How to Become an Animal Behaviourist in the UK
Animal behaviourists help owners with pets whose behaviour is causing problems - aggression, anxiety, fear and compulsive behaviour - usually working on referral from a vet. Most work with dogs and cats, and some with horses or other animals.
The title is not protected by law in the UK, but the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) keeps registers of practitioners who meet its standards, and vets increasingly refer only to registered behaviourists. For fees and earnings, see the full animal behaviourist salary guide.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £18,000 - £23,000
- Mid-career salary
- £25,000 - £40,000
- Senior salary
- £45,000 - £65,000+
- Work environment
- Work takes place in client homes, outdoor training facilities, or animal rescue centres.
- Time to entry
- 1 - 3 years
- Degree required
- Helpful, not required
- Category
- Sport, Fitness and Wellbeing
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report.
What a Animal Behaviourist does
Animal behaviourists assess and modify problematic animal actions through training techniques, environmental changes, and owners education to improve animal welfare.
- Clinical Animal Behaviourist - Working on referral from vets to treat specific diagnosed behavioural disorders in companion animals.
- Equine Behaviour Consultant - Specialising in horse psychology to address safety issues and improve performance or welfare.
- Shelter Rehabilitation Specialist - Assessing and retraining nervous or aggressive rescue animals to prepare them for rehoming.
How to become an animal behaviourist in the UK
The recognised route to Clinical Animal Behaviourist is a relevant degree followed by postgraduate study in clinical animal behaviour, plus supervised case work. Shorter diplomas lead to behaviour or training roles at a lower level. Almost all behaviourists build experience with animals first, through rescue centres, kennels, veterinary practices or training classes.
- Get hands-on experience with animals: rescue centres, kennels, veterinary practices or training classes.
- Study a relevant degree, such as animal behaviour, zoology, psychology or a biological science.
- Take a postgraduate qualification in clinical animal behaviour, which includes supervised clinical cases.
- Apply to a recognised register, such as the ABTC, at the level your training meets.
- Get professional insurance and set up referral links with local vets.
- Build a caseload, often alongside training classes or other animal work at first.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree + postgraduate clinical animal behaviour | 4-5 years | Tuition fee loans for the degree; postgraduate fees | Clinical Animal Behaviourist status |
| Diploma or foundation degree in animal behaviour | 1-2 years | Course fees | Behaviour and training roles below clinical level |
| Veterinary nursing, then behaviour specialism | Several years | Varies | Vet nurses moving into behaviour work |
How long it takes
Expect four to five years to reach clinical level through a degree and postgraduate study. Most behaviourists build their caseload gradually and are self-employed.
Key skills
- Behavioural assessment
- Verbal communication
- Animal handling
- Business management
- Instructional techniques
- Observation skills
Animal Behaviourist FAQs
How do I become an animal behaviourist in the UK?
Get experience with animals, study a relevant degree, then take a postgraduate qualification in clinical animal behaviour with supervised case work. Registering with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) helps you get vet referrals.
Is animal behaviourist a protected title?
No. Anyone can call themselves an animal behaviourist in the UK. Registers such as the ABTC's show which practitioners meet recognised standards, and many vets refer only to registered behaviourists.
Do you need a degree to be an animal behaviourist?
For clinical work, in practice yes: the recognised route is a relevant degree followed by postgraduate study. Shorter diplomas lead to behaviour and training roles below clinical level.
How do animal behaviourists get clients?
Mostly through vet referrals, plus rescue centres, pet insurers, word of mouth and their own websites. Most are self-employed.
Is Animal Behaviourist right for you?
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