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Animal Psychologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Villanova University

Animal Caretaker

Villanova, PA · On-site

$10/hr

Number of positions: 4 Department: 143-Psychological and Brain Sciences Contact Name: Dr. Ben Sachs Contact Phone/Extension: 610-519-4722 Position Summary Information Summary: Undergraduate animal ...

Auburn University

Psychologist

Auburn University, AL · On-site

$61K/yr

A unique and heartwarming aspect of this role involves handling SCPS Animal Assisted Therapy dogs ... Provides psychological services to students that include, but are not limited to, individual ...

Jungle Island

ANIMAL KEEPER 1

Miami, FL

The Animal Keeper performs all job assignments with a professional and positive attitude that ... A college degree in any of the biological sciences or psychology is preferred. * Two years ...

Jungle Island

ANIMAL KEEPER 1

Miami, FL · On-site

The Animal Keeper performs all job assignments with a professional and positive attitude that ... A college degree in any of the biological sciences or psychology is preferred. * Two years ...

Auburn University

$80 - $100/hr

SCPS Animal Assisted Therapy dogs during outreach events and therapy sessions, leveraging the therapeutic benefits of animal-assisted interventions! Responsibilities * Provides psychological services ...

Oglebay

Oglebay Good Zoo Animal Keeper 2

Wheeling, WV · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

SUMMARY Provides for the physical and psychological well-being of zoo animals and enclosures ... Cleans and maintains animal habitats, service areas, and guest areas around and adjacent to ...

City of Garden City (KS)

Animal Keeper

Garden City, KS · On-site

$18.93 - $23.08/hr

Provides behavioral and psychological enrichment for animals. Communicate with visitors as needed ... Knowledge of animal diet preparation, general biology, and behavior. Knowledge of maintenance ...

City of Frisco

Animal Services Officer

Frisco, TX · On-site

$47K - $66K/yr

Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, polygraph, psychological examination, physical agility test ... Animal Services vehicle; leashes; catchpole, nets, cages, snake tongs and other trap or containment ...

City of Keller

Animal Control Supervisor

Keller, TX · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Background Investigation (includes, but not limited to Polygraph, Psychological, Medical (Fit for ... Animal Control Supervisor position is responsible for enforcement of local, state animal control ...

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Animal Psychologist information

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$11K

$92.8K

$398.5K

How much do animal psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal psychologist in the United States is $92,813.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $117,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an animal psychologist do?

An animal psychologist studies the behavior, emotions, and mental processes of animals to understand how they think, learn, and interact with their environment. They often work with pets, wildlife, or animals in captivity to address behavioral issues, improve welfare, and enhance training methods. Animal psychologists may conduct research, develop behavior modification programs, and collaborate with veterinarians or animal trainers. Their work helps improve the human-animal bond and ensures better care and management of animals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal psychologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Psychologist, you need a strong background in animal behavior, psychology, and research methods, typically supported by an advanced degree in psychology, animal behavior, or a related field. Familiarity with behavioral analysis tools, data collection software, and sometimes certifications from professional organizations are common technical requirements. Effective communication, patience, and strong observational skills are crucial soft skills for working successfully with both animals and their human caretakers. These skills ensure accurate assessment, the development of effective behavior modification plans, and successful collaboration with clients or institutions.

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

Animal psychologists often encounter challenges such as building trust with both the animal and its owner, addressing deeply ingrained behavioral issues, and managing expectations regarding the speed of progress. Each animal has a unique personality and history, so solutions must be tailored to the individual case, requiring strong observation and communication skills. Additionally, collaboration with veterinarians, trainers, and pet owners is crucial to ensure a holistic approach to behavioral modification and treatment.

What is the difference between Animal Psychologist vs Animal Behaviorist?

AspectAnimal PsychologistAnimal Behaviorist
Required CredentialsMaster's or Ph.D. in psychology, specialized training in animal behaviorBachelor's or master's in animal science, ethology, or related field; certification may vary
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, clinics, private practices, academic settingsAnimal shelters, zoos, research facilities, private consulting
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, veterinary clinicsAnimal welfare organizations, zoos, pet training centers

While both roles focus on understanding animal behavior, Animal Psychologists typically have advanced degrees in psychology and work in clinical or research settings. Animal Behaviorists often have backgrounds in animal science and work directly with animals in practical environments. The two professions overlap in their goal to improve animal well-being but differ in training and work context.

How do you become an animal psychologist?

To become an animal psychologist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, biology, or a related field, followed by a master's or doctoral degree specializing in animal behavior or psychology. Gaining experience through internships, research, or working with animals is important, and some positions may require certification or licensing depending on the region.

Is there a degree for animal psychologist?

Animal psychologists typically hold a bachelor's degree in psychology, animal science, or a related field, followed by a master's or doctoral degree in animal behavior, ethology, or psychology. Advanced degrees and specialized training are often required for research or clinical roles in this field.

What careers use animal psychology?

Animal psychologists, also known as comparative psychologists or animal behaviorists, work in careers such as wildlife conservation, zoo management, animal training, research institutions, and veterinary settings. These roles involve studying animal behavior, developing enrichment programs, and applying behavioral principles to improve animal welfare and management. Skills in observation, data analysis, and understanding animal cognition are essential in these careers.
More about Animal Psychologist jobs

What cities are hiring for Animal Psychologist jobs?

Cities with the most Animal Psychologist job openings:

What states have the most Animal Psychologist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Animal Psychologist jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Psychologist jobs?

For Animal Psychologist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Animal Psychologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Psychologist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,813 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Animal Caretaker

Villanova, PA • On-site

Villanova University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Villanova Universityexternal

$10/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 hours ago

Villanova University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

316th of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Do you have questions about the application process? If so, please refer to the Applicant FAQ's.
Position Information
Posting Number:
20260162V
Position Title:
Animal Caretaker
Posting Type
Student
Hours/week:
12-15
Eligibility:
Work study preferred but open to all students
Semester
2026-2027 Academic Year
Location
Cabrini
Detailed Work Schedule
Schedule is somewhat flexible, but animals require daily care by one or more members of the animal care team. This includes weekends, academic breaks and holidays. Number of hours required per week varies, but averages 12-15 hours for each of two animal caretakers who coordinate duties for the animal colonies in the department.
Number of positions:
4
Department:
143-Psychological and Brain Sciences
Contact Name:
Dr. Ben Sachs
Contact Phone/Extension:
610-519-4722
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary:
Undergraduate animal caretaker will be responsible for managing and implementing research protocols related to husbandry, health monitoring and environmental support of laboratory animals.
Requirements:
Additional Information:
Physical Demands Summary:
Wage Rate:
10.00/hour
Posting Detail Information
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Open Until Filled
Yes

What Villanova University employees say

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About Villanova University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Villanova University, located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States, operates within the higher education industry. Its establishment traces back to 1842 by the Augustinians, a Catholic religious order. The university offers a wide range of academic programs in various disciplines, including Liberal Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Nursing, Business, and Law, serving over 10,000 undergraduate, graduate, and law students. Guided by its Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition, it is committed to community service, and it seeks to cultivate knowledgeable, thoughtful, and ethical leaders. The university’s mission is to empower students to ignite change, with a vision for a just and peaceful world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Villanova, PA, US

Year founded

1842

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