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Image of career: Animal Behaviourist

Animal Behaviourist

Overview

Animal behaviourists study how animals act to figure out what causes those behaviours and how to change if if needed.

Description

  • Apply scientific animal behaviour concepts when studying how animals interact with one another and surroundings.
  • Research an animal's coping mechanisms, instinctual responses, learning techniques, psychology, and group interaction abilities.
  • Compile a case report to figure out animal behaviour and identify underlying causes.
  • Determine if the animal's behaviour is natural or if it is the product of a prior trauma.
  • Suggest recovery options like conditioning, behaviour therapy, and training.

Entry requirements

  • You'll need a Bachelor's Degree for entry-level positions in this field.
  • Bachelor's Degree programmes in animal behaviour are preferred, but you may also choose to major in broader fields of life science, such as zoology, biology or ecology.

Salary

$3,600 – 5,000

/mo

Salary ranges are estimated based on public information found on Singaporean job portals, including MyCareersFuture, MySkillsFuture. Updated as of 2026.

Trivia

In academia, animal behaviourists may give lectures, supervise lab practices, and publish their own studies. They may also work with other researchers and study animals in the wild. Additional research opportunities may be found with private health companies, laboratories, zoos, and museums.

What to expect

Always stay calm, patient, and empathetic; animals will react based on instinct if they feel threatened. Understanding animal signals is key to your success.

Soft
skills

Critical Thinking

Able to be analyse problems well and propose logical and accurate conclusions about behaviour.

Problem-Solving

Able to propose effective solutions to ever-changing challenges.

Interpersonal Skills

Ability to effectively communicate and interact with other researchers and stakeholders.

Observation Skills

Possess a keen eye for detail, to notice subtle behavioural changes.

Biology

Familiarity with multiple types of animals, their functions, ecosystems, and how they interact with each other.

Knowledge of Animals

Deep understanding of animal behaviour, their needs and how to care for them.

Hard
skills

Frequently asked questions

Animal behaviourists usually specialise in a specific type of animal. This includes large animals, wild animals, livestock or household pets. They may also focus on certain types of behaviour, like hunting, mating or raising offspring.

Animal behaviourists help pet and livestock owners better understand and care for their animals in different places. These include universities and research facilities, zoos, animal training facilities, animal shelters, pet product companies, animal welfare organisations, and private practice.

The study of animal behaviour has three fundamental methods: observational, experimental and comparative. Observational: observe the organism and its environment without influence Experimental: change a variable to examine its impact on behaviour. Comparative: use phylogeny to show ancestral relationships.

Some key approaches animal behaviourists use include direct observations, such as closely monitoring an animal for a set period, and indirect methods such as interviews and surveys to gather information from caregivers.

Animal behaviourists compile a variety of information, such as why the animal is brought to the animal behaviourist, the animal's history, their observations, functional analysis, diagnosis, treatment plan, prognosis and a plan for any follow-up consultations.