Science & ResearchISCO 2131
Animal behaviourist
Animal behaviourists work with animals and people to study, observe, assess and understand animal behaviour in relation to specific factors and to prevent or address inappropriate or problematic behaviours within individual animals through the development of suitable environments and management regimes, in accordance with national legislation.
Check yourself in a minute: animal behaviourist
Rate 5 of the 36 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
control animal movement
manage animal biosecurity
design training programmes for individuals and animals
interact safely with animals
provide an enriching environment for animals
About animal behaviourist
As an animal behaviourist, you will dedicate your career to understanding and improving the welfare and behaviour of animals across various settings including zoos, wildlife facilities, farms, and private practices. Your work involves observing animals in their environments, analyzing behavioural patterns, identifying problems such as aggression or stress, and developing customized training programs and environmental enrichment strategies to address these issues. You combine scientific knowledge with practical skills to create conditions that support positive animal behaviour and overall wellbeing.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include conducting behavioral assessments, working directly with animals using safe handling practices, collaborating with veterinarians and facility managers, and designing enrichment programs that stimulate natural behaviours. You will apply your understanding of animal anatomy, physiology, and neurophysiology to interpret behaviour and prevent problems before they develop. Your work is governed by national animal welfare legislation, and you must ensure all interventions are humane and evidence-based.
Poland's growing commitment to animal welfare standards creates strong career opportunities in zoos, sanctuaries, and private practice. As you gain experience, you can specialize in particular species or behavioural issues, move into training and education roles, or advance to research and consulting positions. This field offers the satisfaction of directly improving animal quality of life while contributing to conservation efforts.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a animal behaviourist.
1
Behavioral Assessment and Diagnosis
- Observe and document animal behaviour in detail, identifying patterns, triggers, and problem behaviours
- Assess animal welfare status and identify signs of illness, stress, or psychological distress
- Analyze the neurophysiological and anatomical basis of observed behaviours
- Consult with veterinary professionals to rule out medical causes of behavioural issues
2
Training Program Design and Implementation
- Design customized training programs for individual animals that address specific behavioural issues
- Develop training protocols for groups of animals to improve husbandry and welfare outcomes
- Implement positive reinforcement techniques and modern training methods based on scientific evidence
- Monitor training progress and adjust programs based on animal response and welfare outcomes
3
Environmental Enrichment and Habitat Design
- Design enrichment programs that encourage natural behaviours and stimulate cognitive and physical activity
- Assess current environments and recommend modifications to improve animal welfare and engagement
- Select and implement appropriate enrichment items, structures, and activities based on species-specific needs
4
Safety and Welfare Management
- Interact safely with animals using proper techniques and protective equipment appropriate to species
- Control animal movement and implement biosecurity measures to prevent disease transmission
- Ensure compliance with animal welfare legislation and ethical guidelines in all interactions
- Develop and implement animal biosecurity and health monitoring protocols
5
Collaboration and Professional Communication
- Work effectively with animal-related organizations, veterinary teams, and facility management
- Provide training and guidance to animal care staff on behaviour management and welfare principles
- Document and communicate behavioural assessments and recommendations clearly to stakeholders
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (36)
signs of animal illnesssigns of animal illnessPhysical, behavioural and environmental signs of health and ill health in various animals.neuroanatomy of animalsneuroanatomy of animalsThe study of the central and peripheral nervous system of animals, including its components such as the fiber tracts and the visual, sensory, auditory and motor pathways.animal evolutionanimal evolutionThe evolutionary history of animals and the development of species and their behaviour through domestication.animal welfare legislationanimal welfare legislationThe legal boundaries, codes of professional conduct, national and EU regulatory frameworks and legal procedures of working with animals and living organisms, ensuring their welfare and health.animal welfareanimal welfareUniversally recognized animal welfare needs as applied to species, situation and occupation. These are: need for a suitable environment need for a suitable diet need to be able to exhibit normal behav...physiology of animalsphysiology of animalsThe study of the mechanical, physical, bioelectrical and biochemical functioning of animals, their organs and their cells.animal traininganimal trainingAnimal responses to specific conditions or stimuli. Animal behaviour, ethology, learning theory, training methods, equipment, as well as communicating and working with animals and humans.environmental enrichment for animalsenvironmental enrichment for animalsTypes, methods and use of enrichment for animals to allow the expression of natural behaviour, including the provision of environmental stimuli, feeding activities, puzzles, items for manipulation, so...assistive instrumentsassistive instrumentsThe field of dealing with people in need of service animals and the working of assistive devices and technologies.safe work practices in a veterinary settingsafe work practices in a veterinary settingSafe work practices in a veterinary setting in order to