$67,430/year ($32.42/hour)
Master's or Doctoral degree in Animal Behavior, Psychology
Certification
Certification through Animal Behavior Society (CAAB, ACAAB)
Job Growth
5% (2022-2032)
Entry Level
No
Work Setting
Private consulting practices, veterinary hospitals, animal shelters
Last Updated
January 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Patricia Reynolds, PhD, CAAB – Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Canine and Feline Behavior Specialist, 16+ years experience
What is an Animal Behaviorist?
Why Become an Animal Behaviorist?
Unique Specialization:
Few professionals possess advanced credentials addressing animal behavior problems creating niche expertise with limited competition nationwide.
Intellectual Challenge:
Understanding complex behavioral motivations, developing individualized modification plans, and applying learning theory to diverse species requires sophisticated problem-solving and scientific knowledge.
Meaningful Impact:
Preventing euthanasia of pets with behavioral problems, reducing shelter surrender, improving welfare of captive animals, and strengthening human-animal bonds profoundly improves lives.
Diverse Career Paths:
Work options span private consulting, veterinary hospitals, research institutions, zoos, aquariums, universities, government agencies, animal welfare organizations preventing career monotony.
Growing Awareness:
Increasing recognition of animal behavior expertise, pet behavior medication availability, and rejection of punishment-based training methods expand opportunities.
Flexible Practice Models:
Consulting work allows independent practice setting own hours, fees, and caseloads providing professional autonomy.
Research Integration:
PhD-level behaviorists conduct studies advancing scientific understanding of cognition, welfare, communication, and social behavior contributing to knowledge base.
Species Variety:
Specialize in companion animals, exotic pets, horses, farm animals, zoo animals, or wildlife preventing narrow focus.
Three Spheres of AB Influence
What Animal Behaviorists Do?
In the next section, you’ll learn about the core responsibilities, daily activities, and areas of impact that define a AB—across patient care, nursing practice, and healthcare systems.
Daily Responsibilities and Tasks
Behavioral Assessment and Diagnosis
Animal behaviorists conduct comprehensive evaluations gathering detailed behavioral histories from owners or caretakers. Assessments explore:
Problem Description: Specific behaviors of concern, frequency, duration, intensity, triggers, contexts.
Development and Onset: When behavior started, progression over time, precipitating events.
Medical History: Health conditions, medications, pain potentially causing behavioral changes.
Environment: Living conditions, social structure, management practices, enrichment availability.
Previous Training: Methods used, responses, trainer qualifications.
Behavioral observations identify motivations, emotional states (fear, anxiety, frustration, conflict), and maintaining factors perpetuating behaviors.
Behavior Modification Planning
Developing individualized treatment plans using evidence-based techniques:
Classical Conditioning: Counter-conditioning and desensitization reducing fear and anxiety responses.
Operant Conditioning: Positive reinforcement training teaching alternative behaviors, differential reinforcement of incompatible behaviors (DRI), extinction of unwanted behaviors.
Environmental Management: Modifying living conditions removing triggers or preventing rehearsal of problem behaviors.
Enrichment Programs: Providing species-appropriate mental and physical stimulation reducing boredom and frustration.
Treatment plans detail specific protocols, training exercises, management strategies, progress monitoring, and timeline expectations.
Client Education and Training
Teaching owners, trainers, or caretakers to implement behavior modification protocols correctly. Demonstrating techniques, explaining learning principles, addressing questions, providing written instructions, and offering ongoing support ensuring treatment adherence.
Progress Monitoring and Follow-Up
Conducting regular follow-ups assessing treatment effectiveness, modifying protocols based on progress, troubleshooting setbacks, and maintaining motivation. Documentation tracks behavioral changes quantifying improvement.
Collaboration with Veterinarians
Applied behaviorists work with veterinarians ruling out medical causes of behavioral problems and referring cases requiring medication. Veterinary behaviorists prescribe psychotropic medications (anxiolytics, antidepressants) addressing underlying neurochemistry supporting behavior modification.
Research and Data Analysis
Academic behaviorists design studies investigating animal cognition, welfare, social behavior, communication, or learning mechanisms. Collecting observational or experimental data, conducting statistical analyses, publishing findings in scientific journals, and presenting research at conferences advancing field knowledge.
