Pet Psychology is the study of how animals and humans communicate. This field includes animal behavior, anthropology and social psychology. While there are various areas within pet psychology, most focus on helping both parties overcome mental health and behavioral difficulties.
Careers in pet psychology encompass veterinarians, private practitioners, researchers and academics. Typically, to become a pet psychologist you need an undergraduate degree and postgraduate training. Most undergraduate degrees require four years of coursework covering both human and animal behavior topics. Furthermore, students often gain invaluable work experience by doing summer or internship type placements at an animal shelter, veterinary clinic or zoo.
Degree requirements in pet psychology can vary between universities, but on average the program lasts around four years if you choose to attend full time. Coursework typically covers animal behavior and psychology as well as some physiology or zoology topics.
Earning a degree in animal behavior, zoology or biology is an excellent way to launch your career as a pet psychologist. These degrees are science-based and usually lead to a Master of Science designation. Furthermore, these programs tend to be more hands-on than those related to psychology; you’ll get to observe and learn from real animals while working.
You may opt to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in this field as well. These degrees require another two to four years of study, and you’ll need to finish an extensive dissertation or thesis project in order to receive your degree.
Pet psychologists typically work in private practice, though some can also work for animal-related businesses such as pest control or livestock operations. Prior to embarking on a private practice however, it’s essential that they possess some practical experience working with pets in some capacity.
Some pet psychologists also work in research, where they seek to uncover the causes behind animal behavior and develop ways of improving it. They may conduct studies that examine animal-human interactions or teach animals specific roles like therapy dogs.
Research is an integral component of pet psychology, often conducted either as part of a field project or doctoral dissertation. Conducting research that benefits humans, animals and the environment can be highly rewarding.
Pet psychologists must have compassion and patience when working with clients and their animals. This is especially important when solving problems, which can be tricky since animals cannot express what’s wrong with them or how they’re feeling.
Pet psychologists must be able to communicate with their clients in a way that’s understood by both animals and humans alike. This empathy for emotional connection is an invaluable skill in this field, enabling them to gain a better insight into clients and resolve problems more quickly.
