An internship prepares a candidate to perform independently and professionally in applied animal behavior. The length of an internship and the number of cases observed will vary among candidates depending on openings in the intern program and the case availability.

Eligibility:

  • An earned Ph.D. degree in an animal behavior related field or a doctorate in veterinary medicine (DVM or VMD).

  • An earned Master's degree (MA or MS) in an animal behavior related field.

  • Enrolled in a graduate program that meets the certification requirements as an applied animal behaviorist by the Animal Behavior Society. Consult the ABS for further information: www.animalbehavior.org

  • There are two Masters degree programs in the U.S. The University of Illinois, Integrative Biology program (MA) and Hunter College, NYC, Animal Behavior and Conservation Program (MA) are designed to meet the academic requirements for certification by the Animal Behavior Society. (http://www.life.uiuc.edu/programs/BMP/)

  • Other qualifications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

  • The ABS does not recognize on-line programs, private companies,training schools or other groups that certify "animal behaviorists" or "pet behavior counselors" or other similiar titles. These groups are for the most part, certifying individuals from their own training programs. This process is not as rigorous or equivalent to completing a graduate degree at an accredicated college or university.

    On-line degree programs do not yet have consistent rigorous standards, and their quality is of concern to many professional entities, including the federal government. A degree from an on-line program does not qualify an individual for certification by the ABS.

  • CAABs offering individual career counseling services. Peter Borchelt, Ph.D., CAAB; Dan Estep, Ph.D., CAAB; Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D., CAAB.

  • Please contact the following CAABs who offer experiential opportunities: Pam Reid, Ph.D.; Peter Borchelt, Ph.D.; Dan Estep, Ph.D.; Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D.; Nancy Williams, MA.
    • Follow this link for Internship Examples.

    CAABs provide opportunities for students of animal behavior to observe and gain hands on experience with dog and cat behavior cases under the supervision of an applied behaviorist.