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Animal Behavior Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Pet Evolution

Pet Groomer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr (+ commission)

You must be able to understand basic animal behavior and body language to be able to determine whether or not it is safe to groom the pet. You must be able to think critically under pressure on a ...

Pet Evolution

Pet Groomer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr (+ commission)

You must be able to understand basic animal behavior and body language to be able to determine whether or not it is safe to groom the pet. You must be able to think critically under pressure on a ...

Heart + Paw

Groomer - Sign on Bonus $2500

Arlington, VA · On-site

Expertise in modern grooming practices, animal behavior knowledge, and strong interpersonal abilities. * Passion: A love for pets and the art of grooming. * Physical Stamina: Ability to handle pets ...

The Dog Stop Richmond (TDS-0037)

Canine Handler

Richmond, VA

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

Animal Behavior * Customer Service We Are Looking For Someone Who Is * Dependable * Responsible * Honest * Self-motivated * Mature * Hardworking * Organized * Detail-oriented * Observant * A critical ...

NVA

Pet Trainer I

Purcellville, VA · On-site

A minimum of one year of professional, job-related experience in canine training or animal behavior is required. * Technical Knowledge: Strong foundational understanding of operant conditioning ...

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All JobsAnimal Behavior JobsAnimal Behavior Jobs in Virginia

Animal Behavior information

See Virginia salary details

$18K

$45.5K

$71.5K

How much do animal behavior jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal behavior in Virginia is $45,454.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,634.00 and $56,406.00 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.
More about Animal Behavior jobs

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Animal Behavior jobs in Virginia?

For Animal Behavior jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Animal Behavior jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Animal Behavior job openings:

Animal Behavior jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Behavior job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,454 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Veterinarian at MyVet Chesapeake

Vetcelerator

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

$110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Full-Time Associate Veterinarian MyVet Chesapeake | Chesapeake, Virginia

MyVet Chesapeake is looking for a compassionate full-time Associate Veterinarian to join our small, privately owned veterinary practice in Chesapeake, Virginia.

We currently have one full-time veterinarian and a close-knit support team that works together like family. We are looking for another veterinarian who wants to build meaningful relationships with clients, provide high-quality care to their pets, and become an important part of our practice.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced veterinarian or a new graduate seeking a welcoming, team-focused environment where they can continue developing their skills. Our team values collaboration, open communication, compassionate medicine, and creating a positive experience for every patient and pet owner who walks through our doors.

What You’ll Do

As an Associate Veterinarian at MyVet Chesapeake, you will provide comprehensive veterinary care while working closely with our veterinary technicians, assistants, and support staff.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Conducting thorough physical examinations and diagnosing medical conditions

  • Developing and communicating treatment plans with pet owners

  • Providing preventive care, vaccinations, and routine wellness services

  • Prescribing and administering medications

  • Performing surgical procedures using appropriate safety and aseptic standards

  • Ordering and interpreting laboratory testing and diagnostic results

  • Providing urgent, emergency, and critical care when needed

  • Maintaining complete and accurate electronic medical records

  • Educating clients about nutrition, preventive medicine, animal behavior, and at-home care

  • Collaborating with the veterinary team to support efficient hospital operations

  • Staying current with developments and best practices in veterinary medicine

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is a dependable and compassionate veterinarian who enjoys working as part of a close-knit team.

Qualifications include:

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, DVM, or equivalent degree

  • Licensed or eligible to become licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Virginia

  • Strong understanding of animal anatomy, physiology, behavior, and veterinary medicine

  • Commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality patient care

  • Clear and professional communication with clients and team members

  • Ability to work collaboratively with veterinary technicians, assistants, and support staff

  • Strong medical documentation and organizational skills

Veterinary practice experience is preferred, but new veterinary graduates are encouraged to apply. Experience with emergency medicine, critical care, laboratory procedures, diagnostics, surgery, or exotic animal care is a plus but is not required.

Compensation

Compensation for this full-time Associate Veterinarian position starts at $110,000 per year.

We recognize that every veterinarian brings a different level of experience, clinical skill, and professional value to a practice. Candidates seeking compensation above the starting salary are still strongly encouraged to apply. Final compensation will be discussed based on experience, qualifications, and the overall fit for the role.

Benefits

MyVet Chesapeake offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • 401(k)

  • Health insurance

  • Dental insurance

  • Vision insurance

  • Life insurance

  • Paid time off

  • Flexible scheduling

  • Professional development assistance

  • Employee discounts

Join Our Team

At MyVet Chesapeake, you will not be joining a large corporate hospital. You will be joining a small private practice where your ideas, skills, and contributions matter.

We are proud of the relationships we have built with our clients and patients, and we are looking for a veterinarian who shares our dedication to compassionate medicine and personalized care.

Apply today to learn more about becoming the next full-time Associate Veterinarian at MyVet Chesapeake.