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Animal Behavior Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CareVet

Animal Care Assistant

Cape Charles, VA

Reporting changes in animal behavior, health or other concerns to Doctor(s) and Hospital Manager * Maintaining animal records, such as weight, physical condition, treatments received, medications ...

Alma Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Allen, TX · On-site

Knowledge of Animal Behavior, Animal Husbandry, Basic Safety, Documentation Skills, Customer Service, Performing Diagnostic Procedures, Use of Medical Technologies, Job Knowledge, Judgment, Integrity ...

Animal Care Services

Animal Care Attendant

Norco, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

... animal behavior, handling, husbandry, and basic pet first aid, including medication administration. · Have the physical strength and ability to lift objects and pets weighing up to 50 pounds. · Be ...

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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.
Animal Care Specialist 1-Marine Mammal Pinniped Department $21/hour

Animal Care Specialist 1-Marine Mammal Pinniped Department $21/hour

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

Vallejo, CA • On-site

$21/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Six Flags rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 519 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 55 rated theme parks

Job description

Responsibilities
Job Responsibilities Include:
  • Prepares daily rations, feeds animals, and stores food according to schedule duties
  • Cleans and sanitizes animal enclosures, food preparation, storage areas, and office spaces
  • Administers medications as prescribed by veterinarians
  • Closely monitors and records animal behavior and notifies staff of potential health and social challenges
  • Assist veterinarians with examinations, treatments, surgery, emergency care and necropsies
  • Effectively and efficiently communicates in a professional manner to staff of all levels
  • Demonstrates an understanding of operant conditioning animal training techniques and how to apply it for maintaining animal behavior with supervision of an ACS 2 or higher.
  • Understand how to interpret animal behavior and make decisions appropriately with the aid of ACS2 or higher
  • Perform in shows as well as conduct educational lectures and/or animal interactions and tours as assigned
  • SCUBA dive in exhibits as required
  • Collects and labels blood, urine, fecal and other diagnostic samples as directed by veterinary staff
  • Provides support on carrying out capture and restraint procedure for animals in the assigned area with veterinarian and management's assistance as well as assist in emergency situations
  • Responsible for the daily operations in area assigned
  • Provide animal enrichment and husbandry training maintenance with the animal collection
  • Maintain, recognize, and aid in the renovation of facilities and equipment up to USDA standards
  • Maintains area equipment such as tools and equipment such as scuba gear, transport units, squeeze cage, electric carts and more
  • Provides support in the implementation and/or modifications to presentations and guest interactions
  • Properly handles, uses, and stores all chemicals in accordance with SFDK policy
  • Represents SFDK in a well-informed, positive manner before other zoological facilities, professional and educational organizations, the media, and federal and state agencies.
  • Ensure excellence in guest service by responding promptly to customer requirements, expectations and special needs
  • Practices safe work habits
  • Performs other duties as requested/assigned.

Qualifications
The ideal candidate must possess:
  • 32 hours per week minimum
  • Must have minimum of 4 days of unrestricted availability to include weekends, holidays, early mornings, and late nights
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • SCUBA certification preferred
  • Must have an Associate's degree in biology, psychology, zoology or related field preferred or equivalent of 2 years of relevant experience
  • Minimum of 1-year paid, full time experience in the care, husbandry and training of a variety of marine mammal species
  • Minimum of 6 months experience as an Animal Care Intern
  • Must have valid California driver's license
  • Must have strong written/verbal communication skills, able to speak effective before large groups.
  • Must be able to lift and/or move 50 pounds
  • Must possess strong swimming skills
  • Must be able to read, write and speak English and be proficient in MS office applications
  • Must be willing and able to work both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Must be available to work weekends, evenings and holidays
  • Must possess quick reflexes and be able to react quickly to changing animal situations
  • Must possess the mental and physical capacities necessary to perform the primary job duties
  • Must be willing and able to work in and around cold saltwater
  • Must be able to work with chemicals and adhere to the MDS and company standards
  • Must have a basic understanding of water chemistry

Safety Sensitive Position

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