Animal behaviourists lead interesting and rewarding careers, many of which are fuelled by a passion for helping animals. Using years of studying and practice, they are able to positively impact the lives of not only the animals they work with but also the owners and carers of sad animals. But what does an animal behaviourist do? What does their day-to-day life look like? Is it a lucrative career to pursue?

What Does an Animal Behaviourist Do?

An animal behaviourist examines and analyses animal behaviour, using scientific principles to understand, predict, and influence their actions. They typically use scientific principles and theories to help transform any troublesome behaviours that may be occurring in the animal. 

While it is not completely unheard of for an animal behaviourist to have a blanket knowledge of all animal behaviour theories, many choose to specialise in a specific animal. For example, people who want to work with horses on a regular basis will be taught the broader animal behaviour science and then niche down into the specifics of equine behaviour.

What Are the Duties of an Animal Behaviourist?

The duties of an animal behaviourist can vary from role to role as well as the behaviourist’s specialisation. Below are some of the duties and tasks an animal behaviourist could be expected to undertake.

Assessing Behaviour

An animal behaviourist would be expected to assess an animal’s behaviour in a variety of different scenarios and locations. Taking into account social interactions, with either other animals or humans for example, and environmental factors such as in their natural habitat or a controlled environment, observing how they all individually influence the animal. 

Modifying Behaviour

It is the very crux of becoming an animal behaviourist to want to change an animal’s behaviour for the better. One of their duties is to not only address the troubling behaviour but to address and modify it in a way that benefits their welfare. This is where they will use the theoretical science they learned during their Diploma course and apply it to the animal’s everyday activity. Changes can be made through positive reinforcement techniques and building habits through environmental enrichment.   

Consultation and Training

Consultation and training sessions are aspects of animal behaviour that can be lucrative. This is where veterinarians, trainers and owners alike seek the advice and guidance of a behaviouralist specialist. Their expertise would be used to address any problem behaviours among the animals they have. 

For those interested in building a career in animal behaviour, we would thoroughly recommend using these sessions as not only a time to impart wisdom but also use them as networking opportunities. There is no better way to make contacts in the industry than through consultations like these.

Advocacy

As we have alluded to before earlier in this blog, we champion animal welfare and do what we do to benefit the animals. As an animal behaviourist, you would be expected to champion theoretical science and its application to animal training. The likelihood is they are passionate about animal welfare, so singing the benefits of applying behavioural science to scenarios will come as second nature.

How Much Does an Animal Behaviourist Make in the UK?

How much animal behaviourists earn can vary depending on a plethora of factors. Taking into account things such as availability, specialism and service offering, an animal behaviourist can earn anywhere between £20,000 – £100,000 per annum.

Start Your Career in Animal Behaviour with The NAC

If you like what you’ve read about a career in Animal Behaviour, why not take that first step and get your education through The NAC? With a wide range of courses available, allowing you to choose your specialism such as equine or canine has never been easier. We are here to guide you through the world of animal behaviour and to give you not only a qualification that holds weight in the industry, you will also get the experience that makes you stand out from others.

For more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. A member of The NAC will be more than happy to help you with your query.