Consulting and Program Development
Zoo and aquarium behaviorists develop enrichment programs, training protocols (husbandry training, medical procedures cooperation), and welfare assessments improving captive animal lives. Livestock behaviorists consult on welfare-friendly handling systems and housing designs. Wildlife behaviorists assess wild population behaviors informing conservation management.
Teaching and Mentorship
University faculty teach animal behavior courses, supervise graduate students, and develop curricula training future behaviorists. Conducting seminars, workshops, and continuing education for veterinarians, trainers, and shelter staff disseminating knowledge.
Expert Testimony and Consulting
Forensic animal behaviorists provide expert witness testimony in legal cases involving dangerous dogs, custody disputes, animal cruelty cases, or breed-specific legislation evaluating behavioral evidence and providing professional opinions.
What’s Next?
Work Environment and Lifestyle
This section covers hospitals, specialty clinics, academic environments, and leadership roles—helping you visualize your future workplace.
Work Environment and Lifestyle
Where Animal Behaviorists Work
Approximately 30% operate private consulting practices traveling to clients’ homes or facilities conducting in-home assessments and training for companion animal behavior problems. Virtual consultations via video increasingly common.
Veterinary hospitals and specialty clinics employ 20% offering behavioral medicine services including medication management combined with behavior modification.
Zoos, aquariums, and wildlife facilities account for 15% developing enrichment programs, training animals for medical procedures, and ensuring behavioral welfare of captive species.
Universities and research institutions employ behaviorists conducting studies, teaching courses, and training graduate students advancing scientific understanding.
Animal welfare organizations including shelters, rescues, and humane societies hire behaviorists assessing shelter animals, providing behavior modification reducing euthanasia, training staff, and supporting adoptions.
Government agencies employ wildlife behaviorists studying free-ranging populations, managing human-wildlife conflicts, and informing conservation policies.
Additional employment includes animal training facilities, pharmaceutical companies developing behavior medications, publishing companies writing about behavior, and private consulting for agricultural operations.
Work Schedule and Lifestyle
Private practice behaviorists control schedules typically working irregular hours including evenings and weekends accommodating client availability. Travel to homes and facilities varies based on practice model. Virtual consultations offer geographic flexibility.
Academic behaviorists balance teaching, research, and service with schedule flexibility during academic breaks.
Zoo and shelter behaviorists work more traditional schedules with possible weekend coverage.
Physical demands minimal involving primarily observational work, written documentation, and client communication. Some roles require restraining animals or environmental modifications.
Pros
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Specialized Expertise - Niche career with limited competition nationwide
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Meaningful Work - Prevent euthanasia, improve welfare, strengthen human-animal bonds
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Intellectual Engagement - Complex problem-solving applying scientific principles
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Professional Autonomy - Independent consulting practice potential
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Species Diversity - Work with companion animals, exotics, zoo animals, livestock, wildlife
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Growing Field - Increasing recognition of behavior importance expanding opportunities
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Research Integration - Contribute to scientific understanding of animal cognition and behavior
Cons
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Limited Positions - Relatively few jobs compared to other animal careers
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Extensive Education - Master's or doctorate requiring 6-10 years post-high school
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Variable Income - Private practice income unpredictable with startup challenges
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Difficult Cases - Some behavioral problems untreatable or owners non-compliant
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Emotional Stress - Recommending euthanasia for dangerous animals
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Credential Confusion - Public misunderstanding of credentialed behaviorists versus unqualified "behaviorists"
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Geographic Limitations - Jobs concentrated in urban areas and academic institutions
What’s Next?
Salary and Compensation
Learn about average salaries, factors that influence compensation, and projected demand for Animal Behaviorist Career Guide.
Salary and Compensation
National Salary Overview
Animal behaviorist salaries vary substantially based on credentials, species specialization, practice type, and employment setting. No distinct Bureau of Labor Statistics category exists for animal behaviorists. Related categories provide estimates:
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists: $67,430/year median ($32.42/hour) – includes research-focused behaviorists studying wildlife or zoo animals.
Animal Scientists: $71,200/year median – includes livestock behavior consultants.
Psychologists (Research): $90,000+ median – PhD-level academic behaviorists teaching and conducting research.
Applied animal behaviorists in private practice report variable incomes $40,000-$120,000+ depending on caseload, fees charged, and business success. Veterinary behaviorists earn $100,000-$200,000+ combining veterinary medicine with behavioral specialization.
Salary by Work Setting
Private Practice (Established): $60,000-$150,000+ depending on client volume, fees ($200-$400+ per consultation), and business efficiency.
