Dog psychologists need to have veterinary qualifications.
Officially called animal behaviorists, "dog psychologists" study the behavior of dogs to try to understand the cause of problem behaviors and overcome them with a combination of training and the occasional use of medication. Animal behaviorists require advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. or doctor of veterinary medicine, or DVM, as well as knowledge of behavioral sciences, such as dog training and comparative psychology.
Salary Range
The salary of a dog psychologist depends largely on the level of certification she holds. A qualified veterinarian can diagnose a dog's problems and implement behavior modification training supported by medication if necessary. A veterinary technician, however, is not qualified to dispense medicines and may therefore earn a lower salary. In 2008 almost 60,000 veterinarians around the country earned an average annual salary of $79,050 while 10 percent earned more than $140,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career Opportunities
A dog psychologist's salary also depends on the type of work she undertakes. Career opportunities include working in government laboratories or in private health research, where scientists study the behavioral effect of drugs on dogs, or in veterinary surgeries. A dog psychologist may work through an animal hospital as a behavioral consultant for dogs that come in, or she may open a private practice and market her services. If she works on a consulting basis, her earnings will depend on the number of clients she attracts and the hours she works.
Regional Differences
As with other types of employment, earnings differ between states. Connecticut pays a mean annual salary of $126,550 for qualified veterinarians and other occupations that require a DVM designation whereas Port St. Lucie, Florida, is the metropolitan area with the highest rate of pay at $174,810 per year. California is the state with the highest number of qualified veterinarians at 5,190 but does not give specific numbers for dog psychologists.
Career Outlook
The American Pet Products Association estimates that Americans will spend $14.11 billion in 2011 on veterinary care for their pets. Of the 72.9 million homes that own a pet, 46.3 million of those own a dog. The BLS projects that veterinary careers will experience a growth of 33 percent by 2018 and that job prospects are excellent because the U.S. has only 28 accredited schools of veterinary medicine across the country. These schools produce about 2,500 graduates every year.
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