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Animal Behavior Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... internship or having had a similar position for one year. * Possession of a valid Class C Driver ... animal behavior, etc.) * Maintains records of impounded animals. * Cleans the shelter, equipment ...

Zoo Intern

Carpentersville, IL ยท On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

You'll also complete meaningful projects, like animal behavior research, that help you build ... Interns must select a set shift for the full duration of the program. Shifts include: * 7:00 a.m ...

Zoo Intern

Carpentersville, IL ยท On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

This unpaid internship is ideal for college students or recent graduates pursuing a career in ... You'll also complete meaningful projects, like animal behavior research, that help you build ...

Zoo Intern

Carpentersville, IL ยท On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

This unpaid internship is ideal for college students or recent graduates pursuing a career in ... You'll also complete meaningful projects, like animal behavior research, that help you build ...

Zoo Intern

Carpentersville, IL ยท On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

This unpaid internship is ideal for college students or recent graduates pursuing a career in ... You'll also complete meaningful projects, like animal behavior research, that help you build ...

Zoo Intern

Carpentersville, IL ยท On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

This unpaid internship is ideal for college students or recent graduates pursuing a career in ... You'll also complete meaningful projects, like animal behavior research, that help you build ...

Showing results 21-40

Animal Behavior Internship information

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$5

$16

$23

How much do animal behavior internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal behavior internship in the United States is $16.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal behavior internship?

An Animal Behavior Internship is a temporary, supervised work experience where interns learn about animal behavior through hands-on activities, research, and observation. Interns may work with a variety of animals in settings such as zoos, research labs, wildlife rehabilitation centers, or animal shelters. The goal is to gain practical skills and knowledge about animal behavior, data collection, animal care, and sometimes assisting in behavioral studies. These internships are valuable for students or recent graduates interested in careers in animal science, zoology, or veterinary medicine.

What types of hands-on experience can I expect during an animal behavior internship?

As an Animal Behavior Intern, you'll typically gain hands-on experience by observing animal interactions, assisting with behavioral research projects, and helping to implement enrichment activities designed to promote animal welfare. You may also participate in data collection, record-keeping, and even assist in training or socialization sessions under supervision. These responsibilities allow interns to develop practical skills in animal handling, data analysis, and teamwork while working closely with experienced animal behaviorists and other professionals.

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

To thrive as an Animal Behavior Intern, you typically need a background in animal science, biology, or psychology, along with a keen observational ability and basic research skills. Familiarity with data collection tools, behavioral analysis software, and sometimes animal handling certifications is often required. Strong communication, patience, and attention to detail help interns effectively record observations and work within research teams. These skills are vital for accurately studying animal behavior, ensuring safety, and contributing meaningful data to the field.

What is the difference between Animal Behavior Internship vs Animal Care Technician?

AspectAnimal Behavior InternshipAnimal Care Technician
Required CredentialsOften students or recent graduates, some certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, animal behavior facilitiesAnimal shelters, veterinary clinics, zoos
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, animal behavior programsAnimal care facilities, veterinary practices, zoos
Common Search & ComparisonYes, often compared for entry-level animal rolesYes, common alternative for animal-related careers

In summary, Animal Behavior Internships focus on research and studying animal behavior, often requiring academic background and providing experience in labs or research settings. Animal Care Technicians primarily handle daily animal care in shelters or zoos, with less emphasis on research. Both roles are entry-level but serve different career paths within the animal industry.

What jobs can I get with an animal behavior internship?

An animal behavior internship can lead to jobs such as animal trainer, zookeeper, wildlife rehabilitator, research assistant, or conservation technician. These roles often require knowledge of animal training, observation skills, and sometimes certifications in animal care or safety. Internships provide practical experience that can help qualify for entry-level positions in animal care and research settings.
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What cities are hiring for Animal Behavior Internship jobs?

Cities with the most Animal Behavior Internship 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 Internship jobs?

States with the most job openings for Animal Behavior Internship jobs include:

Infographic showing various Animal Behavior Internship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,166 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Animal Care Technician, Part-time

Anderson Humane

South Elgin, IL โ€ข On-site

$15/hr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Imagine starting your workday with wagging tails, rumbly purrs, and animals who are thrilled simply because you showed up. As an Animal Care Technician at Anderson Humane, you play an essential role in the daily care, comfort, and wellbeing of our dogs, cats, kittens, and puppies - and in return, you become one of their favorite people.
What you'll do
  • Provide clean and sanitized living spaces, toys, and bedding throughout the day.
  • Prepare nutritious meals to make sure they're getting the nourishment they need.
  • Lend a hand training new volunteers, interns, and staff.
  • Ensure our dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens flourish:
    • Physically with lots of play and exercise, and multiple daily walks for dogs.
    • Mentally by giving them challenging toys and puzzles to figure out.
    • Socially with small playgroups and by making time just for them that's a little extra special.

It's true that dogs and puppies demand our immediate attention by loudly telling us what they need when they need it, but we make sure to spoil our cats & kitties too. So, it's essential that our Animal Care Technicians are at ease caring for all of our animals.
What to expect
  • Compensation is $15.00 per hour.
  • A loud and messy, but lively environment with animals of all sizes and characters.
  • To follow all safety protocols and procedures to the letter.
  • A mix of indoor and outdoor activities daily.
  • This is a very fast paced and physically demanding role. You'll be walking, standing, and lifting (up to 50 lbs. with help) throughout your day.
  • A flexible, part-time, work schedule. Animal Care Techs work weekdays, weekends, and holidays with shifts between 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., seven days a week.
  • To contribute to a welcoming and supportive team; working respectfully with staff, volunteers, and interns, and recognizing the value and contributions of others.

What you'll love
  • The daily reward of being greeted by animals who are truly happy to see you.
  • You'll slowly see their unique personalities and silliness the longer you're with us.
  • Accruing Paid Time Off hours on your first day; you're eligible for Holiday Pay too.
  • Getting a head start on your retirement with our 401(k) program (must be 21years old).
  • Our Employee Adoption Discount because love at first sight sure happens a lot around here.
  • Our Employee Assistance Program services are available to help you manage life's curveballs.

What we're looking for
  • Professional experience in animal care (in a kennel or shelter setting is even better).
  • Familiarity (or fluency) reading animal behavior.
  • A courteous and respectful professional whose behavior strengthens our Animal Care team.
  • You keep a cool head and can focus when up against a deadline.
  • You're happy working alone just as much as being teamed up with others.

Anderson Humane. Your contributions save lives. Animal Care Technician