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Animal Behavior Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

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Director of Operations

Albany, GA · On-site

$31K - $40K/yr

... behavior · Manage the mental and emotional stress that may accompany the euthanasia of the animal · Work in all types of weather conditions, in a noisy environment, and be able to stand for long ...

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Director of Operations

Macon, GA · On-site

$31K - $40K/yr

... behavior · Manage the mental and emotional stress that may accompany the euthanasia of the animal · Work in all types of weather conditions, in a noisy environment, and be able to stand for long ...

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Director of Operations

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$31K - $40K/yr

... behavior · Manage the mental and emotional stress that may accompany the euthanasia of the animal · Work in all types of weather conditions, in a noisy environment, and be able to stand for long ...

Showing results 41-60

Animal Behavior information

See Georgia salary details

$14.4K

$36.4K

$57.2K

How much do animal behavior jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal behavior in Georgia is $36,365.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24,508.00 and $45,127.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

Do animal behaviorists make good money?

Animal behaviorists 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 skills, such as certification or research experience, can lead to higher earnings, especially in private practice or consulting positions.

What jobs can you do with animal behavior?

Animal behavior specialists can work as zookeepers, wildlife rehabilitators, animal trainers, research scientists, or conservation biologists. These roles often require knowledge of ethology, fieldwork skills, and sometimes advanced degrees or certifications in animal science or biology.

What jobs study animal behavior?

Jobs that study animal behavior include ethologists, wildlife biologists, zoologists, and animal behaviorists. These roles often require a background in biology or psychology, fieldwork experience, and knowledge of research methods and animal handling. They can be found in research institutions, zoos, conservation organizations, and academic settings.

What qualifications do I need to be an animal behaviorist?

Animal behaviorists typically need at least a bachelor's degree in biology, psychology, zoology, or a related field, with many roles requiring a master's or doctoral degree. Relevant skills include understanding animal cognition and behavior, research experience, and often certification or training in animal handling or specific behavioral assessment methods.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Behavior jobs in Georgia?

The most popular types of Animal Behavior jobs in Georgia are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Behavior jobs in Georgia look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Behavior jobs in Georgia are:

What cities in Georgia are hiring for Animal Behavior jobs?

Cities in Georgia with the most Animal Behavior job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Behavior job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,365 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Intake Specialist

Lifeline Animal Project Inc

Chamblee, GA • On-site

$17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


LifeLine Animal Project rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Position:              Intake Specialist

Department:          Animal Care

Reports To:            Intake Supervisor

Location:                3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341

Summary:

LifeLine Animal Project is committed to the care and welfare of pets and the people who love them.  The values we exhibit as an organization show the strength of our staff, our leadership and our community.  We expect all employees to exhibit LifeLine’s core values as we complete daily tasks, provide services to clients and care for our animals.

This position assists the Intake Supervisor with cleaning cages and kennels, feeding animals, and 

processing animals during intake. Other duties may include medicating animals, assisting owners

who are surrendering pets, contacting owners of tagged pets, assisting in rehabilitation of and

transporting animals, and other tasks as assigned.   

 

Essential Job Functions:

This represents a list of essential job duties.  Other duties or special projects may be assigned as needed.

  • Uphold the standards and values of LifeLine Animal Project:

Save Lives -- Build Community -- Be Exceptional Stewards --  Be Courageous -- 

Be Compassionate -- Take Responsibility -- Respect, Embrace and Celebrate Diversity

  • Process dogs, cats and other animals during intake to include:
  • Entering data correctly in animal management software
  • Vaccinating animals
  • Deworming animals
  • Taking pictures, scanning animals for chips and looking for ID tags
  • Drawing blood and performing heartworm and combo tests
  • Inserting microchips as needed
  • Reading case notes to properly classify animals
  • Initiate flow of animals from Intake into Kennel.
  • Taking specimens of rabies suspect animals.
  • Perform consistent physical and behavioral examinations of the animals.
  • Maintain an understanding of current County ordinances and accurately record case information in shelter software.
  • Conduct a daily kennel inventory of the animals housed in the facility.
  • Assist with the general care of all animals housed at the shelter and perform a daily walkthrough of animal care.
  • Maintain disease control, animal health and sanitation protocols to further LifeLine’s mission to save lives.
  • Perform all animal care activities in compliance with shelter policies and relevant regulations, including those related to health, safety, and animal welfare.
  • Euthanize or assist with animal euthanasia, vaccinate animals, deworm animals, scan animals for chips, and look for ID tags.
  • Safely and properly handle all animals including bite quarantine animals, vicious animals and feral cats. 
  • Recognize signs of stress, illness, or behavioral concerns and report them for further assessment or intervention.
  • Ensure that animals are receiving appropriate care, including feeding, exercise, and medical needs; as directed by shelter veterinarians or behaviorists.
  • Take responsibility in notifying kennel management or veterinary personnel of animals in distress. 
  • Assist in the safe handling and movement of animals during intake, transport, and placement within/throughout/outside of the shelter.
  • Assist with processing animals and maintain accurate and up to date records of animal care tasks, change in animal status or location, animal behavioral or medical incidents, health records, intake data, and any incidents or concerns; using the shelter’s animal management software.
  • Observe and evaluate the behavior of animals during daily care routines, noting any significant changes or potential concerns.
  • Exhibit exceptional stewardship by supporting the cleanliness and organization of the shelter’s walkways, animal areas, and work areas and ensure equipment is properly maintained and operational.
  • Courageously lead by example, modeling proper animal handling techniques, safety protocols, and compassionate care.
  • Provide excellent assistance to customers by exhibiting respect, and celebrating the diversity of those who are interested in adopting an animal or looking for their lost pet. 
  • Communicate regularly with other staff to ensure animal care operations run smoothly and challenges are promptly addressed.
  • Help strengthen and build a community of animal welfare advocates by supporting and engaging the volunteers who aid the animal care teams.
  • Continue education by participating in LifeLine’s 40-hour annual training requirement.
  • Other tasks as assigned.   

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

  • Compassion for animals and the people who love and care for them.
  • Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity.
  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 12 hours a day) and to bend and reach to perform assigned work activities.
  • Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. without assistance.
  • Ability to communicate, understand and follow a variety of oral and written instructions/procedures.
  • Ability to work well in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
  • Comfortable working with dogs and cats of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments.
  • Basic animal medical and behavior knowledge (preferred)
  • Ability to follow safety protocols and handle challenging situations with calmness and professionalism.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with multiple departments to ensure efficient shelter operations.
  • Ability to interact with impounded dogs, cats and other animals including vicious, stray, sick or injured animals.
  • Ability to handle seeing and dealing with animals that have been abused, neglected or treated cruelly.  
  • Ability to cope with the emotional impact of possible euthanasia cases. 
  • Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and varying shifts based on shelter needs.
  • Must pass a background check.
  • Must have a means of travel that ensures prompt arrival for work shifts.  

 

Education and/or Experience:

Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent knowledge and experience. 

Must be 18 years or older. 

One or more years’ experience in animal related field or animal sheltering preferred.

Fear Free Sheltering preferred.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to unpleasant kennel smells.  May have to handle dogs and cats that are stray, injured, diseased or vicious.

 


What LifeLine Animal Project employees say

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