Animal Psychology

The planet earth is filled with millions of animal species that play a pivotal role in working on biodiversity and the food chain. However, understanding animal behaviour and psychology is not everyone’s cup of tea. It needs meticulous attention as it can help identify serious disorders prevalent in a species or a specific animal. So, to bring more clarity here is a blog that will elucidate upon Animal Psychology, its related courses, and universities where you can pursue it. 

Who is an Animal Psychologist?

An Animal Psychologist is a professional who is adept in studying animal biology and behaviour in order to work safely and efficiently with them. They examine the cognitive processes of animals which includes phylogenetic history, adaptive significance and development of behaviour in order to diagnose any significant disorders. 

Role of an Animal Psychologist

Traditionally animal psychologists used to study the lives of animals has concentrated on their biology, the surroundings in which they exist, and their interactions with and to people. That has evolved in recent years as psychology has expanded into animal psychology. Animal psychology is divided into two categories: practise and theory. 

Animal psychologists do the academic study to investigate how animals interact with one another (communal groups, competitor groups, predators and prey), their relationship(s) with the environment, and their relationship(s) with humans and our own development. They are more similar to naturalists than most biologists. Some academics and researchers may travel throughout the world to watch animals in their native habitats.

In practice, animal psychologists are employed at zoos, nature reserves, and other animal parks to monitor, research, and encourage animal welfare. Many zoos around the world have incorporated animal psychology discoveries by providing enrichment programmes such as toys and games, as well as basic problem-solving puzzles, so that animals may earn food. This came as a result of worries about the mental health of animals. They are also able to find work in the veterinary field, where they may treat mental illnesses in animals alongside those who treat physical problems. In each situation, animal psychologists observe the animal and create a strategy centred on the animal’s psychological well-being.

How to Become an Animal Psychologist?

Be it pursuing Educational Psychology or Criminal Psychology, one needs to gain advanced knowledge in order to establish a successful career as an Animal Psychologist. Here is a step by step guide on how to become an Animal Psychologist. 

STEP 1: Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree

STEP 2: Gain Work Experience

STEP 3: Enroll in a Post-graduation Course

STEP 4: Complete Internship/Apprenticeship

STEP 5: Obtain a License to Practise

Also know How to Become a Psychologist in India? 

Animal Psychology Courses 

Being an emerging discipline in the field of Science and Technology, an array of courses related to the field are now being offered by scores of universities. Here are some of the popular Animal Psychology courses which you can consider. 

Undergraduate Courses 

1. Diploma of Higher Education – Animal Management (Pet Behaviour and Welfare)
2. BSc Animal Behaviour and Biology
3. BSc (Hons) Zoology with Animal Behaviour
4. BSc (Hons) Psychology of Human and Animal Behaviour
5. FdSc Animal Science with Animal Behaviour
6. BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Wildlife Conservation with Sandwich Placement

Postgraduate Courses 

1. MSc Animal Behaviour
2. MSc Clinical Animal Behaviour
3. MRes (Master of Research) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare
4. MPhil in Animal Behaviour and Welfare
5. MSc Animal Behaviour and Wildlife Conservation
6. PhD Animal Behaviour

Note: This list is not restricted to only the above-mentioned programs.

Popular Universities

Now that you are familiar with the basic details pertaining to this course, let’s go through the list of universities offering full-fledged Animal Psychology courses. 

