What Is an Animal Behaviorist? Credentials, How They Help & When to Hire One
Discover what animal behaviorists do, their qualifications, and how they help pets with aggression, anxiety, and other behavioral issues.
Understanding why animals behave the way they do has intrigued humans for generations. Whether you’re struggling with a fox that keeps destroying your furniture, a skunk that won’t use its litter box, or you’re simply fascinated by the psychology behind animal behavior, an animal behaviorist can offer the guidance you need.
Let’s break down exactly what animal behaviorists do, the training behind their expertise, and how they can help both you and your animals live more peacefully together.
What Is an Animal Behaviorist?
An animal behaviorist is a trained specialist who studies, evaluates, and modifies animal behavior using evidence based scientific methods.
Their work draws from animal psychology, learning theory, and ethology (the study of animals in their natural environments) to uncover the motivations behind certain behaviors and develop effective strategies to improve them.
These professionals work with a wide range of species – from dogs and cats to livestock, wildlife, and even exotic pets. Their goal is to bridge the gap between natural animal instincts and the environments humans create for them, ultimately helping animals thrive while helping caregivers better understand and manage their companions.
Types of Animal Behaviorists
Types of Animal BehavioristsQualifications, Focus Areas & Specialties
The world of animal behavior includes several professional categories, each with unique qualifications, areas of focus, and specialties:
Applied Animal Behaviorist
Typically holds a master’s or PhD in animal behavior, psychology, or zoology, and is often certified by the Animal Behavior Society. Focuses on using scientific principles to solve real-world behavior challenges — from aggression and anxiety to enrichment and welfare.
Veterinary Behaviorist
A fully licensed veterinarian who has completed a specialized residency in animal behavior, board certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. Can prescribe medication — uniquely valuable when medical and behavioral issues overlap.
Certified Animal Behavior Consultant
Earns certification through organizations like the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. May not always hold advanced academic degrees, but has demonstrated significant hands-on experience and practical skill addressing behavior problems.
Academic or Research Behaviorist
Works primarily in laboratories, universities, or zoological settings, studying cognition, communication, social dynamics, learning, and natural behaviors. Their findings deepen our understanding of animal psychology and contribute to improved welfare and conservation worldwide.
What Does an Animal Behaviorist Do?
What Animal Behaviorists DoDecoding the “Why” Behind Animal Actions
Animal behaviorists perform a wide range of responsibilities depending on their training, specialty, and work setting. At their core, they help decode the “why” behind an animal’s actions and develop strategies to improve behavior and wellbeing.
Behavior Assessment and Consultation
One of their primary roles is evaluating animals with behavioral challenges. This involves gathering detailed histories, observing the animal in different environments, identifying triggers and patterns, and determining underlying causes — whether emotional, environmental, or instinctual.
Developing Behavior Modification Plans
After assessment, behaviorists design individualized behavior modification programs using evidence-based methods like positive reinforcement, desensitization, counterconditioning, enrichment strategies, and environmental adjustments to support long-term success.
Education and Training
A major part of their job is teaching pet owners, trainers, shelters, and the broader public about normal animal behavior, humane training methods, and how to prevent common issues. Many also host workshops, seminars, and online training programs.
Collaboration with Veterinarians
Because behavioral issues can stem from underlying medical conditions, behaviorists frequently partner with veterinarians to rule out health-related causes and develop comprehensive, integrated treatment plans when medical and behavioral factors overlap.
Research and Scientific Contribution
Many behaviorists work in research — conducting studies, publishing findings, and developing new tools for understanding animal behavior. Their work advances the field and improves the welfare of pets, livestock, zoo animals, and wildlife across all settings.
Common Behavioral Issues Animal Behaviorists Address
While animal behaviorists most commonly work with dogs and cats, many are also trained to help with exotic animals and non-traditional companions as well. Here are some of the species and behavioral challenges they can help address:
Horses
- Dangerous behaviors during handling or riding
- Stable vices such as cribbing or weaving
- Trailer loading difficulties
Pet Skunks
- Fear or aggression caused by improper socialization
- Destructive digging behaviors
- Litter training challenges
Pet Foxes
- High energy destructive behaviors
- Excessive vocalization
- Fear based aggression
Pet Raccoons
- Food related aggression
- Destructive exploratory habits
- Increasing aggression during sexual maturity
Pet Kinkajous
- Defensive biting from poor socialization or when startled
- Destructive behaviors
- Stress related behaviors linked to improper diet or housing
Other Exotic Pets – Birds, Reptiles, Servals, Etc.
- Feather plucking or self-mutilation
- Aggression and biting
- Excessive vocalization and screaming
- Territorial behavior
- Improper socialization
- Stress related behaviors
- Handling and taming difficulties
- Abnormal feeding or foraging behaviors
- Stereotypic behaviors
- Social integration problems in multi-animal households
- Fear responses and stress management
- Species appropriate enrichment planning
- And many other behavioral issues
Educational Requirements and Credentials
Becoming an animal behaviorist involves extensive education, specialized training, and ongoing professional development.
Academic Foundation
Animal behaviorists have at least a bachelor’s degree, with many having a master’s degree in animal behavior, psychology, zoology, biology, or animal science.
Certification Programs
Professional certification helps establish credibility, specialized skill, and ethical standards. Leading certifying organizations include:
– Animal Behavior Society (ABS)
Offers Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (ACAAB) and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) credentials.
– International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC):
Provides certification for behavior consultants working with dogs, cats, parrots, horses, and other species.
– American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB):
Grants board certification to veterinarians who complete advanced residency training in behavior.
Continuing Education
Animal behavior science evolves continuously as new research emerges. Reputable behaviorists stay current through ongoing education, attending workshops and conferences, participating in professional organizations, and regularly reviewing scientific literature.
When to Consult an Animal Behaviorist
Consider seeking help from an animal behaviorist when:
- Your pet displays aggressive behavior that poses safety concerns
- Training efforts haven’t resolved the behavior
- Your pet struggles with intense fear, anxiety, or phobias
- Destructive habits are hurting their wellbeing
- You’re considering rehoming or euthanasia due to behavioral issues
- Medical conditions have been ruled out, yet the problem persists
- Your pet is engaging in compulsive, repetitive, or self-harming behaviors
Reaching out early can make the biggest difference – behavioral problems are far easier to resolve before they escalate.
The Value of Professional Behavioral Support
Animal behaviorists play an essential role in improving animal welfare and creating healthier, more harmonious relationships between pets and their humans. By blending scientific knowledge with practical experience, they’re able to address behavioral challenges, solve complex challenges, and guide owners toward kinder, more effective approaches to training and care.
Whether you’re navigating a frustrating behavior issue, exploring a future career in this field, or simply fascinated by animal psychology, understanding the work of behaviorists reveals a world where science, empathy, and problem solving beautifully intersect.
And when we seek professional help early, we give our animals the best chance at a calmer, happier, and more fulfilling life.
If your pet is struggling, or if you’re feeling overwhelmed – don’t hesitate to reach out to an animal behaviorist. With patience, knowledgeable support, and evidence based strategies, most behavioral issues can be greatly improved or fully resolved, enhancing life for both you and your companion.
