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Animal Behavior Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Great Plains Spca

Behavior Specialist

Mission, KS · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Behavior Specialist Class: Full Time, Non - Exempt July 2025 Location: Merriam Reports to ... Animal Behavior Manager Salary: $18-$21 hourly Great Plains SPCA located in Merriam, KS is the ...

Maui Humane Society

Animal Care Specialist

Wailuku, HI · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

We're excited to welcome you as our next Animal Care & Enrichment Specialist (ACE). In this role ... animal behavior We'd love it if you already had (desired qualifications):Fear Free ...

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Animal Behavior Specialist information

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How much do animal behavior specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 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 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.

Do animal behavior specialists make good money?

Animal behavior specialists typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and work setting. Advanced roles or those with specialized certifications can lead to higher earnings, especially in research, consulting, or educational institutions.

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 kind of job 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 jobs often require knowledge of animal psychology, behavior observation, and sometimes certifications or experience working with specific species in settings like zoos, research facilities, or conservation organizations.

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 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.

More about Animal Behavior Specialist jobs
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What job categories do people searching Animal Behavior Specialist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Behavior Specialist jobs are:
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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,069 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Canine Behavioral Specialist

Pet Paradise

Houston, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Pet Paradise's full-service pet care destination is dedicated to giving pet parents access to all the premium care they need to give their furry family member the happiest, healthiest, longest life possible. The Pet Paradise brand has grown to offer resort-style pet day camp and care, professional pet grooming, low-stress and high-quality veterinary care, and of course, overnight boarding that feels like home, all under one roof. Located in ten states with more than 60 locations in operation or under development, Pet Paradise continues to expand in the United States.

Canine Behavior Specialist

The Canine Behavior Specialist is responsible for identifying desired behaviors and developing a training plan to teach new or improved behavior based on the needs of both the pet and the pet parent. 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 acquired skills. Train and certify other Pet Paradise employees in dog training techniques.

Essential Functions of the Canine Behavior Specialist include:

  • Consult with customers to discuss behavioral concerns and training needs of pets and pet parents.
  • Develop suitable training plans, focusing on and resolving problem areas, including aggression, separation anxiety, hyperactivity, and biting.
  • Teach dogs to obey basic commands using various training techniques that are best suited to each dog's personality and attributes.
  • Educate pet parents on appropriate training methods to enforce and maintain behaviors and skills learned during training sessions.
  • Examine the progress of each dog and provide regular progress updates to pet parents.
  • Promote, demonstrate, and offer dog training programs to pet parents.
  • Answer customer questions regarding training, behavioral issues, and pricing for training services.
  • Travel throughout Pet Paradise locations training other employees on dog training techniques.
  • Contact customers to schedule training appointments and verify bookings.

Qualifications & Experience

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
  • Two years industry related experience and/or training.
  • Pet Trainer Certification required.
  • Ability to travel as needed (Up to 20% of travel across resort locations/regions).
  • Advanced knowledge of dog training techniques as well as animal behavior and body language.
  • Sound knowledge of various dog training techniques and demonstrate excellent communication, dog handling, and problem-solving skills.
  • Able to handle a variety of dogs (sizes and breeds) safely and comfortably.
  • Ability to pass criminal background check

Check out our Perks & Benefits!

  • Complimentary Pet Day Camp - Bring your dog with you to work!
  • 30 Days of Complimentary Pet Boarding (non-holidays)
  • On-demand pay with DailyPay
  • Discounted Veterinary Care and Grooming Services (per location)
  • Dog/Cat Adoption Assistance
  • Fitness Reimbursement
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Health (with company-funded HSA option), Dental and Vision Insurance

Apply