- Salary statistics
- Dog psychologist
Dog psychologist
28 467 - 28 218 kr / month
Naturbruk
Salary progression Dog psychologist
What does a dog psychologist do? – Tasks and work environment
A dog psychologist works with investigating, analyzing, and treating various behavioral problems in dogs. Tasks often include conversations with dog owners, observing the dog's behavior in different environments, and designing individual training and treatment plans. Many dog psychologists also give lectures, training sessions, or courses for dog owners and professionals in dog-related fields. The work environment varies and can include home visits, consultations at dog centers, and outdoor work in various training settings, requiring flexibility and good physical condition.
Salary development over time
The salary for dog psychologists has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,874 SEK, which increased slightly to 28 101 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 28 218 SEK per month, representing a total increase of approximately 1.2% over three years. The slow but steady salary increase can be explained by stable demand for dog psychologists and increased awareness of dogs' mental health. Since the profession is often practiced as self-employment or consulting, income can vary depending on assignments, experience, and location. The salary development indicates that the profession is relatively resilient to economic fluctuations, with small but positive adjustments over time.
Dog psychologist salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 28 218 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data missing
- Hourly rate: 169 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Data missing
- Regional differences: Data missing
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a dog psychologist often involves specialized training in dog behavior and psychology, either through standalone courses or longer educational programs. Formal requirements vary, but the profession requires a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Many choose to supplement their education with certifications or internships with experienced practitioners. Since the profession is not regulated, there is flexibility to tailor the educational path according to interests and goals.
- Type of education: Vocational college or private courses, 1–2 years
- Certifications: Voluntary certificates in dog behavior and training
- Internship: Recommended with established dog psychologists
- Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of dogs, often high school diploma
- Self-study/online: Possible as supplements
Many dog psychologists also work with advising dog owners and giving lectures, making the profession one of the most communicative roles within animal care. The ability to convey knowledge pedagogically is often crucial for success.
Common benefits and compensation
Common benefits for dog psychologists include flexible working hours, the possibility of remote work, and sometimes access to further training or professional development. Some employers also offer travel reimbursement for home visits, wellness allowances, or discounts on pet-related products and services.
Competition and challenges
The competition within the profession of dog psychology is relatively high, especially in larger cities where demand for dog-related services is greatest. Since the profession is unregulated, anyone can market themselves as a dog psychologist, which places high demands on building a good reputation and obtaining relevant certifications. One of the biggest challenges is establishing trust with both dog owners and partners. Additionally, continuous professional development is necessary to stay updated on new findings in dog psychology and behavior therapy.
Tips for those who want to become a dog psychologist
To succeed as a dog psychologist, it is beneficial to combine a genuine interest in dogs with the ability to communicate clearly with people. Good sensitivity makes it easier to understand both the dog's and the owner's needs, while patience and perseverance are crucial for handling difficult behavioral issues over time. Being flexible and creative facilitates adapting training methods to different individuals and situations. Building a strong network in the animal industry and continuously furthering education are also valuable. Finally, a professional attitude and the ability to build trust are essential for establishing oneself in the market.
Key facts about Dog Psychologist
- Education level: Vocational training or private courses (1–2 years)
- Work environment: Varies, often at clients' homes or outdoors
- Work form: Self-employment or consulting is common
- Demand: 360 available jobs within the profession (2024)
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, many dog psychologists choose to specialize in specific areas, such as aggression issues, fear management, or puppy development. It is also common to expand activities to include lectures, courses, or training other dog professionals. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate steady demand, especially as more households acquire dogs and the need for qualified advice increases. Opportunities also exist to work in research, product development, or in collaboration with veterinarians and animal clinics.
Frequently asked questions about Dog Psychologist
- What does a dog psychologist earn?
- A dog psychologist has an average salary of 28 218 SEK per month. - How to become a dog psychologist?
- Through education in dog behavior and psychology, often via vocational colleges or private courses, along with practical experience. - Are there many job opportunities for dog psychologists?
- Yes, there are 360 available jobs within the profession according to current statistics. - What is the work environment like for dog psychologists?
- The work environment is varied and includes home visits, outdoor work, and consultations at dog centers. - Is certification required to work as a dog psychologist?
- Certificates are not mandatory, but recommended to strengthen competence and credibility. - Can I work as a self-employed practitioner?
- Yes, many dog psychologists run their own businesses or work as consultants.
Salary distributed by age and sector
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Dog psychologist has the SSYK code 6122, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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