How Do I Become an Animal Psychologist?

You may become an animal psychologist by majoring in zoology, sociobiology, anthropology or psychology at the university level. Some people enter this career with only a bachelor's degree in one of these subjects, but many earn a master's degree or higher. Gaining experience working with animals is also helpful if you intend to become an animal psychologist, as is finding a professional to mentor you while you earn an education and begin your career.

Prior to earning an education and working in pet psychology, you may want to begin developing your research and observation skills. While animal psychologists function in very broad capacities from designing habitats to researching animal behaviors in the wild, most animal psychologist careers require strong research and observation skills in order to perform a variety of different tasks. Animal therapists, in particular, need to gain insight and understanding into animal behaviors and, therefore, must be willing to study animals often for extended periods of time to determine the ways in which animals develop, which instincts are natural to a particular species and how animals interact with others.

Additional skills that may help you become an animal psychologist include strong analytical and problem solving abilities. Data collection and communication skills are also essential for most animal psychology jobs. Whether working as animal physical therapists or pet psychologists, individuals working with animals are encouraged to also have compassion and respect in dealing with their subjects.

Although you may become an animal psychologist with a bachelor's degree in psychology, zoology or a related field, you may also find that a lot of animal therapist jobs require a master's degree or higher. In many instances, a doctoral degree will be necessary. You may, therefore, want to consider earning a higher degree to become an animal psychologist able to adequately compete with others in this field.

In addition to earning a formal education to help you become an animal psychologist, gaining hands-on work experience with animals may also help you in acquiring an education in animal therapy. Experience may also assist you in finding a job after you’ve earned your degree. Actively seeking internships and volunteer opportunities with professionals currently working as animal psychologists may be of benefit while you are in preparation to become an animal psychologist. You may also want to consider finding a mentor in this field to help guide you along your educational and career path.