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Animal Behaviorist Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Animal Control Officer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$48K - $68K/yr

Animal behavior and animal control methods * Occupational hazards and applicable safety principles and practices * Standard practices, methods, and materials of assigned work * Uses and properties of ...

You'll learn animal behavior in order to provide a safe environment, including studying canine body language and learning how to make dogs comfortable in a kennel and playgroup environment.

Kennel Team Member

Cary, NC · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

Familiarity with common animal behavior and health indicators. * Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays. * Strong communication skills to effectively interact with team ...

Animal Resources Officer

Pittsboro, NC · On-site

$56K - $72K/yr

Thorough knowledge of animal care and behavior and the safe handling and general welfare practices of small and large domestic and wild animals; * Thorough knowledge of rabies and rabies management ...

Essential Job Duties The Large Animal Attendant provides essential, high-quality animal husbandry ... Observe and report any changes in patient behavior, appetite, or physical condition to the ...

Lead Kennel

Durham, NC · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Basic knowledge of animal behavior, health, and safety protocols, or a willingness to learn. * Comfortable leading a team and helping others do their best work. * Organized, reliable, and a strong ...

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Animal Behaviorist information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$46.7K

$57.2K

$82.1K

How much do animal behaviorist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal behaviorist in Raleigh, NC is $57,242.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $58,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal behaviorist?

An animal behaviorist studies the causes, motivations, and influences of the actions of animals. As an animal behaviorist, you may focus on domesticated animals and pets, such as horses, dogs, or cats, or you may choose to study wild animals, including primates, big cats, birds, elephants, or whales. Your job duties involve observing animals in captivity and their natural habitats, recording and documenting observational data about the animals’ behavior and health, and analyzing your research to figure out why animals behave in certain ways. This job requires excellent research and analytical skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal behaviorist?

To thrive as an Animal Behaviorist, you need a background in animal science, psychology, or biology, often supported by a relevant degree and, in some cases, certification from organizations such as the Animal Behavior Society. Familiarity with behavioral assessment tools, data analysis software, and animal training protocols is typically required. Strong observation skills, patience, and effective communication are essential soft skills for working with animals and their owners. These skills ensure accurate behavior modification, successful client relationships, and improved animal welfare outcomes.

What are some common challenges animal behaviorists face when working with clients and their pets?

Animal Behaviorists often encounter challenges such as managing clients' expectations for quick results and navigating the emotional complexities owners feel about their pets' behavior. Collaboration and clear communication are essential, as behavior modification requires consistent effort from the pet owner. Additionally, each animal presents unique behavioral histories, so Animal Behaviorists must tailor their approaches and remain adaptable while ensuring the safety and well-being of both animals and humans.

What is the difference between Animal Behaviorist vs Animal Trainer?

AspectAnimal BehavioristAnimal Trainer
CredentialsOften requires advanced degrees (e.g., Master's or Ph.D.) in animal behavior, psychology, or related fieldsTypically requires certification or experience; formal education is less common
Work EnvironmentResearch settings, clinics, zoos, or consultingPet training facilities, shelters, or private homes
Employer & IndustryVeterinary clinics, research institutions, zoos, or consulting firmsPet owners, shelters, or training centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Animal Behaviorists focus on understanding and modifying complex animal behaviors through scientific methods, often working in research or clinical settings. Animal Trainers primarily teach animals specific behaviors or commands, often working directly with pet owners or in training facilities. While both roles involve working with animals, Behaviorists require more advanced education and focus on behavioral analysis, whereas Trainers focus on practical training techniques.

Do animal behaviorists make good money?

Animal behaviorists' salaries vary depending on experience, education, and work setting, but they generally earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills, such as research or consulting, can offer higher compensation. Certification and a strong understanding of animal psychology can also influence earning potential.

What jobs can an animal behaviorist do?

An animal behaviorist can work in settings such as veterinary clinics, animal shelters, research laboratories, zoos, and private consulting. They analyze animal behavior, develop training or treatment plans, and may specialize in areas like wildlife, domestic animals, or conservation. Certification and strong observational skills are often important for these roles.

What are popular job titles related to Animal Behaviorist jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Animal Behaviorist jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Behaviorist jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Behaviorist jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Animal Behaviorist jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Animal Behaviorist job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Behaviorist job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,242 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Animal Resources Attendant

Chatham County, NC

Pittsboro, NC • On-site

$36K - $46K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Salary : $36,480.00 - $46,512.00 Annually
Location : Pittsboro, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600451
Department: Animal Services
Opening Date: 08/17/2026
Closing Date: 10/17/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
WELCOME TO CHATHAM COUNTY'S APPLICATION PROCESS.
To Apply: Become a part of the best local government in North Carolina click "Apply" in the top right corner.
All sections of the application, including work experience, MUST be completed. Please include the last ten (10) years of employment history. Incomplete applications may be rejected. Applications are stored on a secure site accessible only by authorized personnel. Your application can be saved and used to apply for more than one (1) job opening.
Chatham County is an equal opportunity employer and will consider reasonable accommodations as required by law. Chatham County participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Chatham County does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas or any other work authorization for our positions at this time.
*Please Note: After submitting your application:
  • Log into your account daily. You will receive emails and notices from hiring managers asking you to complete tasks. You do not want to miss these.
  • The references you provided will be asked to complete a form. This does NOT mean you will be interviewed. It is an automated process in NeoGov.
  • We recommend you sign up for text message alerts when you create your account.

