The necessary requirements to become an Animal Behavioural Specialist vary depending on the chosen field of study.

Obtaining a certificate from a private training program will give you hands-on experience and education working with cats and dogs. These programs are usually not accredited, but they will get you started in a career as a dog or cat trainer who can help owners with their pets.

An associate's degree (usually a two-year program) in animal training or zoo keeping will train students in almost any animal field, including animal behaviour. You will learn basic training and behaviour concepts that could apply to all animals.

A four year bachelor's degree in Animal Behaviour Sciences is being offered at more and more universities. This is an interdisciplinary major that combines psychology and biology.

Some jobs in animal behaviour require only a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree; however, most of the career fields in animal behaviour require advanced degrees, such as a Master's degree or a PHD or DVM.