Do You Need an Animal Behaviorist and What Do They Do?
Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Does your dog bark constantly, jump up at guests or chew your furniture? Although you love your pets and they bring joy to your life—in fact, being a pet parent can improve your physical and mental health—there's no denying that animal behavior issues can cause stress.
An underlying medical problem could be the cause of any new, unusual or annoying pet behaviors, so always check with your vet first. However, animal behaviorists can be a useful addition to your pet care team. Read on to find out how they can help with common pet behavior issues.
What is an animal behaviorist?
An animal behaviorist is a specially trained and educated professional with expertise in decoding animal behavior. They can advise owners on a range of behavioral issues. Animals communicate in their own unique ways, expressing their thoughts and emotions through behaviors that are often complex and difficult to understand.
Animal behaviorists study and interpret pet behavior. They have a deep understanding of animal biology and psychology, and they use this knowledge to observe, analyze and explain animal behavior in various contexts. Animal behaviorists may work with a wide range of animals, including domesticated pets, farm animals, wildlife and even zoo animals.
What do animal behaviorists do?
An important part of an animal behaviorist's job is to observe the natural behaviors of animals. They meticulously record and document various aspects of animal behavior. This may include communication patterns, social interactions, feeding habits and problematic or concerning patterns of behavior.
If you hire an animal behaviorist to help you with your pet, they will often begin by drawing up a behavior modification plan. They can also provide recommendations on training techniques, environmental modifications or other strategies to address behavioral issues.
Animal behaviorists can play a critical role in enhancing your understanding of your pet and their behavior. They can act as a last line of defense to improve your pet's behavior when other interventions may have failed. They can also help pet parents understand the underlying causes of behavioral issues and develop strategies to manage and modify those behaviors, leading to improved welfare for the animal and greater harmony in the home.
Different types of animal behaviorists
There are a range of career paths for those interested in working in animal behavior. It's important for a pet parent to know the different types of animal behaviorists and what qualifications and experience they have based on their training. Learn more about pet behavior professionals, including:
Animal trainers
Animal trainers can also be called “behavior counselors" or even “pet therapists." They may or may not have undertaken formal education in pet psychology and care, and their experience and expertise varies greatly.
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT)
These professionals earn their certification through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. They must accrue a minimum number of working hours and pass an exam to become certified.1 Many people hire CPDTs to teach basic dog obedience commands as well as to modify problem behavior.
However, pet owners who need help with destructive behaviors generally need more than just obedience classes—they need a behaviorist who can target and improve specific negative behaviors.
Applied Animal Behaviorists
These pet professionals hold an MS, MA or PhD in animal behavior and are knowledgeable about dog behavior problems and cat behavior problems, as well as problems in less common animals.
Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists and Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists
Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists hold a doctoral degree, while Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists hold a master's degree.2 All of these professionals take part in postgraduate training and supervision in behavior and biology at accredited universities. Many work through veterinary referrals, so your vet is the best person to ask for a recommendation.
Veterinary Behaviorists
Some veterinarians choose to undergo additional specialized training in animal behavior to earn certification through the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB). Veterinary Behaviorists can prescribe medication where appropriate to treat behavior problems.
The ACVB maintains a directory of board-certified professionals; there are more than 80 Veterinary Behaviorists worldwide.3
When should you call an animal behaviorist?
If you're concerned about your pet's behavior, speak with your vet first to discuss your worries. If the behavior is new or your dog or cat is getting old, there could be medical reasons for a change in their normal behavior.4
An animal behaviorist can help with lots of issues, including:
- Excessive barking
- Jumping up
- Aggression
- Chewing or destroying things
- Anxiety
- Pulling on the leash
- Growling
Choosing an animal behaviorist
To decide if an animal behaviorist is right for your pet, ask lots of questions and seek referrals from other pet parents and your vet. But keep in mind that some behaviors are instinctive for dogs or other animals. Temper your expectations, and understand that animal behavior professionals are not magicians. Some problems, though annoying, may be natural for your pet and can't be eradicated.5
There are different ways you can meet with an animal behaviorist. You can ask them to come to your home for a private consultation and treatment, or attend a group class they hold with other pets and their owners. Choose the format that works best for you and your pet.
How much do animal behaviorists cost?
The cost of hiring an animal behaviorist to work with your pet varies widely because of a range of different qualifications and services offered by these pet professionals. Dog obedience lessons range from $30 to $120 per class, depending on whether you choose group or individual training.6 An animal behaviorist can cost considerably more, ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 for a course of behavior modification treatment.
From Pets Best
Although most dog insurance plans won't cover the cost of animal behaviorists, comprehensive policies from Pets Best do cover behavioral consults with a licensed veterinarian. If you have questions or concerns about your pet's behavior, you can get help from our veterinary experts at any time of day with our 24/7 Pet Helpline, included with your Pets Best policy.
Sources/Citations
1. Dog Trainer Certification. Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Accessed May 11, 2023. https://www.ccpdt.org/certification/dog-trainer-certification
2. CAAB Certification Requirements & Application. Animal Behavior Society. Accessed April 25, 2023. https://www.animalbehaviorsociety.org/web/committees-applied-behavior-caab.php
3. Find a Diplomate. American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. Accessed April 25, 2023. https://www.dacvb.org/search/custom.asp?id=5985
4. Behavior Problems in Older Dogs. ASPCA. Accessed April 25, 2023. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/behavior-problems-older-dogs
5. Llera, R. and Buzhardt, L. Dog Behavior--What is Normal? VCA Animal Hospitals. Accessed April 25, 2023. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dog-behaviorwhats-normal-and-whats-not
6. Grupa, T. How Much Does It Cost To Train A Dog? HomeGuide. Published April 5, 2023. Accessed May 9, 2023. https://homeguide.com/costs/dog-training-cost