identify hazards and associated risks so as to prevent accidents or incidents. This includes injury from animals, zoonotic diseases, chemicals, ...neurophysiology of animalsneurophysiology of animalsThe specialism of veterinary medicine dealing with the study of the functioning of the nervous system of animals, including the functioning of nerve conductions and ion channels, the massed responses ...anatomy of animalsanatomy of animalsThe study of animal body parts, their structure and dynamic relationships, on a level as demanded by the specific occupation.animal behaviouranimal behaviourThe natural behavioural patterns of animals, i.e. how normal and abnormal behaviour might be expressed according to species, environment, human-animal interaction and occupation.control animal movementcontrol animal movementDirect, control or restrain some or part of an animal's, or a group of animals', movement.manage animal biosecuritymanage animal biosecurityPlan and use appropriate biosafety measures to prevent transmission of diseases and ensure effective overall biosecurity. Maintain and follow biosecurity procedures and infection control when working ...design training programmes for individuals and animalsdesign training programmes for individuals and animalsDevelop programmes to train humans and animals work together. Set objectives and targets. Evaluate the implementation of the training programme and progress by both the person and animal concerned.interact safely with animalsinteract safely with animalsEnsure a safe and humane interaction with the animal avoiding factors that will negatively affect their behaviours. This includes the use of humane training aids/equipment, as well as explaining their...provide an enriching environment for animalsprovide an enriching environment for animalsProvide an enriching environment for animals to allow the expression of natural behaviour, and including adjusting environmental conditions, delivering feeding and puzzle exercises, and implementing m...design training programmes for animalsdesign training programmes for animalsAssess the training needs of the animal and select appropriate methods and activities to meet training objectives.manage animal welfaremanage animal welfarePlan, manage and evaluate the application of the five universally recognised animal welfare needs as appropriate to species, situation and own occupation.design plans to address undesirable behaviour in animalsdesign plans to address undesirable behaviour in animalsGather information about the animal behaviour issues, interpret relevant information about the animal, assess the impact of external factors, and assess husbandry/management practices on the animal to...select animals for trainingselect animals for trainingSelect animals for training using selection criteria including intended outcome of training, age, temperament, species and breed differences. Selection of animals for training includes basic training ...apply safe work practices in a veterinary settingapply safe work practices in a veterinary settingApply safe work practices in a veterinary setting in order to identify hazards and associated risks so as to prevent accidents or incidents. This includes injury from animals, zoonotic diseases, chemi...apply animal hygiene practicesapply animal hygiene practicesPlan and use appropriate hygiene measures to prevent transmission of diseases and ensure an effective overall hygiene. Maintain and follow hygiene procedures and regulations when working with animals,...manage personal professional developmentmanage personal professional developmentTake responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional developmen...implement exercise activities for animalsimplement exercise activities for animalsProvide exercise opportunities that are suitable for respective animals and meet their particular physical requirements.'.handle veterinary emergencieshandle veterinary emergenciesHandle unforeseen incidents concerning animals and circumstances which call for urgent action in an appropriate professional manner.monitor the welfare of animalsmonitor the welfare of animalsMonitor animals’ physical condition and behaviour and report any concerns or unexpected changes, including signs of health or ill-health, appearance, condition of the animals' accommodation, intake of...assess animal behaviourassess animal behaviourObserve and evaluate the behaviour of animals in order to work with them safely and recognise deviations from normal behaviour that signal compromised health and welfare.'.provide animal trainingprovide animal trainingProvide training in basic handling, habituation, and obedience to enable the completion of day-to-day tasks while minimising the risks to the animal, the handler, and others.advise on animal welfareadvise on animal welfarePrepare and provide information to individuals or groups of people on how to promote the health and well-being of animals, and how risks to animal health and welfare may be reduced. Provide recommenda...train animals and individuals to work togethertrain animals and individuals to work togetherTrain animals and individuals to work together, including the match between individuals and animals, the design of integrated training programmes for people and animals, implementation of integrated t...promote animal welfarepromote animal welfarePromote good practice and work with compassion to sustain and promote high standards of animal welfare at all times by adapting personal behaviour and managing environmental factors.deal with challenging peopledeal with challenging peopleWork safely and communicate effectively with individuals and groups of people who are in challenging circumstances. This would include recognition of signs of aggression, distress, threatening and how...assess the compatibility of individuals and animals to work togetherassess the compatibility of individuals and animals to work togetherEnsure work harmony between humans and animals, regarding to physical characteristics, capacity, temperament and potential.biosecurity related to animalsbiosecurity related to animalsAwareness of hygiene and bio-security measures when working with animals, including causes, transmission and prevention of diseases and use of policies, materials and equipment.
