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Animal Behavior Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Receptionist

Memphis, TN · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Knowledge of animal behavior * Animal husbandry * Love of animals * Documentation skills * Analyzing information * Clinical skills * Use of medical technologies * Attention to detail * Patience

Receptionist

Memphis, TN · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Knowledge of animal behavior * Animal husbandry * Love of animals * Documentation skills * Analyzing information * Clinical skills * Use of medical technologies * Attention to detail * Patience

Receptionist

Memphis, TN · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Knowledge of animal behavior * Animal husbandry * Love of animals * Documentation skills * Analyzing information * Clinical skills * Use of medical technologies * Attention to detail * Patience

Receptionist

Memphis, TN · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Knowledge of animal behavior * Animal husbandry * Love of animals * Documentation skills * Analyzing information * Clinical skills * Use of medical technologies * Attention to detail * Patience

Receptionist

Memphis, TN · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Knowledge of animal behavior * Animal husbandry * Love of animals * Documentation skills * Analyzing information * Clinical skills * Use of medical technologies * Attention to detail * Patience

Veterinary Technician/Assistant

Germantown, TN · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Knowledge of animal behavior Animal husbandry Love of animals Documentation skills Analyzing information Clinical skills Use of medical technologies Attention to detail Patience Verbal communication ...

Kennel Attendant - Part-Time

Collierville, TN · On-site

$11 - $14.25/hr

Reporting changes in animal behavior, health or concerns to Vet or Hospital Manager * Maintaining animal records, such as weight, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and food ...

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Animal Behavior information

See Tennessee salary details

$18.7K

$47.2K

$74.2K

How much do animal behavior jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal behavior in Tennessee is $47,175.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,794.00 and $58,542.00 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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Animal Behavior jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Animal Behavior job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Behavior job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, and 41% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,175 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Kennel Attendant - Part-Time

The Animal Hospital

Collierville, TN • On-site

$11 - $14.25/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Kennel Attendant
Collierville Animal Clinic, Collierville, TN

Summary:
Position:
The Kennel Attendant position is a key role for our kennel that provides daily care for our boarded animals and assist with kennel maintenance. The position involves cleaning, bathing, grooming, exercising and feeding our boarded animals. The Attendant is also responsible for cleaning cages, administering medication, and monitoring the behavior of our boarded dogs. The role interacts with the clinical team, clients and supports our customer focused environment.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Daily care for boarded animals
  • Bathing, grooming, exercising, feeding, administering medication, and monitoring behavior
  • Assist with kennel maintenance and cleaning
  • Reporting changes in animal behavior, health or concerns to Vet or Hospital Manager
  • Maintaining animal records, such as weight, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and food intake and other potential data as needed
  • Other duties as assigned by Doctor/Hospital Manager/Kennel Manager
  • Washing, drying, and folding laundry
  • Must be able to lift 50lbs or more, stoop, bend and stand on feet for long periods.
  • Travel may be required
  • MUST BE ABLE TO WORK WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS

Skills / Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or relevant education and work experience
  • Previous experience with animals preferred
  • Customer service attitude
  • Organizational skills
  • Team oriented, enjoys working as part of team
  • Solid communication skills

All Full Time Team Members are eligible for benefits, including:
  • Best-in-class medical, vision, and dental insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability
  • Life insurance
  • 401k with match
  • Paid time off
  • Free continuing education
  • Mental health support
  • And more!