Unusual Animal Careers
A Series about Careers with Animals

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Unusual Animal Careers Part Six
Animal Behavior Job Possibilities
with Exotics and Domestics

Editor's Note: This is the continuation of an ongoing series related to animal careers. To reap the benefits of all the tips and requirements of this series it is suggested that you read them in order. You can do this easily by going back to the animal career index page.

Animal careers, animal schools, & animal courses are just a few topics you will find here. You can read about careers with animals, discover animal programs, and enroll in unique animal career seminars. This is part six in an unusual animal career series.

The first parts of this series briefly discussed types of careers and which ones might be appropriate for you, how to begin researching those career options, and how to find specific information in the area of your interest to help you further clarify your goals and contacts. The last two discussed both domestic and exotic animal work and how to begin to get practical experience. Now, the next few articles will take a closer look at different roles and what kind of training or education is necessary for them.

Once you determine what you are best at and what you are interested in, then you need to consider what type of job will appeal to you the most. There is a wide variety of these to consider. What this section of the series will do is plant some seeds to get you thinking and offer a few suggestions or examples. The rest of the research is up to you.

Again, good sources of information can be found in your local library, on the Internet, in a University Library and from career counselors. Bookstores and clubs or animal related agencies, organizations, or facilities may also have brochures or book references. Hunting the information down will take some work but the dedication will pay off.

To simplify some of this information I am going to group it by similar categories. Many of the roles I am familiar with will be listed here. Many will not! Specialty roles of marine mammalogist, primatologist, etc., fall into some of the categories listed or would require I write a book on the subject! Unique training for some areas not listed will be included in another section. If you see any additions to jobs and want to provide me with a description and the related educational aspects please contact me.

Most of those here relate to captive care of exotic animals. Certainly all of the options will not be here but those that are can help you find related areas of interest or spark another thought to something similar. Since the career field is changing so fast, many new positions will crop up every year.

ANIMAL BEHAVIOR JOBS

Exotic & Wild Animal Behaviorist

This job can overlap with training positions but it involves interpreting and understanding behavior. It often involves knowledge of the natural history of animals, predictable patterns of behavior, predicting responses to changes in the surroundings, breeding and a variety of other nuances.

Behaviorists go beyond just shaping behavior or correcting abnormal behavior in a captive environment. This role often has the responsibility of maintaining accurate records and conducting behavioral research studies on animals. Observations can result in exhibit changes that make the environment more complete and stimulating or more comfortable for the animal.

Training for this varies but now the industry demands a Master's or Doctorate degree in animal psychology, biological sciences, or related studies. Field research and animal experience in other areas is a plus.

Domestic Animal Behaviorist

This is a bit different from the roles necessary for work with wild or exotic animals. There is a board certification program that is available from the veterinary profession. There are also a variety of types of study programs that focus in on other related domestic animal issues.

Working with domestic or companion animals will provide challenges that will involve genetic or breed traits, and accidental conditioning or training from the owner. Many times it will be advantageous to have practical training skills in order to accomplish both behavioral conditioning and more stable behavior beyond troubleshooting problematic behaviors. It will be necessary to be a good teacher in order to work with those who have no training or background in the field of animals.

Training for this type of career can vary but can include a Master's or Doctorate degree in animal psychology, biological sciences, or veterinary studies with a behavioral focus. Practical teaching and animal experience in other areas is a plus.

Unusual Animal Careers Part Seven: A Closer Look At Some Job Possibilities For Exotics and Domestics in Animal Training

About this animal career specialist: Since 1978 Diana L. Guerrero has worked professionally with both wild and domestic animals. Guerrero has been affiliated with, and certified by, a variety of animal programs in the USA and Europe. Based in California, she writes, consults, and speaks. Information on her animal career programs, training courses, and her books {What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality (SkyLight Paths, 2003), Blessing of the Animals (Sterling, 2007), Help! My Pet is Driving Me Crazy (Guerrero Ink, 2007), Animal Disaster Preparedness for Pet Owners & Pet Professionals (Guerrero Ink, 2007)} can be found in this web site and in the shop. Questions for Guerrero should be submitted via the blog comments or membership forum.