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Animal Behavior Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Burnsville, MN · On-site

Lead by example modeling Petco's selling behaviors and customer service expectations. Let's Go! * Drive Companion Animal and Aquatics sales, margin, and shrink performance through disciplined ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Burnsville, MN

Lead by example modeling Petco's selling behaviors and customer service expectations. Let's Go! * Drive Companion Animal and Aquatics sales, margin, and shrink performance through disciplined ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Rochester, MN · On-site

Lead by example modeling Petco's selling behaviors and customer service expectations. Let's Go! * Drive Companion Animal and Aquatics sales, margin, and shrink performance through disciplined ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Rochester, MN · On-site

Lead by example modeling Petco's selling behaviors and customer service expectations. Let's Go! * Drive Companion Animal and Aquatics sales, margin, and shrink performance through disciplined ...

AmeriVet

Veterinary Assistant

Pine City, MN · On-site

$17/hr

Solid understanding of animal behavior and healthcare * Experience with proper animal restraint and handling * Passion for working with animals and their owners * Excellent communication and ...

Amerivet

Veterinary Assistant

Pine City, MN

$17/hr

Solid understanding of animal behavior and healthcare * Experience with proper animal restraint and handling * Passion for working with animals and their owners * Excellent communication and ...

AmeriVet

Certified Veterinary Technician

Pine City, MN · On-site

$20/hr

Solid understanding of animal behavior and healthcare * Experience with proper animal restraint and handling * Passion for working with animals and their owners * Excellent communication and ...

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All JobsAnimal Behavior JobsAnimal Behavior Jobs in Minnesota

Animal Behavior information

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 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 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 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 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.

More about Animal Behavior jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Behavior jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Animal Behavior jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Behavior jobs in Minnesota? For Animal Behavior jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Behavior jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Behavior jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Animal Behavior jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Animal Behavior job openings:
Animal Behavior jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Behavior job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 94% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.
Shelter Behavior Specialist

Shelter Behavior Specialist

Animal Humane Society

Golden Valley, MN

$23 - $25/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Animal Humane Society rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

402nd of 759 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Description
The Shelter Behavior Specialist is responsible for providing behavioral support and implementing behavior modification programs. This position’s key responsibilities include completing behavior exams, placing animals as appropriate in behavior modification programs, and recommending placements and outcomes.

Requirements
Behavior Modification:
  • Complete behavior examinations for animals that need behavior support to identify behaviors for intervention.
  • Place animals as appropriate in behavior modification programs and provide recommended placements and outcomes.
  • Implement behavior modification programs for the selected behavioral concerns to enrich the animal’s environment, prevent problem behaviors, and improve their adoptability.
  • Respond to questions and concerns about shelter animal behavior, placement and outcomes.
  • Escalate complex cases and questions to higher level support.
  • Maintain detailed records of animal behavior and progress.
  • Work closely with veterinarians to address behavioral issues that may have a medical basis, ensuring a comprehensive approach to animal welfare.
  • Ensure the safety and welfare of animals, adhering to ethical standards and promoting humane treatment at all times.

Support:
  • Assist in program evaluation, including data collection, entry, and analysis as needed.
  • Assist with research initiatives to improve the understanding of animal behavior.
  • Assist with on-going training for volunteers as well as other shelter staff.
  • Serve as a member of the Critical Response Team; deploy on Humane Investigations cases as needed state-wide.

Communication and Culture:
  • Communicate in a positive and professional manner with customers, other employees, and volunteers.
  • Promote a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion to make AHS a welcoming environment for all.

Technology:
  • Accurately update animal records in PetPoint.
  • Monitor department inbox and respond to inquiries in a timely manner.
  • Clock in and out of shifts using Paycor.
  • Monitor AHS email and other messaging software.
Other duties as assigned.

Schedule and Attendance:
  • Regular, predictable attendance, punctuality, and availability to work during operational hours.
  • Attend and participate in regular team meetings, all staff meetings, and one-on-one meetings with direct leader.
  • Must be able to travel to a different work site based on department needs.
  • Must be able to travel to Humane Investigation sites state-wide as needed.
  • May be required to attend occasional off-site meetings and events.

Work Environment:
  • Environment can be dirty, wet, warm, and humid.
  • Exposure to zoonotic diseases and pests such as fleas and ticks.
  • Possibility of being bitten or scratched.
  • Exposure to unpleasant odors, chemicals, and noises, including barking.
  • May be exposed to extreme weather conditions including but not limited to cold, heat, rain, and snow when outside.
Qualifications:
Experience:
2+ years of experience in behavior modification required.
Experience with low-stress and advanced animal handling techniques, including LIMA, Fear-Free, capture and restraint preferred.

Skills:
Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills
Ability to accurately assess and document animal behavior across different species.
Proficient with computers, specifically a working knowledge of Microsoft products.

Physical Demands:
Must be able to lift, carry, and handle animals and other items up to 50 lbs. unassisted. For animals and other items over 50 lbs., assistance from another team member is required.
Prolonged periods of sitting, standing and walking.

Emotional Demands:
Must be comfortable with the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment, including the use of humane euthanasia.
Must be able to work effectively in situations where animals are gravely ill or injured, neglected, abused, aggressive, or in distress.

Transportation:
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

What Animal Humane Society employees say

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