Assess animal behaviour

Description

Observe and evaluate the behaviour of animals in order to work with them safely and recognise deviations from normal behaviour that signal compromised health and welfare.

Alternative labels

observe the behaviour of animals
observe animal behaviour
evaluate animal behaviour
evaluate the behaviour of animals
carry out animal behaviour evaluations
observe and assess animal behaviour
conduct analyses of animal behaviour
make assessments of animal behaviour
assess the behaviour of animals
conduct observations of animal behaviour
perform analyses of animal behaviour
execute animal behaviour evaluations

Skill type

skill/competence

Skill reusability level

sector-specific

Relationships with occupations

Essential skill

Assess animal behaviour is an essential skill of the following occupations:

Specialised veterinarian: Specialised veterinarians are professionals with a comprehensive scientific education. They have the authority to carry out, in an independent, ethical and personally responsible capacity, all aspects of veterinary medicine, in the interest of the health and welfare of animals and public health in accordance with national and international legislation. In addition they need a recognized qualification and/or experience in a specific species and/or veterinary procedure.

Veterinary specialisms are generally classified according to species and/or procedures, for example:

Species covered may include equine and zoological animals
Procedures covered may include cardiology, orthopaedics

Current lists  of specialisms and details for the specific qualifications and experience required can be found at:
http://www.ebvs.org/
https://www.avma.org/Pages/home.aspx

You are advised to contact the relevant national regulatory body for further information.
Animal care attendant: Animal care attendants provide routine care for non-production animals, which may include feeding, watering, cleaning, exercise and enrichment, grooming, training and monitoring of the health and welfare, in accordance with national legislation.

Animal artificial insemination technician: Animal artificial insemination technicians are in charge of the impregnation of an animal using collected semen, in accordance with national legislation.
Kennel worker: Kennel workers handle animals in kennels or catteries and provide care for pets. They feed the animals, clean their cages, look after ill or old animals, groom them and take them out for a walk.
Animal handler: Animal handlers are in charge of handling animals in a working role and continue the training of the animal, in accordance with national legislation.
Veterinary nurse: Veterinary nurses support animals undergoing veterinary treatment and give advice to veterinary clients in the promotion of animal health and disease prevention in accordance with national legislation.
Dog trainer: Dog trainers train animals and/or dog handlers for general and specific purposes, including assistance, security, leisure, competition, transportation, obedience and routine handling, entertainment and education, in accordance with national legislation.
Animal embryo transfer technician: Animal embryo transfer technicians aid and support the carrying out of embryo transfer under veterinary supervision in accordance with national legislation.
Horse trainer: Horse trainers train animals and/or riders for general and specific purposes, including assistance, security, leisure, competition, transportation, obedience and routine handling, entertainment and education, in accordance with national legislation.
Zoo section leader: Zoo section leaders are responsible for managing and leading a team of zoo keepers. They will carry out daily care and management of animals as well as, in cooperation with colleagues, long term management and organisation of the species and exhibits in their section. They are also accountable for various aspects of staff management for the keepers in their section. Depending on the size of the zoo and animal section they may have additional responsibility for appointing staff and budgeting.   
Animal shelter worker: Animal shelter workers provide animal care routine services at the animal shelter. They receive animals brought to the shelter, respond to calls about lost or injured animals, nurse animals, clean cages, handle papers for adoption of animals, transport animals to the veterinarian and maintain database with the animals present in the shelter.
Animal behaviourist: Animal behaviourists work with animals and people to study, observe, assess and understand animal behaviour in relation to specific factors and to prevent or address inappropriate or problematic behaviours within individual animals through the development of suitable environments and management regimes, in accordance with national legislation. 
Live animal transporter: Live animal transporters provide transport and transfer for live animals, including the monitoring of the health and welfare of animals, the planning of, and preparation for journeys, loading and unloading of animals, according to national and international legislation.

Kennel supervisor: Kennel supervisors monitor the daily operations of the kennel under their supervision. They ensure that the pets kept in kennels are being properly handled and cared for. Kennel supervisors supervise the working staff and maintain contact with the owners of the pets while they drop off or pick up the pets.
General veterinarian: General veterinarians are professionals with a comprehensive scientific education. They have the authority to carry out, in an independent, ethical and personally responsible capacity, all aspects of veterinary medicine, in the interest of the health and welfare of animals and public health in accordance with national and international legislation. The generalist veterinarian can work with any species, however they may choose to work with a single species or types such as equine, companion or production animals.
Zookeeper: Zookeepers manage animals that are kept in captivity for conservation, education, research and/or to be displayed to the public. They are usually responsible for the feeding and the daily care and welfare of the animals. As a part of their routine, zookeepers clean the exhibits and report possible health problems. They may also be involved in particular scientific research or public education, such as conducting guided tours and answering questions.
Animal trainer: Animal trainers train animals and/or animal handlers for general and specific purposes, including assistance, security, leisure, competition, transportation, obedience and routine handling, entertainment and education, in accordance with national legislation.

Optional skill

Assess animal behaviour is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this skill may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Bee breeder: Bee breeders oversee the production and day-to-day care of bees. They maintain the health and welfare of bees.
Animal therapist: Animal therapists provide a therapeutic treatment following veterinary diagnosis or referral.
Fur animals breeder: Fur animals breeders oversee the production and day-to-day care of fur animals. They maintain the health and welfare of fur animals.
Horse breeder: Horse breeders oversee the production and day-to-day care of horses. They maintain the health and welfare of horses.
Alternative animal therapist: Alternative animal therapists investigate sick or injured small and large animals and provide an alternative healing treatment. They may use homeopathy or acupuncture and other alternative medicines or methods to heal the animal. Alternative animal therapists also advise treatments which strengthen the self-healing powers of animals. 
Dog breeder: Dog breeders oversee the production and day-to-day care of dogs. They maintain the health and welfare of dogs.
Behavioural scientist: Behavioural scientists research, observe and describe human behaviour in society. They draw conclusions on the motives that stir actions in humans, observe the various circumstances for different behaviours, and describe different personalities. They advise organisations and governmental institutions on this field. They may also analyse the behaviour of animals.
Veterinary technician: Veterinary technicians provide the technical and administrative support to the veterinarian in accordance with national legislation.
Sheep breeder: Sheep breeders oversee the production and day-to-day care of sheep. They maintain the health and welfare of sheep.
Cattle breeder: Cattle breeders oversee the production and day-to-day care of cattle. They maintain the health and welfare of cattle.
Poultry breeder: Poultry breeders oversee the production and day-to-day care of poultry. They maintain the health and welfare of poultry.
Pig breeder: Pig breeders oversee the production and day-to-day care of pigs. They maintain the health and welfare of pigs.

 


 

References

  1. Assess animal behaviour – ESCO

 

Last updated on September 20, 2022