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Animal Behavior Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Finger Lake Pet Resort

Animal Care Tech

Farmington, NY · On-site

$16/hr

You'll learn animal behavior in order to provide a safe environment, including studying canine body language and learning how to make dogs comfortable in a kennel and playgroup environment.

ADP - RNOOID0028281371

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Dog Daycare Attendant / Enrichment Specialist

Henrietta, NY · On-site

$16/hr

You'll learn animal behavior in order to provide a safe environment, including studying canine body language and learning how to make dogs comfortable in a kennel and playgroup environment.

ADP - RNOOID0028281371

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Dog Daycare Attendant / Enrichment Specialist

Henrietta, NY · On-site

$16/hr

You'll learn animal behavior in order to provide a safe environment, including studying canine body language and learning how to make dogs comfortable in a kennel and playgroup environment.

Thrive Pet Healthcare

Associate Veterinarian

Rochester, NY · On-site

$120K/yr

... animal general practice hospital in Rochester, New York. We focus on canine and feline wellness , sick exams, surgery, dentistry, diagnostics, and behavioral medicine . Our hospital offers a he althy ...

Lollypop Farm

Adoption Counselor (Per Diem)

Fairport, NY · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

Perform screened adoptions for animals with specific medical or behavioral needs * Maintain knowledge of different animal species and be able to troubleshoot common problems and solutions seen in ...

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All JobsAnimal Behavior JobsAnimal Behavior Jobs in Rochester, NY

Animal Behavior information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$17.3K

$43.7K

$68.7K

How much do animal behavior jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal behavior in Rochester, NY is $43,683.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29,441.00 and $54,209.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 jobs can you do with animal behaviour?

Jobs related to animal behavior include animal trainer, zookeeper, wildlife rehabilitator, research scientist, and animal behaviorist. These roles often require knowledge of animal psychology, observation skills, and sometimes certifications or degrees in biology, zoology, or animal science. They typically involve working in environments such as zoos, research facilities, or conservation organizations.

What is the highest paying job working with animals?

The highest paying jobs working with animals include veterinary surgeons, especially specialized or board-certified veterinarians, and zoo directors or managers. These roles often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and specialized skills, with salaries reaching six figures or more depending on the location and employer.

How do you become an animal behaviorist?

To become an animal behaviorist, typically a bachelor's degree in biology, psychology, or a related field is required, followed by a master's or doctoral degree specializing in animal behavior or ethology. Gaining experience through internships, research, or working with animals is important, and professional certification from organizations like the Animal Behavior Society can enhance career prospects.

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 Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Animal Behavior jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Behavior jobs in Rochester, NY? For Animal Behavior jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Behavior jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Behavior jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Animal Behavior jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Animal Behavior job openings:
Animal Behavior jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Behavior job openings in Rochester, NY as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,683 per year, or $21 per hour.

Animal Care Tech

Village Pet Care LLC

Farmington, NY

$16/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Description

Finger Lakes Pet Resort is seeking dog lovers with a passion for providing top notch care, and a desire to grow with a company of like-minded individuals! Starting pay rate is $16 per hour with raises based on performance. Ideal candidate will be a kind, conscientious, and detail-oriented caregiver with a flexible schedule! We strive to provide a safe, fun, and rewarding work environment, with a focus on productive teamwork. 


Duties include:

  • Playgroup Supervision: Overseeing a playgroup of dogs and managing their behavior and playtime.
  • Canine Knowledge: You'll learn animal behavior in order to provide a safe environment, including studying canine body language and learning how to make dogs comfortable in a kennel and playgroup environment.  
  • Cleaning: Managing the cleanliness of our kennels and play areas and maintaining the highest possible cleaning standards. Cleaning toys, washing dishes, mopping floors, vacuuming hair, and taking care of unpleasant doggy messes are critical aspects of the job! 
  • Daily Care: Feeding pets according to parents' instructions; making sure all dogs have fresh water, clean bedding, and a comfortable space to stay overnight. May also include administering medication according to veterinary instructions.
  • Problem Solving: Use common sense to solve problems as it relates to dogs in our care. 
  • Be Proactive: Work with initiative to take on an array of tasks in our center. 
  • Work Together: Communicating effectively with other team members-working at a doggie daycare is fun, but only if everyone is on the same page! 
  • Guest Service: Must have basic customer service skills and be ready to talk with pet parents about their family members!
  • Safety First: Able to follow established safety protocols to the letter to ensure a safe and fun environment for our guests-and ourselves!
  • Must love dogs: We have a lot of them! 

Please note that the above-listed duties and responsibilities are the basic requirements for this role and may be modified, expanded, or reduced based on the evolving needs of the company.


If you're the right candidate, we'd love for you to join our team! Benefits for all team members at Finger Lakes Pet Resort include discounted daycare and boarding for your own dog, with additional benefits available for full time employees like medical/vision/dental plans and 401k! Pay starts at $16/hr. 


Requirements

The perfect candidate will embody these qualities:

  • Team Player: Works together well with others to make sure all duties are completed and our guests are cared for
  • Good Communicator: Able to properly, promptly, and effectively communicate with other team members, management, and pet parents
  • Flexibility: A flexible schedule. Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. 
  • Attention to Detail: Uses keen observation skills to make sure guests are safe and comfortable, and to report any issues as they arise
  • Animal Experience: Previous petcare/animal experience preferred, but not required. Love for animals a must!
  • Dog Friendly: Comfortable with dogs of all sizes and breeds-we see it all!
  • Physical Stamina: An ability to stand/work upright for multiple hours at a time, in all weather types; able to lift at least 50 lbs and remain active throughout your shift. This is a physically demanding job!


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