Product Overview

Summary: This Animal Behaviour Observation Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, defensible framework for safely observing, recording and responding to animal behaviour in Australian workplaces. It helps organisations protect staff, students, contractors and animals by standardising how behavioural risks are identified, monitored and controlled in research, veterinary, agricultural, wildlife and animal care settings.

This SOP sets out a structured, repeatable process for observing and interpreting animal behaviour in a way that prioritises both human safety and animal welfare. It covers preparation, approach, observation techniques, recording methods and escalation pathways when at‑risk, aggressive, stressed or abnormal behaviours are identified. The procedure is designed for use in a wide range of Australian workplaces, including research institutions, veterinary practices, farms, wildlife reserves, zoos, shelters and training facilities, where close interaction with animals is routine and behaviour can change rapidly in response to handling, environment and procedures.

By implementing this SOP, organisations gain a consistent method for recognising early warning signs of aggression, fear, pain, distress and illness in animals, reducing the likelihood of bites, kicks, crush injuries and other incidents. It supports compliance with WHS duties and animal welfare legislation by embedding behavioural risk assessment into day‑to‑day operations, inductions and training. Clear documentation templates and decision trees help staff make defensible judgements about when to continue, modify or cease work with an animal, when to seek veterinary or supervisory input, and how to report and review behavioural incidents. This not only safeguards people and animals, but also improves research quality, husbandry outcomes and public confidence in your animal‑related activities.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of bites, kicks, crush injuries and other animal‑related incidents through structured behavioural risk assessment.
• Ensure consistent, high‑quality behavioural observations that support WHS compliance and animal welfare obligations across all sites.
• Improve early detection of pain, illness and distress in animals, enabling timely intervention and reduced procedural complications.
• Standardise training for new and existing staff, students and contractors working with animals in research, farm, wildlife and clinical settings.
• Strengthen documentation and incident review processes to provide clear evidence of due diligence under Australian WHS and animal welfare law.

Who is this for?

• Animal Facility Managers
• Laboratory Animal Technicians
• Veterinarians
• Animal Ethics Committee Members
• Wildlife Ecologists and Field Researchers
• Zookeepers and Wildlife Park Staff
• Farm and Livestock Managers
• Animal Welfare Officers
• Research Project Leaders
• WHS Managers and Coordinators
• Education and Training Coordinators in Animal Science
• Animal Shelter and Kennel Supervisors

Hazards Addressed

• Animal bites (e.g. dogs, cats, rodents, wildlife)
• Kicks and impact injuries from large animals (e.g. horses, cattle, sheep)
• Crush and trampling injuries in yards, pens, cages or enclosures
• Scratches, pecks and claw injuries
• Zoonotic disease exposure linked to stressed or ill animals
• Psychological stress and fatigue in workers dealing with aggressive or distressed animals
• Musculoskeletal injuries from reactive or uncooperative animals during handling or restraint
• Slips, trips and falls during evasive movements around unpredictable animals

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Behavioural Concepts
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Pre‑Observation Planning and Risk Assessment
• 5.0 Required PPE, Tools and Observation Equipment
• 6.0 Species‑Specific Behavioural Risk Factors and Warning Signs
• 7.0 Standard Behaviour Observation Procedures (On‑site and Field Settings)
• 8.0 Recording, Scoring and Documentation of Behaviour
• 9.0 Criteria for Escalation, Intervention and Cessation of Activities
• 10.0 Communication, Reporting and Incident Notification
• 11.0 Integration with Animal Ethics, Welfare and Veterinary Care Processes
• 12.0 Emergency Response for Animal‑Related Incidents
• 13.0 Training, Induction and Competency Assessment
• 14.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the Procedure
• 15.0 Document Control, References and Related Documents

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and state and territory equivalents
• Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (NHMRC)
• Animal welfare legislation in each state and territory (e.g. Animal Welfare Act 1992 (ACT), Animal Welfare Act 2002 (WA))
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace: Code of Practice (where sedation or anaesthetics are used in conjunction with behavioural observation)
• AS/NZS ISO 31000:2018 Risk management – Guidelines
• AS 3745:2010 Planning for emergencies in facilities (for integration of animal‑related emergencies into site procedures)