How Much Do Animal Behaviorists Make

The growing field of veterinary care offers a wealth of career opportunities for people interested in animal medicine. An animal behaviorist provides an essential service and is one part of the spectrum of comprehensive animal care.

What is An Animal Behaviorist?

An animal behaviorist serves an important role in the field of animal medicine. Behaviorists use their unique training and skillset to study animal behavior and appropriate behavior modification techniques. Assessing the behavior of an animal is an important part of determining whether the animal’s environment is the healthiest possible for the animal’s physical and mental well-being.

Typically, an animal behaviorist works closely with domestic animals and pets to ensure a safe environment for the animal and its caregivers.

An animal behaviorist’s typical duties can include working with pets to correct inappropriate behavior; studying an animal’s current behavior patterns to find the ideal home environment for them and working to curb negative behaviors without the use of inhumane disciplinary measures.

While an animal behaviorist may work exclusively with domestic animals, they are also utilized in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries to provide care to wild animals.

For example, an animal behaviorist who works with animals in captivity can use their skills to make sure those animals are comfortable and healthy in their environment.

Behaviorists can also work closely with communities who have a large population of wild animals.

By working with community leaders and residents, the animal behaviorist can give tips to residents on how to avoid wild animal confrontations as well as work on modifying wild animal behavior so they do not pose a threat to the community and its residents.

How Do I Become an Animal Behaviorist?

Choosing to become an animal behaviorist opens up the opportunity for a rewarding and potentially lucrative career.

Currently, there is no federal or state requirement for becoming an animal behaviorist. However, interested parties may seek independent certification through a number of organizations in order to enhance their resume and increase desirability.

Because veterinary medicine is such a competitive field, it’s recommended to seek certification before attempting to apply for jobs.

Before you can seek certification, however, you must have a strong background in veterinary medicine. Qualified candidates should also obtain a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as Zoology, Animal Psychology, Biology, or Animal Sciences.

After completing a bachelor’s degree, students must seek a graduate education that can result in a master’s degree or a doctorate, depending on the student’s specialization interests and final career goals.

To enhance your experience and skillset, those interested in becoming animal behaviorists should apply for internships where they will work closely with animals. An internship will provide hands-on experience that is invaluable to anyone interested in a career in veterinary care.

How Much Does an Animal Behaviorist Make?

There are a wide variety of career options for the animal behaviorist. While this career can be a potentially lucrative job opportunity, it’s not expected that the entry-level behaviorist will make more than around $35,000 per year.

However, the potential for growth and job advancement is great. Qualified animal behaviorists can make up to $90,000 annually depending on the position and/or organization they work for.

On average, a typical salary for the animal behaviorist is hard to quantify but can be anywhere from $40,000 to $60,000 per year.

Becoming an animal behaviorist requires extensive schooling and a passion for animals. Because veterinary medicine is a continuously growing field, there are no shortage of jobs for the animal behaviorist. With the proper schooling and a commitment to the health and well being of animals, an animal behaviorist can expect a positive job outlook and a rewarding career in the field of veterinary care.

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