A black and white greyhound on a lead being handled by two students, who are only visible to waist height
BSc (Hons), CertHE

Animal Management (Pet Behaviour and Welfare)

Learn about the behaviour and welfare of companion animals, and prepare for a career in the burgeoning pet industry.

With pet ownership levels in the UK rising in recent years, there’s increased demand for services such as professional trainers and behaviourists.

Our industry-focused course prepares you for employment in a range of companion animal roles.

You’ll be taught by specialist staff, and benefit from campus facilities including dedicated canine and equine centres, a small animal unit and a working farm. Throughout your course, there’s the chance to join ‘behind the scenes’ trips and other experiences.

We offer a number of animal management degrees at ARU in Writtle, with a common first year and the chance to specialise in years 2-3. With our Animal Management (Pet Behaviour and Welfare) course, your focus will be on animal behaviour, training and welfare, as well as professional practice.

Our degree course is recognised by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC). As a graduate, you’ll be ready to work as an animal trainer, animal training instructor, animal behaviour technician or clinical animal behaviourist.

Course options

Course options

Key facts

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Entry requirements

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Fees and paying for university

Facilities

As an Animal Management student, you'll:

  • study on our 150-hectare campus with its specialist animal centres and working farm
  • take part in animal handling practicals involving work with a wide range of domesticated and captive species
  • go on 'behind the scenes' trips and privileged experiences throughout your course
  • learn from high-profile subject specialist staff.

Take a guided tour and meet our students

Accreditation

Animal Behaviour and Training Council

This degree course is recognised by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC), for the roles of animal trainer, animal training instructor, animal behaviour technician, and clinical animal behaviourist. As a graduate you'll also be eligible for provisional membership of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors.

Animal Behaviour and Training Council recognised programme logo

Careers

Our Animal Management (Pet Behaviour and Welfare) degree is recognised by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC). It prepares you to work as an:

  • animal trainer
  • animal training instructor
  • animal behaviour technician
  • clinical animal behaviourist.

You could also consider roles in related fields, with previous graduates finding success working in animal nutrition, animal welfare officer roles, nutrition company sales, and veterinary pharmaceutical and equipment supplies. You might also progress to vet school.

Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to stay at ARU and study a Masters degree, such as our MSc Animal Welfare and Conservation.

Apply for Animal Management (Pet Behaviour and Welfare)

UK students

Visit UCAS to apply

International students

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Aerial view of campus buildings and grounds in Writtle

Life in Writtle

Close to major cities, ARU Writtle is located on a picturesque 150-hectare campus in the heart of the Essex countryside.

Explore the Writtle campus