultant:
Role: Advise businesses (e.g., pet food, toy companies, zoos) using your behavioral expertise.
Settings: Freelance or employed by companies.
Income: Strong potential based on experience and industry.
Example: Consulting on how diet influences pet behavior or designing enrichment-friendly animal enclosures.
Key Things to Keep in Mind:
Competition Exists: Particularly in academic and research fields—advanced degrees and strong portfolios make a difference.
Income Can Vary: Based on role, organization, and your credentials. Research salary ranges in your area of interest to plan ahead.
Passion is Vital: This work demands dedication to animal welfare and behavioral science. That drive will set you apart.
Starting young gives you a huge advantage. Build your knowledge in psychology and biology, immerse yourself in practical experiences, and begin forming connections in the field. With time, passion, and persistence, you can absolutely build a fulfilling and financially solid career in animal psychology.
Good luck—you’re on an amazing track!
Wow! Thank you so much! That’s so much useful information, I really appreciate your time in answering my question.
Hilary
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Hilary !
Great aspirations, but a hard bill to follow if you don't want to study and work with animals.
To get into Animal Psychology you would have to become a Veterinarian. Those are the people who have studied both the physical aspect as well as the behavior of animals which is greatly different from humans. A study in human behavior will not apply to this work. Are you just fascinated by animal behavior or do you have a specific goal that a university would allow you to incorporate animals into a degree for psychology ?
I know one person who has done this - Francine Patterson. She's the PhD who taught Koko the gorilla American Sign Language. I have observed her work and it's super amazing. So, if you're willing to go as far as a PhD in human Psychology, make the right connections, have a unique quest in working with animals, than you should look more into it. This career would require extensive research also.
My advice is to meet with a Psychology professor at a college and discuss your interest. See what the professor says. You'll have to express more than a fascination so work on some concrete things like teaching animals to do things. That's mostly why animal behavior is delved into. Training or teaching the animal.
There is another guy that you may already know, Cesar Millan. He modifies pets behavior from bad to good behavior as he trains them. He has had a TV series and has written the book "Cesar's Way" which you can read. He happens to have no college degree or special credential that qualified him for an animal behavior career. He must have just known the right people because it's not everyone that gets a TV series and a book published.
Those are the only two people I know that went into animal behavior, but you could probably find more on line if you search under Animal Training. Think about the college path that you might want to take and what you'd like to make a long term commitment to.
I wish you all the best moving forward !
Great aspirations, but a hard bill to follow if you don't want to study and work with animals.
To get into Animal Psychology you would have to become a Veterinarian. Those are the people who have studied both the physical aspect as well as the behavior of animals which is greatly different from humans. A study in human behavior will not apply to this work. Are you just fascinated by animal behavior or do you have a specific goal that a university would allow you to incorporate animals into a degree for psychology ?
I know one person who has done this - Francine Patterson. She's the PhD who taught Koko the gorilla American Sign Language. I have observed her work and it's super amazing. So, if you're willing to go as far as a PhD in human Psychology, make the right connections, have a unique quest in working with animals, than you should look more into it. This career would require extensive research also.
My advice is to meet with a Psychology professor at a college and discuss your interest. See what the professor says. You'll have to express more than a fascination so work on some concrete things like teaching animals to do things. That's mostly why animal behavior is delved into. Training or teaching the animal.
There is another guy that you may already know, Cesar Millan. He modifies pets behavior from bad to good behavior as he trains them. He has had a TV series and has written the book "Cesar's Way" which you can read. He happens to have no college degree or special credential that qualified him for an animal behavior career. He must have just known the right people because it's not everyone that gets a TV series and a book published.
Those are the only two people I know that went into animal behavior, but you could probably find more on line if you search under Animal Training. Think about the college path that you might want to take and what you'd like to make a long term commitment to.
I wish you all the best moving forward !
Thank you! Yes, I’m well aware that being a vet is one of the only paths, which is why I wanted to ask to see if there were others. I’ve done a lot of individual research on dog and horse behavior specifically, and I volunteered at an animal shelter where I love to be, so I can fairly confidently say this is more than just a fascination. I’d love to follow the paths of either of those two people you mentioned, I just don’t know how much stability I’d get out of a job like that or how much luck is involved, so I came on here to ask. Thank you for your response!
Hilary
I encourage you to go for it. For training animals, most likely you could start your own service business. It's kind of like animal behavior jobs are on an as-needed basis. It could be something you can do on weekends and free time in addition to a full time job. It's a great field, so don't give up !
Michelle M.
Steph Rose
Doggie Daycare, Boarding and Grooming Manager
4
Answers
Wareham, Massachusetts
Updated
Steph’s Answer
It’s awesome that you’re interested in animal behavior—it’s a fascinating field with so many ways to make a real difference in animals’ lives! As you start learning more, it’s really important to be thoughtful about the sources you follow. You might come across popular shows like Cesar Millan’s, but I want to gently let you know that his training methods are widely criticized by professionals in the animal behavior community. While the show can make it look like progress happens quickly, a lot of it is edited for entertainment, and many of the techniques used rely on fear, intimidation, or physical corrections—which can be harmful and aren’t supported by current science.
If you’re serious about pursuing this path, I’d really recommend starting with trainers and behaviorists who use positive reinforcement and evidence-based methods. People like Patricia McConnell, Dr. Sophia Yin, and organizations like the IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants) or CCPDT (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers) are great places to learn from. Building your understanding through kind, humane approaches will set you up for long-term success—and help you create strong, trusting relationships with animals along the way.
If you’re serious about pursuing this path, I’d really recommend starting with trainers and behaviorists who use positive reinforcement and evidence-based methods. People like Patricia McConnell, Dr. Sophia Yin, and organizations like the IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants) or CCPDT (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers) are great places to learn from. Building your understanding through kind, humane approaches will set you up for long-term success—and help you create strong, trusting relationships with animals along the way.
Thank you so much for your response! Yes, I am well aware of Cesar Millan’s reputation, and a huge part of my motivator for studying this field is to want to use positive reinforcement methods rather than fear and intimidation. Thank you for the recommendations of people; that will be super helpful. Thank you!
Hilary