If you have issues with submitting your application, please contact Neogov Applicant Support at 1-855-524-5627.
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Job Description
Performs intermediate skilled administrative and technical support work assisting with a variety of administrative, custodial, and medical tasks including call dispatch, records maintenance, daily cleaning, and animal care facilitation, assisting the public and performing related work as apparent or assigned. This position requires a Certified Euthanasia Technician and Certified Rabies status. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Animal Shelter Manager and serves at the pleasure of the Chatham County Sheriff.
Essential Functions
The following essential functions serve as a general guide for this position. Position functions are subject to change based on departmental needs and external factors including, but not limited to, regulatory requirements.
  • Acts as a receptionist by greeting visitors, providing information, answering questions, and responding to inquiries and/or complaints over a wide variety of issues including animals available for adoption, animal reclamations/transfers, shelter policies and services, referrals, etc.;
  • Facilitates animal care daily by feeding, watering, bathing, grooming, and administering medications and vaccines as needed;
  • Dispatches calls to Animal Resource Officers;
  • Assists the public with the completion of adoption documentation and other applicable paperwork and applicable counseling;
  • Assists with rabies clinics as well as the preparation and packaging of any rabies specimens as needed;
  • Assists with the daily cleaning and disinfection of facilities, including spot cleaning of kennels as necessary;
  • Maintains documentation of all veterinary/medical routine health and disease assessments;
  • Schedules spay/neuter appointments for shelter-owned animals;
  • Assists with euthanasia as needed;
  • Transports and stocks animal shelter food and supplies;
  • Enters a variety of data into the computer, checks and reviews data for accuracy, completeness, and conformance to established standards and procedures, and enters and retrieves sensitive and restricted information into the computer system including records of all animals and financial transactions;
  • Works with the contract veterinarian to ensure animals are given the proper medical treatment;
  • Keeps inventory of all Animal Resource Center supplies;
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or GED, moderate experience working with the public, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must have a basic knowledge of animal species, common animal diseases, and basic animal handling techniques.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Thorough knowledge of standard office practices, procedures, equipment, and administrative techniques;
  • Thorough knowledge of business English, spelling, and arithmetic;
  • Thorough knowledge of the organization and functions of the department and general administrative policies and practices;
  • Basic knowledge of species and breed identification of a variety of domestic and common wild animals as well as the symptoms and behavior associated with common animal diseases;
  • Basic knowledge of animal behavior and handling of common domestic and wild animals; methods and equipment used in the care and handling of common domestic and wild animals;
  • Basic knowledge of proper cleaning methods and the safe usage of cleaning materials, disinfectants, janitorial tools, and equipment;
  • Ability to keep office records and to prepare accurate reports from file sources;
  • Ability to handle and control animals humanely and effectively under stressful or emergency conditions;
  • Ability to operate and maintain a wide variety of animal control tools and equipment;
  • Ability to perform and organize work independently;
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public.

Physical Requirements
This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking, hearing, handling or feeling and repetitive motions, frequently requires reaching with hands and arms and occasionally requires standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing or pulling and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; work requires vocal communication to express or exchange ideas orally; work requires hearing to perceive information at normal spoken levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).
Special Requirements
Must possess or obtain Euthanasia Technician certification upon employment.
Must possess or obtain Rabies Vaccinator certification upon employment.
Must possess a valid North Carolina driver's license.
Chatham County is fully committed to equal employment opportunity (EEO) principles and issues this anti-discrimination/EEO compliance clause to support and maintain employee's rights and responsibilities relating to equal employment. The core of equal employment opportunity is the right to work and advance on the basis of merit, ability, and potential, free from prejudice or discrimination. In accordance with the applicable anti-discrimination statutes, executive orders, and other authorities, Chatham County protects employees against discrimination, to the fullest extent of law, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, political affiliation, whistleblower activity, parental status, and military service (past, present, or future), and against retaliation for participation in EEO activity or opposition to discrimination.
Chatham County has over 600 employees who play an important role in planning, designing, and maintaining government programs while delivering good customer service and maintaining fiscal responsibility. Our employees are our greatest asset, and we place a high value on training, so employees are well-educated and well-trained. Sure, while various career opportunities exist, none are as rewarding as working for Chatham County.
We offer a competitive benefits package to full-time employees (working 30+ hours per week) including health care, dental, vision, retirement, 401(k), flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, and paid leave.
To learn more details, visit the on our website.
01
Do you possess or are willing to obtain Euthanasia Technician certification upon employment?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you possess or are willing to obtain Rabies Vaccinator certification upon employment?
  • Yes
  • No

03
I understand that offers for this position are contingent upon successful completion and passing of fingerprinting and a criminal history record check to be processed by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question