Animal behaviorists study why animals behave the way they do and what factors influence their actions. They may specialize in certain species, such as fish, birds, livestock, or pets, or focus on specific behaviors like hunting, mating, or parenting. Using approaches like Tinbergen's four questions, they investigate causes, development, function, and evolution of behavior. Some focus on applied animal behavior, helping pet owners modify problematic behavior. Animal behaviorists work in universities, research facilities, zoos, shelters, training centers, pet product companies, animal welfare organizations, and private practice.

Education, Training and Experience

• Major in biology, psychology, or animal behavior in college.
• Seek volunteer opportunities, internships, or part-time/summer work that provides direct interaction with animals.
• Network with professional animal behaviorists to express career interest.
• Gain experience at zoos, animal shelters, or as a volunteer field assistant with researchers; these positions may be unpaid but offer valuable preparation.
• For research or lead curator roles, acquire at least five years of zoo experience and consider a postgraduate degree (master's or doctorate) in fields such as veterinary medicine, ethology, comparative psychology, behavioral ecology, sociobiology, or a specialized field like ornithology.
• A Ph.D. may be required for teaching at the college level.
• To focus on behavior change in pets, pursue certification as an associate applied animal behaviorist (master's required) or certified applied animal behaviorist (doctorate required).
• The Animal Behavior Society offers a certification program and maintains a directory of training programs in North America.

Detailed Work Activities

• Some animal behaviorists work in academic settings, typically in biology or psychology departments, teaching and conducting research.
• Companies that use animals may employ behaviorists to study behavior and provide behavioral enrichment.
• Many animal behaviorists begin as full- or part-time research assistants.
• Larger zoos may hire behaviorists and assistants to conduct research, serve as curators, design animal environments, monitor behavior, develop educational displays, and speak to the public.
• Behaviorists specializing in behavior change may work in private practice, zoos, animal shelters, or the veterinary field.
• Some train animals for entertainment or as companion animals.
• Government agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state/local wildlife agencies, or the USDA, may hire behaviorists to monitor wild populations or inspect animal facilities.