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Animal Behavior Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

R&D Animal Behavior Technician

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

... animal behavior to help determine potential issues/problems. • Provide animal nourishment and care to boost morale of animals in studies. Qualifications Education/Experience: • Associate's or ...

ASPCA

Shelter Behavior Associate

Columbus, OH

Are you interested in companion animal behavior and want to learn more about providing high-quality care while optimizing welfare for animals in need. Do you thrive in a dynamic and complex ...

ASPCA

Shelter Behavior Associate

Columbus, OH

Are you interested in companion animal behavior and want to learn more about providing high-quality care while optimizing welfare for animals in need? Do you thrive in a dynamic and complex ...

ASPCA

Shelter Behavior Associate

Columbus, OH

Are you interested in companion animal behavior and want to learn more about providing high-quality care whileoptimizingwelfare for animals in need?Do you thrive in a dynamic and complex environment ...

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Animal Behavior information

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$18.5K

$46.7K

$73.5K

How much do animal behavior jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal behavior in the United States is $46,738.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,500.00 and $58,000.00 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
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What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Behavior jobs? The most popular types of Animal Behavior jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Behavior jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Behavior jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Behavior jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Behavior jobs are:
Animal Behavior jobs near you

Animal Care Technician I

Animal Welfare League of Arlington

Arlington, VA • On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN I (ACT I)

Job Title: Animal Care Technician I
Department: Animal Care
Reports To: Manager of Animal Care
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: Arlington, VA


POSITION SUMMARY

Animal Care Technician I (ACT I) provides foundational daily care for shelter animals, maintains high standards of cleanliness, supports low-stress and Fear Free handling practices, and assists with basic medical and behavioral tasks under supervision. This is the entry-level position within the Animal Care career path and serves as the foundation for advancement to ACT II and ACT III roles.


PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Animal Care

  • Provide daily feeding, watering, enrichment, and basic grooming for shelter animals.
  • Conduct routine animal welfare checks and promptly report concerns related to health, behavior, or overall wellbeing.
  • Participate in stress and disease reduction efforts through Fear Free, purposeful, and compassionate handling practices.
  • Support low-stress handling and stress-reduction techniques in daily animal care routines.
  • Assist with basic medical tasks (e.g., topical medications, vaccine preparation) under supervision.
  • Assist with animal intake by safely handling animals and accurately recording observations.
  • Follow and support behavior modification protocols by understanding basic behavior plans, observing animal behavior in kennel settings, and implementing assigned steps as directed by senior staff or Behavior team members.

Facility Care

  • Clean and disinfect kennels, habitats, and shared areas in accordance with established disease-control and sanitation protocols.
  • Operate laundry, dishwashing, and sanitation equipment.
  • Maintain supply rooms and restock food, litter, and cleaning products as needed.
  • Report equipment or facility issues requiring repair or replacement.

People Care

  • Provide courteous, professional support to volunteers, adopters, fosters, and staff.
  • Work collaboratively with Animal Care Volunteers, recognizing their contributions and supporting their work in accordance with AWLA guidelines.
  • Assist the Adoption team by facilitating meet-and-greets when needed to support positive and safe adoption experiences.
  • Model positive, respectful interactions consistent with AWLA's Compassionate Culture.

Administrative & Record Support

  • Assist with maintaining accurate animal records and observations in shelter databases, as directed.
  • Enter intake observations, daily notes, and care-related updates in accordance with established protocols.
  • Follow documentation and recordkeeping standards to support Animal Care, Veterinary, and Adoption teams.

Other Duties

  • Demonstrate knowledge of and adherence to AWLA policies, procedures, safety protocols, and code of conduct.
  • Support a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
  • Take immediate action to report safety concerns that could put staff, volunteers, animals, or the organization at risk.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS

  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • General knowledge of animal behavior and animal care.
  • Ability to safely handle cats, dogs, small companion animals, wildlife, and rabies vector species.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., work on feet for extended periods, and perform physically demanding tasks.
  • Comfort working around bodily fluids, cleaning chemicals, injured or ill animals, and euthanasia-related activities.
  • Willingness to complete required training and obtain euthanasia certification within six (6) months of employment.
  • Ability to receive pre-exposure rabies vaccination upon employment.
  • Basic computer skills, including the ability to navigate databases and review records.
  • Strong work ethic, reliability, and accountability.
  • Ability to remain calm, focused, and professional in stressful, sensitive, or emotionally challenging situations.
  • Availability to work weekends, holidays, and evenings with a schedule that may change as needed.
  • Strong communication and customer service skills.


LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

  • Fluency in English required.


TYPICAL PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

Working with animals requires frequent bending, reaching, stooping, kneeling, and extended periods of standing or walking. Strong hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity are necessary to operate common equipment such as computers, telephones, and other tools used in daily tasks.


Employees should be prepared for exposure to injured or deceased animals, disinfectant chemicals, and fluctuating indoor and outdoor temperatures. This role may involve assisting with the restraint of animals, including those that are distressed or aggressive, and may involve potential hazards such as bites or scratches.


Physical strength and stamina are essential for managing animals on leash while performing other tasks, such as opening doors or moving equipment. The ability to lift and move animals or objects weighing up to 50 lbs. is required. This role involves active, physical work throughout the day.


Clear vision and hearing are necessary for effective communication with the public, volunteers, staff, and animals. Flexibility and adaptability are critical due to frequent interruptions and changing priorities. Comfort working with a wide range of animals-including dogs, cats, small companion animals, reptiles, amphibians, and wildlife-is essential.


This position also requires emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience to navigate both the rewarding and challenging aspects of animal welfare work. Employees must remain composed, compassionate, and focused in a fast-paced, emotionally dynamic environment.


VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS

Upon hire, employees are required to receive rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis and a tetanus vaccination.


BENEFITS

This position qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. AWLA also offers a salary bonus for proficiency in Arabic, Mandarin, Sign Language, Spanish, or Vietnamese. Employees receive additional benefits including free pet adoptions, free pet vaccines, and other pet-related benefits.

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