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Applied Ethologist

Applied ethologists are scientists who utilize principles of animal behavior and ethology – the scientific study of animal behavior – to address practical issues related to animal welfare, management, and conservation. They apply scientific understanding of animal behavior to various contexts, such as agriculture, veterinary medicine, zookeeping, and wildlife conservation, aiming to enhance the wellbeing of animals under human care or in natural environments.

Applied ethologists assess animal behavior, design behavior modification strategies, conduct research to understand behavioral patterns, and provide guidance on best practices for animal care and management, ultimately, striving to promote ethical and humane treatment of animals across different sectors.

Duties and Responsibilities
A day in the life of an applied ethologist may include:

• Assessing Animal Behavior – Applied ethologists observe and analyze the behavior of animals to understand their needs, preferences, and wellbeing. They may conduct behavioral assessments in various environments, such as farms, zoos, or natural habitats. This can involve recording animal behavior and noting interactions, movement patterns, and any signs of abnormal behavior.
• Developing Behavior Modification Programs – Applied ethologists design and implement strategies to address behavioral issues in animals, such as aggression, fear, stress, or stereotypic behaviors. These programs aim to improve animal welfare and enhance their quality of life.
• Conducting Research – Applied ethologists may carry out research projects to investigate specific aspects of animal behavior, such as social interactions, communication, or cognitive abilities. This research contributes to our understanding of animal behavior and informs best practices for their care and management.
• Providing Recommendations and Guidance – Applied ethologists offer advice and recommendations to individuals, organizations, or industries on best practices and policy for handling and caring for animals. They may provide guidance on housing, enrichment, feeding, and other aspects of animal care to promote their wellbeing.
• Mitigating Human-Animal Conflicts – Applied ethologists may contribute to the development of strategies to promote human-animal coexistence, especially in areas where human activities intersect with wildlife habitats.
• Educating Others – Applied ethologists may engage in education and outreach activities to raise awareness about animal behavior, welfare, and conservation. They may conduct workshops, seminars, or public presentations to share their knowledge and promote responsible stewardship of animals.

Types of Applied Ethologists
Now that we have a sense of the potential scope of the applied ethologist’s work, let’s look at some different types of these ethologists, each specializing in different areas of animal behavior and applying their expertise to specific contexts:

• Farm Animal Ethologists specialize in the behavior and welfare of livestock animals such as cows, pigs, chickens, and sheep. They work to improve housing conditions, handling practices, and management strategies on farms to enhance animal welfare and productivity.
• Zoo Ethologists focus on the behavior and welfare of animals in zoos, aquariums, and wildlife parks. They design enrichment programs, assess exhibit designs, and develop training techniques to promote natural behaviors and improve the wellbeing of captive animals.
• Wildlife Ethologists study the behavior of wild animals in their natural habitats and apply their knowledge to conservation efforts. They may work with government agencies, conservation organizations, or research institutions to monitor populations, mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, and develop conservation strategies.
• Companion Animal Ethologists specialize in the behavior and welfare of pets such as dogs, cats, and small mammals. They provide behavior consultation services to pet owners, develop training programs to improve the human-animal bond, and address behavioral issues such as aggression, anxiety, and compulsive behaviors.
• Conservation Ethologists focus on the behavior and ecology of endangered species and work to conserve their populations and habitats. They may conduct research on species behavior, develop conservation plans, and collaborate with local communities and stakeholders to implement conservation initiatives.
• Human-Animal Interaction Ethologists have an in-depth understanding of the relationships between humans and animals and how their interactions affect both parties. They may focus on therapy animal programs, animal-assisted interventions, or studying the benefits of pet ownership on human health and wellbeing.

What is the workplace of an Applied Ethologist like?

