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Animal Behavior Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arizona Humane Society

Animal Behavior Specialist

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Animal Behavior Specialist The Arizona Humane Society is looking for a dedicated full-time Behavior Specialist to join our Behavior Team. This position will report to our state-of-the-art Rob and ...

New

Arizona Humane Society

Animal Behavior Specialist

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Animal Behavior Specialist The Arizona Humane Society is looking for a dedicated full-time Behavior Specialist to join our Behavior Team. This position will report to our state-of-the-art Rob and ...

Pet Paradise

Canine Behavioral Specialist

Madison, AL · On-site

Using practical knowledge of animal behavior, training techniques, and equipment; the Canine Behavior Specialist will educate pet parents on effective methods to sustain learned behaviors and ...

Pet Paradise

Canine Behavioral Specialist

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Using practical knowledge of animal behavior, training techniques, and equipment; the Canine Behavior Specialist will educate pet parents on effective methods to sustain learned behaviors and ...

Pet Paradise

Canine Behavioral Specialist

Houston, TX · On-site

Using practical knowledge of animal behavior, training techniques, and equipment; the Canine Behavior Specialist will educate pet parents on effective methods to sustain learned behaviors and ...

Pet Paradise

Canine Behavioral Specialist

Palm City, FL · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

Using practical knowledge of animal behavior, training techniques, and equipment; the Canine Behavior Specialist will educate pet parents on effective methods to sustain learned behaviors and ...

Adecco

Animal Care Taker

Lewisburg, OH · On-site

$16/hr

Adecco is hiring immediately for a full-time Animal Behavioral Specialist in Lewisburg, Ohio. Weekly pay starting at $16 per hour and competitive benefits with options such as medical, dental, vision ...

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Animal Behavior Specialist information

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$12

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$36

How much do animal behavior specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal behavior specialist in the United States is $23.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal behavior specialist?

Animal Behavior Specialists are professionals trained to understand, assess, and modify the behavior of animals, usually focusing on pets like dogs, cats, or exotic animals. They use scientific principles of animal behavior to address issues such as aggression, anxiety, and inappropriate elimination. These specialists may work in private practice, animal shelters, zoos, or research settings, and often collaborate with veterinarians and pet owners to develop behavior modification plans. Their goal is to improve animal welfare and strengthen the human-animal bond.

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

To thrive as an Animal Behavior Specialist, you need a solid background in animal science, psychology, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's or advanced degree and relevant certifications such as CAAB or ACAAB. Competence with behavioral assessment tools, data analysis software, and animal training equipment is typically required. Strong observation skills, patience, and effective communication with both animals and people help professionals excel in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for accurately assessing animal behavior, implementing effective interventions, and educating owners or caregivers to promote animal welfare.

What are the typical challenges faced by animal behavior specialists when working with animals in shelters or rehabilitation centers?

Animal Behavior Specialists in shelters or rehabilitation centers often encounter animals with histories of trauma, neglect, or fear-based behaviors. A common challenge is developing tailored behavior modification plans that address these issues while ensuring the safety of both the animals and staff. Patience and adaptability are crucial, as progress can vary greatly from one animal to another. Collaboration with veterinarians, trainers, and adoption counselors is also essential to create a supportive environment and maximize each animal's chance for successful placement.

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

AspectAnimal Behavior SpecialistAnimal Trainer
Required CredentialsDegree in animal behavior, psychology, or related field; certifications in animal behaviorExperience with specific animals; certifications vary by training type
Work EnvironmentResearch facilities, zoos, wildlife centers, veterinary clinicsPet training centers, shelters, private homes
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, zoos, animal welfare organizationsPet industry, shelters, private clients
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding animal behavior, research rolesTraining pets, behavior modification

Animal Behavior Specialists focus on studying and understanding animal behavior, often working in research or clinical settings, requiring advanced education and certifications. Animal Trainers primarily work on training and modifying animal behavior in practical settings like homes or shelters. While both roles involve animals, their focus, credentials, and work environments differ significantly.

