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Animal Behavior Jobs (NOW HIRING)

County of Humboldt

Animal Control Officer

Eureka, CA · On-site

$37K - $48K/yr

Behavior and handling of common domestic or wild animals. Methods and equipment used in the care and control of animals. State and local laws and ordinances pertaining to the proper care and control ...

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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 4, 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 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 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 is the highest paid animal job?

The highest paid animal jobs typically include zoological directors, wildlife conservation managers, and research scientists, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. These roles usually require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and extensive experience working with animals in research, conservation, or management settings.

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 cities are hiring for Animal Behavior jobs? Cities with the most Animal Behavior job openings:
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
Infographic showing various Animal Behavior job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,738 per year, or $22.5 per hour.
Behavior & Medical Assistant

Behavior & Medical Assistant

Animal Protection Society of Durham

Durham, NC

$18 - $22/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Make an Impact Where It Matters Most.
Do you have a passion for both animal behavior and medical care? Are you looking for a hands-on role where you can directly improve the lives of animals every day.
The Animal Protection Society of Durham (APS) is seeking a Behavior & Medical Assistant to join our team. This is a unique, cross-functional role supporting both our Behavior and Medical teams—helping animals heal, grow, and prepare for successful adoption.
Why This Role Matters.
In this position, you’ll play a critical role in:
  • Improving animal health and wellbeing.
  • Reducing stress in the shelter environment.
  • Supporting successful adoptions.
  • Bridging the gap between medical care and behavior support.

What You’ll Do.
Behavior Support & Enrichment:
  • Implement enrichment and behavior modification plans.
  • Observe and document animal behavior.
  • Support temperament evaluations and training activities.
  • Provide daily enrichment to reduce stress.

Medical & Animal Wellbeing Support:
  • Assist with medications and treatments (under supervision).
  • Monitor animals for health or behavior changes.
  • Support veterinary staff during exams and procedures.
  • Help prepare animals for treatment and recovery.

Animal Handling & Care:
  • Safely handle animals of all sizes and temperaments.
  • Use proper restraint techniques.
  • Support movement of animals across departments.

Documentation & Communication:
  • Maintain accurate records of treatments and observations.
  • Update shelter systems (e.g., Chameleon).
  • Communicate effectively with Medical & Behavior teams.

Team Collaboration:
  • Work closely with Behavior, Medical, Animal Care, and Customer Service teams.
  • Support adoption readiness.
  • Participate in trainings and team meetings.

Facility & Sanitation:
  • Clean and disinfect kennels and treatment areas.
  • Follow biosecurity and disease prevention protocols.

What We’re Looking For:
  • Passion for animal welfare, behavior, and medical care.
  • Ability to handle animals safely and compassionately.
  • Strong attention to detail and observational skills.
  • Ability to stay calm in high-stress situations.
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment.

Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required.
  • Experience working with animals (shelter, vet clinic, training, etc.) preferred.
  • Knowledge of positive reinforcement training is a plus.
  • Interest in veterinary medicine, animal behavior, or animal welfare strongly encouraged.

Work Environment:
  • Veterinary clinic and shelter setting.
  • Exposure to animals with varying medical and behavioral needs.
  • Physical role (lifting up to 50 lbs, standing, bending, walking).
  • May include weekends, holidays, and flexible scheduling.

Why Join APS?:
  • Be part of a mission-driven organization making real impact.
  • Gain hands-on experience in both medical and behavior fields.
  • Work alongside a dedicated, compassionate team.
  • Grow your career in animal welfare and veterinary care.

Apply Today: If you’re ready to make a difference in the lives of animals and be part of something meaningful, we’d love to hear from you.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
APS of Durham is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and does not discriminate based on any protected status under applicable law.