Applied ethologists can work for a variety of organizations across different sectors. These are among their most common employers:

• Academic Institutions – Universities and research institutions often employ applied ethologists as researchers, professors, or postdoctoral fellows. They may conduct research on animal behavior, welfare, and conservation, as well as teach courses in ethology, animal science, or related fields.
• Government Agencies – Government departments responsible for agriculture, wildlife management, conservation, and animal welfare may employ applied ethologists to conduct research, develop policies, and provide expertise on issues related to animal behavior and welfare.
• Non-profit Organizations – Animal welfare organizations, conservation groups, and advocacy organizations frequently employ applied ethologists to work on projects related to animal welfare, wildlife conservation, and environmental sustainability.
• Zoos, Aquariums, and Wildlife Parks – These entities employ applied ethologists to manage animal collections, design enrichment programs, conduct research, and develop conservation initiatives aimed at promoting the wellbeing of captive and wild animals.
• Farms and Agricultural Companies – Applied ethologists may work for farms, ranches, and agricultural companies to improve animal welfare, enhance productivity, and develop sustainable farming practices.
• Veterinary Clinics and Animal Behavior Practices – Some applied ethologists work in veterinary clinics or animal behavior practices, providing behavior consultation services to pet owners and addressing behavioral issues in companion animals.
• Consulting Firms – Consulting firms specializing in animal behavior, welfare, and conservation may employ applied ethologists to provide expertise and guidance to clients in various industries, including agriculture, food production, and environmental management.

The workplace of an applied ethologist can vary depending on their specific role, employer, and area of specialization. These, however, are, some typical workplace environments in the ethology sector:

• Field Sites – Applied ethologists often spend time conducting fieldwork in various environments, such as farms, natural habitats, or wildlife reserves.
• Laboratories – Some applied ethologists work in laboratory settings, where they analyze data, conduct experiments, and study animal behavior under controlled conditions.
• Offices – Applied ethologists may have office-based roles where they conduct data analysis, write reports, and communicate with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
• Teaching Spaces – Applied ethologists who work in academia typically spend time in lecture halls, classrooms, and laboratories.
• Travel – Depending on their research projects, applied ethologists may have opportunities to travel domestically or internationally to attend conferences and workshops or to visit field sites.

How to become an Applied Ethologist

In addition to a passion for working with animals, becoming an applied ethologist requires a combination of education, training, and practical experience in the field of animal behavior. Here is an overview of the pathway to the career:

High School Diploma or Equivalent
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. High school education provides a foundation in basic communication and math and organizational skills, and it lays the groundwork for further learning.

Bachelor's Degree
Pursue a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, zoology, psychology, ecology, animal sciences, wildlife science and management, or another related discipline. During undergraduate studies, coursework typically covers topics such as animal behavior, ecology, genetics, physiology, statistics, and research methods.

Graduate Education
Many applied ethologists hold a relevant master’s or doctoral degree. Graduate programs provide specialized training, research opportunities, and practical experiences tailored to specific interests and career goals.

Research / Teaching Experience
Throughout undergraduate and graduate studies, seek out opportunities to work with animals in settings like farms, zoos, and wildlife rehabilitation centers. Obtain research experience through internships, lab rotations, or research assistant positions in applied ethology or related fields. This is crucial for identifying particular areas of interest and developing observational skills, field methodologies, experimental design skills, statistical techniques, and data analysis capabilities.

If you’re interested in pursuing academic positions, seek out teaching assistant (TA) roles while earning your master’s or Ph.D.

Specialization
Choose a specialization within applied ethology based on your interests and career goals. Options range from farm animals and zoo animals to wildlife and human-animal interaction. For a complete list of specializations in the field, please see the What does an Applied Ethologist do? section in the career overview.

Fellowship or Postdoctoral Training (Optional)
After earning their master’s or Ph.D., graduates may pursue a fellowship or postdoctoral position. These are temporary positions that allow graduates to work with leading researchers in the field, collaborate on interdisciplinary projects, and prepare for independent research or academic positions. Generally, fellowships and postdocs come from three sources: colleges and universities, government agencies, and foundations. However, some may be available in private industry.