University	Location	Popular Courses
Anglia Ruskin University	UK	BSc Animal Behaviour (Hons) Animal Behaviour Applications for Conservation MSc
The University of Adelaide	Australia	Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour)
University of Lincoln	UK	BSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare (Hons) MPhil Animal Behaviour and Welfare MSc by Research Animal Behaviour and Welfare PhD Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Manchester Metropolitan University	UK	BSc Animal Behaviour and Conservation (Hons) MSc BSc Animal Behaviour
Arizona State University	USA	PhD Animal Behaviour
Florida Institute of Technology	USA	BA Animal Psychology  BSc Animal Psychology
University College Cork	Ireland	MRes (Master of Research) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare
University of Leicester	UK	MRes (Master of Research) in Animal Behaviour  Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour PhD/MPhil – Mechanisms of Animal Behaviour
University of Chester	UK	BSc Animal Behaviour and Biology (Hons) BSc Animal Behaviour and Psychology (Hons) BSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare (Hons) MSc Animal Behaviour
Western University	Canada	BSc Animal Behaviour

Best Colleges for Psychology in the World

Apart from the aforementioned universities, here are some other universities from around the world that are also offering specialised courses in Animal Psychology and Behaviour:

1. University of Wolverhampton
2. University of St Andrews
3. Aberystwyth University
4. Newcastle University
5. University of Sussex
6. University of Salford
7. Flinders University
8. Queen’s University Belfast
9. University of Aberdeen
10. Nottingham Trent University
11. University of Bristol
12. University of Plymouth
13. University of Exeter

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Popular Online Courses on Animal Psychology 

Here are some trending online courses on Animal Psychology and Behaviour that you can complete at the comfort of your home and time:

Online Course Name	Links
Animal Behaviour and Welfare by The University of Edinburgh	Coursera
Dog Emotion and Cognition by the Duke University	Coursera
Chimpanzee Behavior and Conservation by the Duke University	Coursera
The Horse Course: Introduction to Basic Care and Management by the University of Florida	Coursera
Animal Psychology/ Pets Behaviour – ACCREDITED CERTIFICATE	Udemy
A Comprehensive Guide to Animal Care and Animal Psychology	Udemy
Introduction to Animal Behaviour	edx

Here’s an excellent guide to know How to Become a Child Psychologist?

Career Prospects in Animal Psychology  

Pursuing Animal Psychology courses offers a plethora of career opportunities where you will get an opportunity to examine and conduct studies on human-animal relations to diagnose and treat disorders. Here are some of the rewarding career opportunities one can avail of after pursuing Animal Psychology. 

Work Profiles	Brief description
Veterinary Behaviorist	The Veterinary Behaviourists study and analyze the relationship between human-animal and animal-animal interactions.
Animal Trainer	They work with animals like horses, dogs, aquatic mammals, etc. They train animals so that they respond accurately to various commands.
Animal Scientist	Also known as Zoological Researchers, Animal Scientists conduct extensive research and study on a variety of animals who are restricted in their natural habitats other than zoos, laboratories etc.
Academic Researcher	Generally taken up by those who want to build a career in Academics, Animal Researchers conduct studies on animal phycology in a very descriptive way.
Animal Nutritionist	An Animal Nutritionist assesses the effect of diet on the health, well-being as well as overall productivity of animals.
Animal Physiotherapist	An Animal Physiotherapist treats injured animals with rehabilitation exercises.
Zoologist	The Zoologists study animal psychology, their behaviour, evolution, anatomy, distribution and classification, along with animal-human interactions.

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Salary Trends 

According to the BLS, the employment of animal trainers and psychologists is expected to grow significantly faster than average between 2019 and 2029. Furthermore, within the same time period, career possibilities for animal trainers should grow at a considerably quicker rate than the national average. According to the BLS, the median annual pay of animal trainers is $31,520 (INR 23.2 lakhs) while that of animal scientists/psychologists is $63,490. (INR 46.74 lakhs). Also, although people working with marine creatures will need a bachelor’s degree in marine biology or a similar subject, animal trainers may not often require tertiary education. A PhD is required for advanced animal scientist employment, while a doctor of veterinary medicine is required for veterinarians. Entry-level animal scientist professions require a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Hopefully, this blog has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of Animal Psychology and its related components. Are you apprehensive about choosing the right educational destination for this course? Then consult the Leverage Edu experts through an E-meeting where you will be provided assistance in finding the university most suitable for you!