Animal Behaviour Consultant

Tasks & duties

Animal behaviour consultants may do some or all of the following:

• consult with clients about their animal's behaviour
• identify which aspect of the animal's behaviour the client is unsatisfied with
• determine factors that are influencing the animal's behaviour
• work out the appropriate therapy plan for the animal
• be involved with the animal's therapy
• adjust the animal's environment to manage difficult behaviour
• consult with other animal professionals
• receive and answer enquiries from the public
• run classes for people and their pets
• teach at universities or polytechnics
• talk to the general public, media, schools and tertiary institutes
• be involved in court cases
• work with organisations such as the Department of Conservation or animal abuse regulation authorities
• write articles for magazines
• publish or contribute to research papers

Specialisations

Animal behaviour consultants may specialise in treating a particular kind of animal such as dogs.

Skills & knowledge

Animal behaviour consultants need to have:

• knowledge of animal psychology and behaviour
• knowledge of animal biology
• the ability to observe, assess and treat animal behaviour problems
• animal-handling skills
• the ability to train and care for animals
• business, management and marketing skills
• excellent people skills
• computer skills

Entry requirements

To become an animal behaviour consultant, you usually need to have a Bachelor of Science, majoring in zoology, psychology or veterinary science, or postgraduate study in behavioural sciences or animal behaviour.

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter tertiary training. Useful subjects include science, maths and English.

Training on the job

Animal behaviour consultants can attend courses and seminars, and are expected to keep up to date with developments in animal behaviour.

Useful experience

Experience working with animals is useful. This may include:

Related courses

Land, Parks and Wildlife Management
Veterinary Science
Zoology

For more information, please refer to myfuture.