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Animal Behavior Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Altasciences

Animal Care Tech

Everett, WA · On-site

$19.80 - $26/hr

Recognize animal behavior, health status and report to appropriate channels. * Perform animal husbandry (cleaning, feeding, sanitation, enrichment, etc.) on a regular basis. * Operate, maintain, and ...

Woodland Park Zoo

Animal Keeper (Various)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$38.25/hr

Assess animal health, behavior, welfare, and safety daily; report abnormal conditions or behavior patterns promptly to managers, curators, and veterinary staff. * Maintain accurate animal records and ...

Carevet

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Seattle, WA · On-site

Strong understanding of animal behavior, handling techniques, and restraint methods * Familiarity with aseptic technique and infection control protocols * Ability to perform animal catheterization ...

New

Ethos Veterinary Health

Kennel Assistant

Bothell, WA · On-site

... animal care and behavior • Monitor animal behavior and report any concerns to the veterinary team • Other tasks as deemed appropriate Job Requirements • High School Diploma or equivalent • ...

Pasado's Safe Haven

Farmed Animal Care Manager

Monroe, WA · On-site

$60K - $64K/yr

The Farmed Animal Care Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily care, health, safety, and ... Maintain accurate health, treatment, and behavior records. * Design and implement training and ...

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All JobsAnimal Behavior JobsAnimal Behavior Jobs in Seattle, WA

Animal Behavior information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$20K

$50.6K

$79.5K

How much do animal behavior jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal behavior in Seattle, WA is $50,586.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,092.00 and $62,774.00 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 Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Animal Behavior jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Behavior jobs in Seattle, WA?

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

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

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

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

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

Animal Behavior jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Behavior job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,586 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Community Resources and Behavior Assistant

KITSAP Humane Society

Silverdale, WA

$18.28/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Description

The Kitsap Humane Society (KHS) is a progressive animal welfare shelter whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome homeless animals. We are committed to an open admissions policy, animal rehabilitation and a low euthanasia rate. 


Job Summary

As part of the Community Resource and Behavior team, you will ensure the well-being of animals while providing compassionate support to the community. Key responsibilities include conducting animal intakes, behavior assessments and training, administering vaccinations, applying fear-free handling practices, and coordinating with shelter departments.

You will collaborate with other shelter teams to evaluate animals' needs, provide enrichment, supervise playgroups, and assist with behavior modification to improve quality of life and reduce stress. This role also involves intake diversion, stray animal reunification, and offering excellent customer service to those seeking assistance for animals.

Strong communication, organization, and a passion for animal welfare are essential for success in this role.


Job Duties

  • Support scheduling community requests for animals being brought to the shelter and facilitate animal intakes, including stray animals, rehoming appointments, transfers, and medical surrenders.
  • Working hands on with a diverse range of animals, including dogs and cats, supporting a variety of behavioral needs, conducting initial health and behavior assessments on incoming animals to determine their needs and suitability for shelter placement.
  • Demonstrating compassion and support to KHS staff and volunteers, as well as to community members coming into KHS for community resources, including pet food pantry, animal reclaims, stray animal drop offs, or rehoming services.
  • Facilitate behavior training and modification sessions with additional CRB team members and KHS volunteers to help support animals through shelter pathways.
  • Accurately record detailed information about an animal during different shelter processes, including intake exams, behavior assessments, and training sessions using objective language.
  • Following fear-free practices for animal handling, including intake exams, behavior treatment sessions and vaccine administration.
  • Collaborating with shelter departments and volunteers to support the behavioral healthcare of animals through the implementation of the KHS enrichment program.
  • Support CRB team members with dog tests, playgroups, and off-site outings for shelter dogs.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor.


Requirements

Qualifications and Requirements:

  • Must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma or equivalent. 
  • Additional experience or training in animal welfare or veterinary services is preferred, but not required.
  • Demonstrated ability to handle animals safely and compassionately, with an understanding of basic animal behavior and welfare principles.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact professionally and empathetically with diverse community members in stressful situations.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Proficiency in basic computer skills, including data entry and use of Microsoft Office products and applications.
  • Commitment to the mission and values of Kitsap Humane Society
  • Able to work a flexible schedule, including one weekend day a week.
  • Must have a valid WA driver's license.
  • Must complete a pre-employment criminal record background check.


Physical Requirements


  • Ability to on occasion lift at least 50 pounds.
  • Bending at the waist, sitting, kneeling, crouching, walking, etc., as job may require.
  • Working directly with a diverse range of animals and animal sizes, including large dogs.
  • Needing to wear appropriate PPE when coordinating an intake of potentially sick animals.
  • Work environment may involve exposure to inclement weather, odors and/or loud noises, as well as the presence of restrained domestic animals.



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