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Animal Behavior Jobs in Pullman, WA (NOW HIRING)

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Lewiston, ID · 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

Lewiston, ID · 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 ...

All JobsAnimal Behavior JobsAnimal Behavior Jobs in Pullman, WA

Animal Behavior information

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 job categories do people searching Animal Behavior jobs in Pullman, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Behavior jobs in Pullman, WA are:

What cities near Pullman, WA are hiring for Animal Behavior jobs?

Cities near Pullman, WA with the most Animal Behavior job openings:

Animal Behavior jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Behavior job openings in Pullman, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Animal Care Supervisor

Petco

Lewiston, ID • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Petco rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 640 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

459th of 739 rated retailers

Job description

Want to help pets live their best lives?
We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.
Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and people.
  • Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.

  • Foster the Fun - Connect & Bond. Our Passion for pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through distinct experiences, products, and services.

  • Let's Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as One Petco team. We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.

About Petco:
We're proud to be "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years - from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood - the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we're here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.
As a Companion Animal Supervisor, you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the health, care, and presentation of our live animals while driving sales, customer experience, and operational excellence within the Companion Animal and Aquatics departments.
You lead through expertise and influence, coaching partners to deliver exceptional animal care and knowledgeable service. You combine a deep commitment to pet welfare with strong operational discipline and business acumen to achieve sales, margin, and shrink goals, all while modeling Petco's leadership expectations.
What You'll Do
Pet First
  • Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all live animals through strict adherence to Petco standards, policies, and veterinary protocols.
  • Complete and oversee hourly animal health checks, wellness cards, and required documentation.
  • Ensure proper handling, care, and documentation of adoption animals.
  • Act immediately and appropriately for sick or injured animals in alignment with veterinary protocols.

Foster the Fun
  • Coach and mentor partners to deliver confident, compassionate, and knowledgeable customer interactions.
  • Create a welcoming, engaging environment in the Companion Animal and Aquatics areas through high presentation standards.
  • Promote a positive culture of teamwork, inclusion, and collaboration.
  • 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 execution.
  • Utilize business insights to analyze trends, identify opportunities, and implement improvement plans.
  • Efficiently order live animals to balance animal welfare, inventory levels, sales, and margin goals.
  • Support Omni-Channel execution, including BOPUS, ship-from-store, curbside, and endless aisle.
  • Serve as Leader on Duty, supporting Pet Care Center operations, communication, safety, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities
Animal Care & Operations
  • Execute Companion Animal and Aquatics operations including animal care, maintenance, ordering, regulatory compliance, CAPI, HAHC, CAPC, and veterinary partnerships.
  • Ensure all animal maintenance tasks are completed according to the Maintenance Task List.
  • Maintain operational, safety, and regulatory standards at all times.
  • Achieve high standards of cleanliness, care, and visual presentation in all animal areas.

Business & Customer Experience
  • Process transactions efficiently while delivering a great customer experience.
  • Monitor sales, margin, and inventory reports to support department performance.
  • Share product and animal care knowledge to help customers make informed decisions using Petco's selling strategy.
  • Assist with additional duties as needed to support business needs.

People Leadership
  • Train, coach, and develop partners in animal care, selling behaviors, and operational routines.
  • Provide ongoing feedback and support to strengthen partner performance and engagement.

What Success Looks Like
  • Animals are healthy, safe, and cared for to Petco's highest standards.
  • Customers trust the team's expertise and return for guidance and solutions.
  • The Companion Animal department meets or exceeds sales, margin, and shrink goals
  • Partners are confident, well-trained, and proud of the care they provide.

What You Bring
Experience & Skills
  • High school Diploma or GED preferred.
  • 1+ year of supervisory experience, preferably in a pet retail environment.
  • Strong knowledge of companion animals, aquatics, and animal care practices.
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
  • High focus on customer service and people development.

Essential Functions & Work Environment
This role is primarily performed in a Pet Care Center retail environment. The Companion Animal Supervisor is expected to be regularly present on the sales floor, leading by example and engaging with partners, customers, and pets.
  • Majority of work is conducted indoors; however, occasional duties may require leaving the Pet Care Center for tasks such as bank deposits, merchandise transport, or community events.
  • The role requires frequent standing and walking, as well as bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting.
  • Ability to safely lift and move merchandise, supplies, or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Regular engagement with customers on the sales floor, including providing customer assistance and performing cashiering and point-of-sale transactions.
  • Must be able to work in proximity to animals, including exposure to animal dander, odors, noises, and cleaning chemicals.
  • Flexible availability to support Pet Care Center operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • This is a full-time position. Eligibility for full-time status is based on average hours worked, as defined by company policy and applicable law.
  • A limited amount of travel may be required for training, meetings, or community engagement.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.
Why You'll Love It Here
  • Purpose-driven work that makes a difference for pets and people.
  • Hands-on leadership experience and career growth opportunities.
  • A supportive, inclusive culture built on teamwork and authenticity.
  • The chance to grow your leadership skills while having fun doing meaningful work

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.
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