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Animal Behavior Consultant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Great Plains Spca

Canine Behavior Specialist

Merriam, KS · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

... of animal well-being. * Conduct behavior consultations for adopters and foster families to ensure successful matches. * Assist with onsite and offsite behavior consultations, as well as staff ...

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$18

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$48

How much do animal behavior consultant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal behavior consultant in the United States is $32.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.96 and $37.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal behavior consultant?

An Animal Behavior Consultant is a professional who specializes in understanding and addressing behavioral issues in animals, typically pets like dogs and cats. They use their expertise in animal psychology and training methods to assess, diagnose, and create customized plans to modify unwanted behaviors. These consultants often work closely with pet owners and may collaborate with veterinarians to rule out medical problems influencing behavior. Their goal is to improve the well-being of both the animal and its human family by promoting positive interactions and resolving conflicts.

How does an animal behavior consultant typically collaborate with veterinarians and pet owners during a behavioral intervention?

Animal Behavior Consultants often work closely with both veterinarians and pet owners to develop and implement effective behavior modification plans. They may first consult with the veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues that could be influencing the animal's behavior. Throughout the intervention process, consultants maintain open communication with pet owners, providing them with education, step-by-step guidance, and ongoing support to ensure consistency and progress. This collaborative approach ensures that behavioral solutions are tailored to the animal’s needs and are sustainable in the home environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal behavior consultant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Behavior Consultant, you need a deep understanding of animal behavior science, training techniques, and often a degree in animal science, biology, or a related field. Familiarity with behavioral assessment tools, data tracking software, and certifications such as CAAB (Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist) or CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer) are commonly required. Strong observational skills, patience, and excellent communication are crucial soft skills for building trust with animals and educating clients. These competencies ensure accurate behavioral assessments, effective intervention strategies, and successful client relationships.

What is the difference between Animal Behavior Consultant vs Animal Trainer?

AspectAnimal Behavior ConsultantAnimal Trainer
CredentialsCertifications in animal behavior, psychology, or related fields; often with advanced degreesCertifications or courses in training techniques; less emphasis on psychology
Work EnvironmentConsultations, assessments, and behavior modification plans; clinics, homes, or sheltersHands-on training, obedience classes, and performance settings
Employer & IndustryVeterinary clinics, animal shelters, private consultingPet training centers, zoos, performance shows
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding behavior issues, modifying animal behaviorTraining skills, obedience, performance

Animal Behavior Consultants focus on diagnosing and modifying complex animal behaviors, often requiring specialized knowledge and certifications. Animal Trainers primarily teach obedience and performance skills through hands-on training. While both roles work with animals, their focus, credentials, and work environments differ significantly.

Do animal behavior consultants make good money?

Animal behavior consultants can earn a wide range of incomes depending on experience, location, and client base. Entry-level consultants may earn modest fees, while experienced professionals with specialized certifications can charge higher rates, potentially earning a comfortable income. Income often depends on building a strong reputation and network within the industry.

How do you become an animal behavior consultant?

To become an animal behavior consultant, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in animal science, biology, psychology, or a related field, along with experience working with animals. Many pursue advanced certifications or training in animal behavior, such as those offered by professional organizations, and develop skills in observation, analysis, and communication. Gaining practical experience through internships or volunteering can also be valuable for establishing expertise in the field.
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Animal Behavior Consultant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Behavior Consultant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,831 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Clinical Animal Behavior Coordinator

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

Virginia Jobs
See more jobs at Virginia Jobsexternal

Other

Re-posted 29 days ago

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
08/23/2026
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.
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer

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