Optional (19) — show
veterinary terminologyveterinary terminologySpelling and meaning of commonly used terminology of veterinary terms.animal production scienceanimal production scienceAnimal nutrition, agronomy, rural economics, animal husbandry, hygiene and bio-security, ethology, protection and herd health management.take advantage of learning opportunities in veterinary sciencetake advantage of learning opportunities in veterinary scienceUse different channels and learning styles such as journals, courses, and conferences to obtain new information, knowledge, skills, and know-how in relation to working with animals.treat animals ethicallytreat animals ethicallyCarry out activities according to accepted principles of right and wrong, including transparency in work practices and conduct towards clients and their animals.collaborate with animal related professionalscollaborate with animal related professionalsCollaborate with veterinary and other animal related professionals through communication of animal details, case records and summary reports orally or via written or electronic transfer.cope with challenging circumstances in the veterinary sectorcope with challenging circumstances in the veterinary sectorMaintain a positive attitude during challenging situations such as a misbehaving animal. Work under pressure and adapt to the circumstances in a positive manner.'.provide mentorshipprovide mentorshipGuide and support less knowledgeable or less experienced colleagues.practise veterinary professional codes of conductpractise veterinary professional codes of conductAdhere to veterinary professional codes of practice and legislation.use different communication channelsuse different communication channelsMake use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.adapt to changing situationsadapt to changing situationsChange approach to situations based on unexpected and sudden changes in people's needs and mood or in trends; shift strategies, improvise and naturally adapt to those circumstances.assess animal's conditionassess animal's conditionInspect the animal for any external signs of parasites, disease or injury. Use this information to determine own actions and report your findings to owners.make decisions regarding the animal's welfaremake decisions regarding the animal's welfareMake a choice from several alternative possibilities that promote the animal's well-being.analyse environmental dataanalyse environmental dataAnalyse data that interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.maintain animal accommodation hygienicmaintain animal accommodation hygienicMake sure animal enclosures such as habitats, terrariums, cages or kennels are in the appropriate and hygienic condition. Clean the enclosure and provide new bedding material if called for.interview animal owners on animals' conditionsinterview animal owners on animals' conditionsAsk questions appropriate to the setting and purpose, with the aim to elicit accurate information on the animal's health condition, in order to facilitate a correct diagnosis.inspect datainspect dataAnalyse, transform and model data in order to discover useful information and to support decision-making.provide improvement strategiesprovide improvement strategiesIdentify root causes of problems and submit proposals for effective and long-term solutions.maintain relationships with animal welfare establishmentsmaintain relationships with animal welfare establishmentsEnsure good relations with other animal welfare establishments and agencies.maintain veterinary clinical recordsmaintain veterinary clinical recordsCreate and maintain clinical records for animals according to national regulatory requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
What does an animal behaviourist do?
Animal behaviourists work with animals and people to study, observe, assess and understand animal behaviour in relation to specific factors and to prevent or address inappropriate or problematic behaviours within individual animals through the development of suitable environments and management regimes, in accordance with national legislation.
What skills does an animal behaviourist need?
An animal behaviourist needs 36 essential skills, including signs of animal illness, neuroanatomy of animals, animal evolution, animal welfare legislation, animal welfare.
Will AI replace animal behaviourist jobs?
The AI disruption score for animal behaviourist is 13/100 (very low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: veterinary terminology, inspect data, maintain veterinary clinical records. Most resilient: control animal movement, interact safely with animals, train animals and individuals to work together.
AI Replacement Risk
13/ 100
Very Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk
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