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Animal Behavior Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pets In Need

Animal Behaviorist

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Animal Behaviorist FLSA STATUS: Exempt, Full-time REPORTS TO ... Behavior and Rescue Manager Summary Under the direction of the Behavior and Rescue Manager, the ...

Bideawee

Animal Behavior Coordinator

Westhampton, NY · On-site

$25/hr

Behavior modification and training * Adhere to all protocols set forth by the Behavior Department, including behavior modification and training procedures, enrichment, animal handling * Conduct ...

Bideawee

Animal Behavior Coordinator

Westhampton, NY

$25/hr

Behavior modification and training * Adhere to all protocols set forth by the Behavior Department, including behavior modification and training procedures, enrichment, animal handling * Conduct ...

Bideawee

Animal Behavior Coordinator

Westhampton, NY · On-site

$25/hr

Behavior modification and training * Adhere to all protocols set forth by the Behavior Department, including behavior modification and training procedures, enrichment, animal handling * Conduct ...

Actalent

R&D Animal Behavior Technician

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

We are currently networking for Animal Care Technicians, Animal Behavioral Specialists, Operations Specialists, Sr. Animal Scientists, and numerous entry level science roles. This is one example of a ...

Actalent

R&D Animal Behavior Technician

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

We are currently networking for Animal Care Technicians, Animal Behavioral Specialists, Operations Specialists, Sr. Animal Scientists, and numerous entry level science roles. This is one example of a ...

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How much do animal behavior jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal behavior in the United States is $46,738.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,500.00 and $58,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are Animal Behavior Jobs?

Animal behavior jobs focus on either domestic animals or wildlife behavior. If you work with domestic animals, you may have duties like training dogs or horses as companion animals or service animals. Your responsibilities can vary significantly, as running obedience classes is very different than training a seeing-eye dog. As an animal behaviorist, your duties and responsibilities are to study how animals behave in their natural habitat, observing how they eat, their hunting behavior, their mating patterns, and how they raise their offspring. In addition to your research, you may teach in a college or university or provide instruction to primary school students. Other animal behaviorist work in zoos or wildlife preserves.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Behaviorist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Behaviorist, you need a strong background in animal science, psychology, or biology, often supported by a relevant degree and specialized training. Familiarity with behavioral assessment tools, data analysis software, and sometimes certification from organizations like the Animal Behavior Society is typical. Excellent observation, problem-solving, and communication skills help professionals interact effectively with both animals and their owners. These qualifications are crucial for accurately diagnosing behavioral issues and implementing effective intervention strategies that improve animal welfare.

What are some common challenges faced by animal behaviorists in their daily work?

Animal behaviorists often encounter challenges such as interpreting subtle behavioral cues, working with animals that may be stressed or fearful, and effectively communicating findings to pet owners or facility staff. They may also face unpredictable situations, especially when working with animals with a history of aggression or trauma. Building trust with both animals and humans, as well as adapting behavior modification plans to suit individual needs, are key aspects of the role that require patience and flexibility.

What is animal behavior?

Animal behavior refers to the actions and reactions of animals in response to external or internal stimuli. It encompasses everything animals do, including movement, communication, feeding, mating, and social interactions. Scientists study animal behavior to understand how animals adapt to their environment, interact with each other, and survive. This field can involve both observing animals in their natural habitats and conducting experiments in controlled settings.

What is the highest paid animal job?

The highest paid animal jobs typically include zoological directors, wildlife conservation managers, and research scientists, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. These roles usually require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and extensive experience working with animals in research, conservation, or management settings.

What is the difference between Animal Behavior vs Animal Care Specialist?

AspectAnimal BehaviorAnimal Care Specialist
Required CredentialsDegree in animal science, psychology, or related field; certifications in animal behaviorHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training or certifications in animal care
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, animal behavior consulting firmsZoos, shelters, pet stores, veterinary clinics
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, academia, animal behavior consultingAnimal shelters, pet care facilities, zoos
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Animal Behavior specialists focus on studying, analyzing, and understanding animal actions, often working in research or consulting roles. Animal Care Specialists provide hands-on care, feeding, and maintaining animals in shelters, zoos, or clinics. While both roles involve working with animals, Animal Behavior emphasizes understanding behavior patterns, whereas Animal Care focuses on daily animal well-being and management.

More about Animal Behavior jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Behavior jobs? Cities with the most Animal Behavior job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Behavior jobs? The most popular types of Animal Behavior jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Behavior jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Behavior jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Behavior jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Behavior jobs are:
Animal Behavior jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Behavior job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,738 per year, or $22.5 per hour.
Clinical Animal Behavior Coordinator

Clinical Animal Behavior Coordinator

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Virginia Tech rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

213th of 532 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Clinical Animal Behavior Coordinator

Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536272
Work type: Administrative & Professional
Senior management: Agriculture & Life Sciences
Department: School of Animal Sciences
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Agriculture / Life Science

Job Description

The School of Animal Sciences (SAS) at Virginia Tech is searching for a coordinator to lead in the provision of clinical animal behavior services with owners and their pets, mentor students in this service, and assist in the development of a research line that would include but not be limited to the study of companion animal behavior, training, and welfare.
The coordinator in this position will be expected to provide behavior consultation and training services to owners and their pets; provide classroom and experiential learning opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students; and carry out research that explore companion animal problem behaviors as informed by the clinical service. This position will be involved in community outreach through the provision and dissemination of evidence-based practices as well as collaborating with veterinarians, animal trainers, and other industry professionals.
As such, applicants must have a strong understanding of learning theory/behavior analysis and its application with companion animals, a robust comprehension of applied animal research, and awareness of relevant issues in the field of companion animal behavior and welfare.
Responsibilities
Provide clinical animal behavior services to owners and their pets, including consultations and training sessions (60%)
Mentor and train students in clinical animal behavior (15%)
Help create, assemble and deliver companion animal behavior curriculum (15%)
Conduct research related to companion animal behavior, particularly problematic behaviors (10%)

Required Qualifications

Master's or PhD in Animal Behavior, Biology, Psychology, Veterinary Science or related field; Experience providing companion animal consultation and training services and conducting applied animal research; Mentorship of undergraduates and/or graduate students; Evidence of instructional abilities with undergraduate and/or graduate students. Strong organizational and collaborative skills

Preferred Qualifications

Expertise in addressing complex companion animal behavior problems (e.g., fear, anxiety, and aggression); Experience carrying out companion animal behavioral and/or welfare research; Interest in wearable animal technologies for collection of physiological data.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

05/29/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Lisa Gunter at lisagunter@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: April 28, 2026
Applications close:

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About Virginia Tech

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Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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