Continuing Education and Research Publication
Stay informed about the latest research and advancements in applied ethology. Attend workshops, conferences, and seminars to present your work, and participate in professional development and networking activities to keep your knowledge current.

As you progress in your academic journey, aim to publish your research findings in peer-reviewed journals. Building a strong publication record and establishing yourself as a contributor to the field of applied ethology will enhance your credibility and visibility within the scientific community.

Certification and Professional Organizations
There isn't a specific certification widely recognized as a standard credential for ethologists comparable to certifications in some other fields. Instead, the qualifications and credentials of ethologists are primarily based on their educational background, research experience, and expertise in specific areas of animal behavior. There are, however, professional certifications and training programs related to specific skills or methodologies that ethologists might find useful, depending on their focus or specialization. Here’s a sampling:

• Certified Clinical Animal Behaviorist Certification Ltd. – This organization offers the Certified Clinical Animal Behaviorist (CCAB) credential, targeted at professionals who specialize in clinical animal behavior. CCABs work with pet owners and veterinarians to diagnose and treat behavior problems in companion animals.
• Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) – CCPDT offers the Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) credential, designed for individuals who specialize in dog training and behavior modification and consulting.
• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) – AVSAB is an organization dedicated to advancing the field of veterinary behavior medicine and promoting scientifically-based approaches to understanding and modifying animal behavior. It offers resources, education, and certification programs for veterinary professionals specializing in animal behavior.
• International Society for Applied Ethology (ISAE) – The ISAE is an organization that provides a forum for the presentation and discussion of advances in applied animal behavior science and education. Its mission is to contribute to greater understanding of the interactions between humans and other animals and to help create a better balance between animal welfare and the requirements that humans have of other animals.
• International Council of Ethologists (ICE) – The purpose of the ICE is entirely scientific and educational. Every four years, it gathers ethologists from around the world to discuss and present their research.
• International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) – While not specific to ethnologists, the IAABC is an organization for professionals in the field of animal behavior consulting. It provides education, a network for individuals working with animal behavior issues, and certification programs covering topics such as behavior modification, training techniques, and ethical considerations.
• Animal Behavior Society (ABS) – The ABS is a non-partisan, non-profit professional organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the scientific study of animal behavior, and to creating an inclusive scientific environment that supports a diverse membership. Members of ABS study behavior across all levels of biological organization, under natural and controlled conditions, and using descriptive and experimental approaches. ABS offers the Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) credential for professionals who have completed graduate-level education and research in animal behavior.
• Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB) – The ASAB is a British organization founded in 1936 to promote the science and study of animal behavior. ASAB holds conferences, offers grants, and publishes a peer-reviewed journal, Animal Behaviour, first published in 1953.
• International Society for Behavioral Ecology (ISBE) – ISBE is a professional society dedicated to promoting the study of behavioral ecology, including the behavioral mechanisms underlying adaptation, evolution, and ecology. It welcomes researchers studying animal behavior from a broad range of perspectives, including neurobiological and physiological approaches.
• The Wildlife Society (TWS) – TWS is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of wildlife management and conservation. It grants the Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB) professional designation, which is designed to recognize individuals who have met specific education and experience requirements in the field of wildlife biology.
• Conservation Biology Certifications – Professionals in the field of conservation, including ethologists, might find certifications related to conservation biology beneficial. These are offered by organizations such as the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB).
• Zookeeping and Husbandry Certifications – For ethologists working in zoos or focusing on captive animal behavior, certifications related to zookeeping, animal husbandry, or enrichment strategies may be relevant. These certifications are often provided by organizations like the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK).
• Ethics and Compliance Training – Given the ethical considerations involved in animal research, ethologists may undergo training in research ethics, animal welfare regulations, and laboratory safety protocols. While not certifications in the traditional sense, completion of such training programs may be required by institutions or funding agencies.
• Research Methodology and Statistics – Ethologists often use statistical methods and research methodologies. Courses or certifications in statistics, experimental design, or specific data analysis tools, such as R or Python, could be beneficial.