How do you become an animal behavior specialist?

To become an animal behavior specialist, typically a bachelor's degree in biology, psychology, zoology, or a related field is required, followed by advanced education such as a master's or doctorate focusing on animal behavior. Gaining experience through internships, research, or working with animals is also important, along with developing skills in observation, data analysis, and communication.

What jobs can you get with an animal behavior specialist degree?

An animal behavior specialist degree prepares individuals for roles such as animal trainer, zookeeper, wildlife rehabilitator, research scientist, or behavior consultant. These positions often require knowledge of animal psychology, observation skills, and sometimes certifications or experience working with specific species in settings like zoos, research labs, or conservation organizations.

What qualifications do I need to be an animal behavior specialist?

To become an animal behavior specialist, a bachelor's degree in biology, psychology, zoology, or a related field is typically required, with many roles preferring or requiring a master's or doctoral degree. Relevant skills include understanding animal cognition and communication, experience with observation and data collection, and often certification in animal training or behavior assessment tools.
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Animal Behavior Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Behavior Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,069 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Animal Behavior Specialist

Arizona Humane Society

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Animal Behavior Specialist The Arizona Humane Society is looking for a dedicated full-time Behavior Specialist to join our Behavior Team. This position will report to our state-of-the-art Rob and Melani Walton Papago Park Campus and our Nina Mason Pulliam South Mountain Campus. If you are a talented Animal Behavior professional who is passionate about executing a Fear Free positive reinforcement training philosophy, please continue to read more now.  Paws Up For Great Benefits! Competitive salaryMedical, Dental and Vision PlansHealth Savings Account and Flex Spending Account options Free Employee Assistance ProgramFree Life Insurance, Short Term and Long-Term Disability401(k) with employer contributionGenerous PTO programUp to 8 paid holidays per yearContinuing education, including employer Fear Free Certification Discounts on veterinary services Discounted bus and light rail passesEmployee Wellness Plans and ActivitiesGot student loans? Employment with AHS may qualify you for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program! A Day in the Life:As a Behavior Specialist, you will assist the operations of the Behavior team championing AHS' core values of innovation, compassion, and excellence. You will provide exceptional internal and external customer service as a member of a professional team that performs behavior evaluations, provides objective descriptions and makes disposition decisions, performs behavior modification and kennel enrichment. You will speak directly with owners, adopters, staff, and volunteers about the pet's behavior and suitability for adoption through AHS. You will assist medical staff with providing treatment and direct the flow of animals through the behavior department and maintain a healthy capacity of behavior animals. You will be an integral part of staff and volunteer training on appropriate handling and bite prevention. Job Requirements:High school diploma/GED.At least 6 months of experience working in a shelter setting or certification in animal training or animal behavior.Understand all elements of Operant/Classical Conditioning and be able to apply those concepts appropriately.Understand and be able to interpret canine and feline bodyUse and promote a positive reinforcement, force-free trainingWillingness to learn, receptive to coaching and adaptable toMust be able to remain focused, calm and productive in a fast-paced environment.Excellent communicator with attention to external and internal customer service skills. Work Environment / Physical Demands:This position requires continuous standing, walking and kneeling, reaching, stooping and bending with little opportunity to sit down. This person must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. The position requires repetitive motion of the hand, wrist and elbow as well as good vision and hearing. Must be able to hear above the sound of the animals and be able to speak clearly and communicate well with employees and the public. This individual handles a high volume of animals, has a great deal of contact with all departments and works closely with co-workers; is exposed to poor ventilation, heat, cold, sudden temperature changes and wet quarters as well as noise, animal odors and dander as well as potentially dangerous, fast-moving animals. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Additional InformationThe Arizona Humane Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a participant in the E-Verify program. Ready to Join our team and make a difference every day?Explore all of our current career opportunities here: Careers - Arizona Humane Society
Job Posted by ApplicantPro