Private Practice (Starting): $30,000-$50,000 during initial years building clientele.
Veterinary Behaviorist (Board Certified): $100,000-$200,000+ with DVM degree and residency training.
Zoos and Aquariums: $45,000-$75,000 working with captive wildlife.
Universities (Faculty): $60,000-$120,000 depending on rank (assistant to full professor).
Animal Welfare Organizations: $40,000-$65,000 in shelters and rescues.
Research Institutions: $55,000-$90,000 conducting behavioral research.
Government (Wildlife): $50,000-$85,000 studying wild animal populations.
Pharmaceutical Industry: $75,000-$120,000 developing behavior medications.
Salary by Credentials
CAAB (Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist): $55,000-$100,000 with master’s degree and certification.
ACAAB (Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist): $45,000-$75,000 with doctorate and certification.
DACVB (Veterinary Behaviorist): $100,000-$200,000+ with DVM, residency, board certification.
PhD (Academic/Research): $60,000-$130,000 in universities.
Salary by Experience
Experience
Average Salary
0-3 Years (Entry-Level)
$35,000-$55,000
4-7 Years
$50,000-$75,000
8-15 Years
$65,000-$110,000
15+ Years (Established/DACVB)
$80,000-$200,000+
Early-career behaviorists building practices or completing postdoctoral positions earn below median.
Mid-career behaviorists with established expertise achieve solid compensation.
Experienced behaviorists with strong reputations command premium fees.
Senior behaviorists and veterinary behaviorists earn highest incomes.
Top Paying States for Zoologists (Related Category)
State
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
District of Columbia
$106,670
$51.28
Maryland
$86,770
$41.72
Rhode Island
$85,340
$41.03
Massachusetts
$77,100
$37.07
Connecticut
$76,270
$36.67
New Jersey
$74,660
$35.89
Oregon
$73,660
$35.41
California
$73,650
$35.41
States with major research institutions and zoos offer highest compensation.
What’s Next?
How to Become an Animal Behaviorist
This section outlines education requirements, licensure, certification, and experience needed to become a AB.
Educational Path
Step 1
Complete Bachelor's Degree (4 years)
Major in animal behavior, psychology, biology, zoology, or animal science. Coursework should include:
- Animal behavior and ethology
- Psychology (learning, cognition, neuroscience)
- Biology and anatomy
- Statistics and research methods
- Genetics and evolution
- Animal welfare science
Maintain strong GPA (3.5+). Gain extensive animal experience through internships, research assistant positions, animal shelter volunteering, veterinary shadowing, or zoo/aquarium programs. Develop observational skills, data collection abilities, and animal handling competence.
Step 2
Gain Practical Experience
Most graduate programs require documented animal experience. Work or volunteer in:
- Animal shelters or rescues
- Veterinary clinics
- Dog training facilities
- Wildlife rehabilitation centers
- Zoos or aquariums
- Research laboratories
- Horse farms or livestock operations
Step 3
Complete Graduate Degree
Master’s Degree (2-3 years): Graduate programs in animal behavior, psychology (comparative, experimental), or animal science. Thesis research required demonstrating scientific competency. Master’s degree sufficient for Applied Animal Behavior Certification (CAAB) with experience.
Doctoral Degree (PhD, 4-6 years): Research-intensive doctorate necessary for university faculty positions, advanced research roles, or Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (ACAAB) credentials. Dissertation research advances behavioral science.
Veterinary Behaviorist Path: Complete Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM, 8 years total) followed by board certification residency in veterinary behavior (3 years) through American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB). Total timeline 11+ years.
Graduate school typically funded through teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or fellowships providing tuition coverage and stipends ($20,000-$35,000 annually).
Step 4
Gain Professional Experience
Accumulate supervised experience working with animals in applied settings. Animal Behavior Society certification requires:
CAAB (Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist): Master’s degree + 5 years professional experience OR doctoral degree + 2 years experience.
ACAAB (Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist): Doctoral degree + 5 years experience.
Step 5
Obtain Certification
Apply through Animal Behavior Society meeting education, experience, ethics, and documentation requirements. Certification demonstrates professional competency and expertise separating credentialed behaviorists from unqualified practitioners.
Alternative: International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) offers certifications requiring less formal education but extensive documented case experience.
Step 6
Maintain Credentials
Continuing education and professional development for certification renewal demonstrating ongoing learning.
