Author: C.L.Williams M.EnvSci LLM M.A M.BA M.Sc(Ag) M.FishPol M.MariPol M.Ed GD.Orni GC.Autism GC.ChildDis GC.CyberSec GC.MH GC.CapVertMgmt GC.Nutr GC.SpecIncEdu GC.AdultVET GC.HighEd GC.Ed GC.Disab GC.Mari GC.ABS B.Sc B.Zool B.Phil Dip.FamHist Dip.CreatArt Dip.DemCare Dip.SustLiv Dip.MgmtLead Dip.PosPsych UGC.CommCare UGC.AppSci UGC.ClimChange UGC.AntClimChge UGC.DataEnv Cert4.WHS Cert4.SmallBusMgmt Cert4.EnvMgmtSus Cert4.LocGov Cert4.CompAnimSer Cert4.AnContReg Cert4.PetStyle
In Australia, animal behaviour qualifications are essential for advancing animal welfare and training standards, especially in fields involving working animals like assistance dogs and wildlife conservation programs. Currently, the highest nationally recognised qualification for animal behaviour and training is the Certificate 4 Animal Behaviour and Training level. However, this qualification is often considered insufficient for the specialised and complex work required in this field, particularly when it comes to roles supporting people with disabilities. Comparing our educational standards with those of other countries highlights why Australia must elevate its framework to offer both undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in animal behaviour.
The Current State of Qualifications in Australia
Under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), the Certificate 4 in Animal Behaviour and Training sits at Level 4. This level equips graduates with foundational skills and knowledge but lacks the in-depth understanding of advanced animal behaviour principles, scientific research, and human-animal interactions needed to work with animals in specialised capacities. For those working with assistance animals, a deeper understanding of animal psychology, behavioural science, and human disability is crucial. At this level, trainers are unlikely to gain comprehensive knowledge about how disabilities affect the people they’re supporting or the complex behaviours that assistance animals need to perform.
Assistance animal training, for instance, requires knowledge beyond animal training basics. Trainers must understand various disabilities, psychological and emotional impacts, and the nuanced ways animals can aid people with these needs. Without an advanced academic background, trainers may be less equipped to handle the diversity of tasks required in this field, potentially impacting the quality of life for individuals relying on assistance animals.
Learning from Other Countries
In both the United Kingdom and the United States, advanced qualifications in animal behaviour are well-established. The Master of Science with a major in Clinical Animal Behaviour is a Level 9 qualification offered by the University of Edinburgh in the UK. A Bachelor of Science with a major in Animal Behaviour and welfare Science is offered by the University of Bristol in the UK. This is a Level 7 qualification, as is the Bachelor of Technology with a major in Canine Training and Management at SUNY Cobbleskill in the USA. These are just some of the qualifications available internationally.
In the UK, universities offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal behaviour and animal-assisted therapy. Many programs also incorporate modules in disability studies, behavioural neuroscience, and ethical considerations, preparing graduates with a high level of expertise and a broad, interdisciplinary foundation. The USA similarly provides extensive training for animal behaviour through undergraduate and postgraduate programs, often including collaboration with veterinary schools, zoology departments, and psychology programs. These programs ensure that animal trainers and behaviour specialists have robust scientific training, understanding complex behaviour patterns, human psychological factors, and neurobiological processes that contribute to animal training. Graduates of these programs work in diverse fields, from assistance animal training to conservation biology, all of which benefit from high academic standards and rigorous qualification levels.
Raising Standards in Australia
In Australia, raising the standard of qualifications in animal behaviour to the university level is essential for improving outcomes in this field. By developing AQF Level 7 (Bachelor’s degree) and Level 9 (Master’s degree) programs specifically for animal behaviour, we could provide students with the in-depth knowledge they need to specialise in areas such as assistance animal training, animal rehabilitation, and conservation work. These programs would encompass a blend of scientific, psychological, and disability-related content, preparing graduates to better serve communities and the animals they train.
This shift would also align Australia with international standards, making our graduates more competitive globally and better equipped for cross-disciplinary work, which is often required in advanced animal behaviour roles. For example, animal trainers who understand disability studies could enhance support for people with disabilities, while those knowledgeable in ecology could contribute significantly to wildlife conservation efforts.
This aligns with the Working Animal Foundation Australia (WAFA)’s commitment to increasing standards for working animals nationwide. WAFA is actively developing new qualifications to address the gaps in current training levels, ensuring that those working with assistance and other working animals have the necessary in-depth knowledge of both animal behaviour and human disabilities. These qualifications aim to bring Australian standards up to par with international benchmarks, supporting WAFA’s mission to enhance the welfare and efficacy of working animals in diverse fields across the country.
The demand for well-trained animal behaviour specialists is growing in Australia, especially in roles that support vulnerable communities and wildlife conservation. By introducing undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in animal behaviour, we can raise the standard of education and ensure that those in the profession are better prepared for the diverse, complex needs of their roles. Establishing these qualifications would not only benefit professionals but also significantly enhance the welfare of both animals and the people they serve. It’s time for Australia to step up and ensure our educational standards reflect the critical nature of work in animal behaviour and training.
About the Author: C.L. Williams brings a diverse and comprehensive expertise to her work as a published author of children’s short stories, an accomplished artist and photographer, an experienced VET trainer, a university tutor and trainer of assistance and detection dogs. She combines a deep knowledge of education with practical experience, bringing insights into the needs of individuals with disabilities and the integration of assistance animals in support roles. Her commitment to lifelong learning and service in both educational and animal care fields reflects a dedication to advancing community support and environmental stewardship.