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Animal Behavior Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

City of Rochester, NY

Shelter Veterinarian

Rochester, NY · On-site

$114K - $121K/yr

General direction is received from the Director of Animal Services with regard to department ... behavior; * Makes recommendations on disease control, sanitation, and clinic procedures and ...

Petco

Junior Groomer

Henrietta, NY

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming ...

Petco

Operations Leader

Pittsford, NY

Uphold Petco's animal care standards, ensuring the health, safety, and proper handling of all ... Model Petco's selling behaviors and service expectations. * Provide guidance and direction to ...

Petco

Operations Leader

Pittsford, NY · On-site

Uphold Petco's animal care standards, ensuring the health, safety, and proper handling of all ... Model Petco's selling behaviors and service expectations. * Provide guidance and direction to ...

Petco

Junior Groomer

Henrietta, NY · On-site

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming ...

Petco

Junior Groomer

Greece, NY

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming ...

Thrive Pet Healthcare

Kennel Attendant

Fairport, NY · On-site

$15.50 - $16.50/hr

Monitoring appetite, eliminations, behavior, and overall wellbeing * Maintaining clean, sanitized ... Kennel technician or animal care experience preferred * Comfortable handling animals of all sizes ...

Fairview Veterinary Hospital

Kennel Attendant

Fairport, NY · On-site

$15.50 - $16.50/hr

Monitoring appetite, eliminations, behavior, and overall wellbeing * Maintaining clean, sanitized ... Kennel technician or animal care experience preferred * Comfortable handling animals of all sizes ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Canandaigua, NY

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... UTILIZE SELLING BEHAVIORS. You're the key to providing an amazing guest experience within our Pet ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Canandaigua, NY · On-site

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... UTILIZE SELLING BEHAVIORS. You're the key to providing an amazing guest experience within our Pet ...

Avantor Inc.

Biology Technician

West Henrietta, NY

$39K - $63K/yr

Weekends as needed-typically only over long holiday weekends for animal feedings and upkeep. How ... behavior/mortality, verify environmental conditions, check water quality. * Ensure lab and habitat ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Irondequoit, NY · On-site

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... UTILIZE SELLING BEHAVIORS. You're the key to providing an amazing guest experience within our Pet ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Batavia, NY · On-site

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... UTILIZE SELLING BEHAVIORS. You're the key to providing an amazing guest experience within our Pet ...

Avantor, Inc.

Biology Technician

West Henrietta, NY · On-site

$39K - $63K/yr

Weekends as needed-typically only over long holiday weekends for animal feedings and upkeep. How ... behavior/mortality, verify environmental conditions, check water quality. * Ensure lab and habitat ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Batavia, NY

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... UTILIZE SELLING BEHAVIORS. You're the key to providing an amazing guest experience within our Pet ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Irondequoit, NY · On-site

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... UTILIZE SELLING BEHAVIORS. You're the key to providing an amazing guest experience within our Pet ...

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Showing results 1-20

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.
Shelter Veterinarian

Shelter Veterinarian

City of Rochester, NY

Rochester, NY • On-site

$114K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

City Of Rochester (New York) rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

93rd of 649 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Salary: $114,002.00 - $121,517.00 Annually
Location : Rochester, NY
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25DM000DRA10
Department: Department of Recreation & Human Services
Bureau: Commissioner' Office
Opening Date: 03/24/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
General Description
This is a technical position with responsibility for planning and implementing the shelter medicine procedures and policies for the City of Rochester, such as: spay/neuter program, vaccination protocols, cleaning and disinfecting protocols, and treatment protocols for sick and injured animals. General direction is received from the Director of Animal Services with regard to department policies and priorities. Wide latitude is allowed in the use of independent judgment in the performance of duties particularly in development of internal animal care procedures. Related work is performed as required.
This is a Competitive Class position. The individual selected to fill this vacancy will be given a provisional appointment and will be required to participate in the next Civil Service Examination for this title.
A qualified applicant may be provisionally appointed and serve in the position until a Civil Service Examination is administered and an appropriate eligible list can be established to make a permanent appointment in accordance with the Civil Service Rule of Three. (See "" Provisional Appointment - FAQ's) If you are already a City employee and have permanent, competitive status in your current position and appointment to this title would result in a provisional appointment in another department, you will lose your previous permanent competitive rights.
Typical Work Activities
  • Directs, coordinates, and performs the screening, diagnosis, and basic and emergency medical treatment of all animals harbored at the shelter;
  • Performs or oversees the visual monitoring of animals, including those that may be isolated or quarantined for signs of illness or unusual behavior;
  • Makes recommendations on disease control, sanitation, and clinic procedures and supplies, and veterinary equipment and supplies;
  • Maintains the records to track the care and condition of animals;
  • Administers or trains and oversees appropriate staff in administering medical care and vaccinations to animals, the performance of euthanasia and other paramedical duties;
  • Performs euthanasia in absence of euthanasia technicians;
  • Works, communicates, and interacts professionally with staff, volunteers, and clients;
  • Recommends transfer of animals to veterinary hospitals and emergency care facilities;
  • Performs high-volume spay/neuter surgeries, including pediatric surgeries, for shelter and owned pets;
  • Provides post-operative care as necessary;
  • Assists with adoption counseling and in-foster treatment;
  • Assists with on-site training and supervision of veterinary technician and animal care technicians;
  • Assesses veterinary equipment and supply needs and assists with inventory and purchasing;
  • Assists with media and public relations efforts in promotion of the organization;
  • Assists Director with decisions on shelter policy;
  • Communicates and follows safety and hazard procedures;
  • Ensures that shelter staff participates in a comprehensive disease prevention program.

Minimum Qualifications
High School diploma or GED PLUS:
  1. Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and two (2) years of experience performing surgical sterilizations and overseeing the veterinary protocols; AND
  2. New York State License to Practice Veterinary Medicine and Surgery.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
NYS License to Practice Veterinary Medicine and Surgery will continue to be required throughout employment.
BENEFITS
  • Relocation allowance for out of state candidates;
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness;
  • Free Health, Vision, and Life Insurance;
  • Low cost Dental Insurance;
  • Deferred Compensation;
  • New York State Retirement System;
  • Tuition Assistance;
  • Employer Assisted Housing Program;
  • Four weeks of paid vacation and 14 paid holidays per year

For full-time employees:
The City of Rochester offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
For less-than full-time employees:
The City of Rochester offers numerous growth opportunities to include the potential to transition into full-time, permanent employment.

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