Total Timeline: 6-10 years minimum (4 bachelor’s + 2-6 graduate school + required experience); 11-14 years for veterinary behaviorists.
What’s Next?
Career Advancement
Understand advancement opportunities and long-term growth potential.
Clinical Advancement
Board Certification (DACVB): Veterinarians pursue American College of Veterinary Behaviorists residency becoming board-certified veterinary behaviorists commanding $120,000-$220,000+ salaries.
Specialty Focus Development: Build expertise in specific species (canine aggression, feline anxiety, equine behavior) or problem areas (separation anxiety, noise phobias, compulsive disorders) becoming recognized authority.
Private Practice Expansion: Grow consulting practice adding associates, developing online programs, creating educational materials, or franchising behavioral services.
Academic Career Progression
University Faculty: Progress from assistant professor to associate professor to full professor with tenure achieving job security and research funding.
Research Leadership: Direct laboratories, secure grant funding, mentor graduate students, and publish extensively establishing international reputation.
Alternative Career Paths
Author and Speaker: Write books about animal behavior, develop online courses, present seminars and workshops monetizing expertise.
Media Consulting: Provide expert commentary for television, radio, podcasts, documentaries discussing animal behavior topics.
Product Development: Consult for pet product companies developing behavior-focused tools, enrichment toys, or training aids.
Animal Welfare Advocacy: Policy work influencing legislation, industry standards, and animal welfare regulations through behavior expertise.
What’s Next?
Similar Careers
Understand advancement opportunities and long-term growth potential.
Similar Careers
Veterinarian
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (8 years)
$103,260/year median
Animal doctors treating medical and surgical conditions. Some pursue behavioral specialization (DACVB). Higher compensation requiring medical training. Both work improving animal health and welfare.
Dog Trainer (Professional)
Certificate programs or apprenticeships (months to years)
$33,000-$55,000/year average
Teach obedience, agility, specific skills without formal behavior credentials. Shorter training pathway with lower compensation. Both work modifying animal behavior with behaviorists addressing complex problems.
Zoologist/Wildlife Biologist
Bachelor's or Master's degree (4-6 years)
$67,430/year median
Study animal biology, ecology, populations, and behavior in natural habitats. Similar scientific training with broader biology focus beyond behavior. Both conduct research advancing animal understanding.
Animal Welfare Inspector
Bachelor's degree typically (4 years)
$42,000-$65,000/year average
Investigate animal cruelty, inspect facilities, enforce welfare regulations. Less behavioral focus with more enforcement role. Both advocate for animal welfare.
What’s Next?
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? The final section addresses common concerns and practical questions about becoming and working as a Animal Behaviorist Career Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between animal behaviorist and dog trainer?
Animal behaviorists have graduate degrees and certifications (CAAB, ACAAB, DACVB) addressing complex behavioral problems using scientific methods. Dog trainers teach obedience without formal credentials.
Do I need a PhD to be an animal behaviorist?
Not always. Master’s degree plus experience qualifies for CAAB certification. PhD required for ACAAB, university faculty positions, and advanced research roles.
Can animal behaviorists prescribe medication?
Only veterinary behaviorists (DACVB) with DVM degrees prescribe behavior medications. Applied behaviorists (CAAB/ACAAB) refer to veterinarians for pharmacological interventions.
How much can I earn in private practice?
Variable, $40,000-$150,000+ depending on caseload, fees charged ($200-$400+ per session), business efficiency, and reputation. Income unpredictable especially initially.
Do animal behaviorists only work with dogs?
No, behaviorists work with diverse species including cats, horses, livestock, zoo animals, exotic pets, and wildlife. Specialization choices depend on interests and opportunities.
Is certification required to practice?
Legally no, but professional credibility requires certification (CAAB, ACAAB, DACVB, or IAABC). Lack of credentials allows unqualified individuals calling themselves “behaviorists.”
Can I work remotely as animal behaviorist?
Increasingly yes. Virtual consultations via video becoming common allowing remote assessment and follow-up though in-person observation preferred for initial evaluations.
Are there enough jobs for animal behaviorists?
Positions limited compared to veterinary or training careers creating competition. However, growing awareness of behavior expertise and increasing pet behavior problems expanding opportunities.
What’s Next?
Overview
The overview brings together key highlights, role impact, and career context—making it a helpful starting point whether you’re just beginning or refining your decision.
