ALT-1 How to become a Pet Psychologist
According to many Pet Psychologists; the profession can be very rewarding for those who do do not mind putting in long hours to help animals and the owners to live healthy and happier lives. Becoming a pet psychologist does not require as much education as it does patience, determination, and the love of animals. Some people are born with qualities. Not only does it require compassion for animals; it requires energy and an in-depth knowledge of animal behavior.
Many Pet Psychologists have degrees in Psychology, Veterinarian Sciences, or Animal Behavior. As stated previously, there is no set educational path for Pet Psychology; and after obtaining the necessary experience; one can command as high as $50 per hour if working alone. To reiterate; because some states are now requiring a specific certification; for example, Applied Animal Behaviorist); do check with the State Licencing Board for requirements.
Andrea Harner is one of those Pet Psychologists, that says many of them do not want to be called that name, but would prefer being referred to as "Animal Behaviorists." She said most have Ph.D;s; however; most states do not require degrees, but there are some states that require certification of some type.
Hamer says becoming a Pet Psychologist, or someone who helps to understand animal behavior; requires compassion as well as determination to develop behavior modification plans for owners to use for their pets. In order to do this effectively, one must spend as much time studying animals (or the desired pet they plan on working with). They should begin their study during high school or college, as well as to volunteer or work part-time in an animal shelter, a veterinarian's office, animal training facility, or animal behavioral center.
According to Diana Ratliff of Pet Business Central.com, the Pet Psychologists schedule clients for one or more, one-hour sessions to work out the pet behavior modification plan for the client to follow with the pet. She agrees that a Pet Psychologist must have patience to deal with the frustrated owner and the pet. She stresses the importance of studying animal biology and psychology.
The positive benefits, says Ratliff, are set hours, the pay, as well as seeing happy clients and pets. The potential disadvantages are: expensive training, malpractice insurance, and meeting State requirements. Other benefits are: working for yourself or finding employment at a university, veterinarian's office, or at an animal training facility; to name a few.
To summarize: A Pet Psychologist needs to love animals, know the behavior of animals; as well as to be willing to work closely with them; not just one species, for example; dogs versus cats.
