Scott earned his D.V.M. degree at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. He then completed a residency at the University of California, Davis, where he also earned a Ph.D. degree in animal behavior. In addition, he is a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. He has held a variety of research, clinical, and teaching positions during his 28-year career as a veterinarian. He currently works for Merial Limited, where he is the associate editor of The Merck Veterinary Manual and The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health.