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Animal Psychologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

fwzoo

Animal Programs Swing Keeper

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

... psychology or related field preferred • Specialized training in zoology or a related field ... animal body fluids • Exposure to all types of inclement weather conditions • Exposure to ...

City of Lenexa

Animal Control Officer I

Lenexa, KS · On-site

$21.02 - $24.37/hr

The City of Lenexa is currently hiring for a full-time Animal Control Officer I in our Police ... psychological and medical screenings (including a pre-employment drug test). To apply, please ...

City of Lenexa, KS

Animal Control Officer I

Lenexa, KS

$21.02 - $24.37/hr

The City of Lenexa is currently hiring for a full-time Animal Control Officer I in our Police ... psychological and medical screenings (including a pre-employment drug test). To apply, please ...

City of Lenexa

Animal Control Officer I

Lenexa, KS · On-site

$21.02 - $24.37/hr

The City of Lenexa is currently hiring for a full-time Animal Control Officer I in our Police ... psychological and medical screenings (including a pre-employment drug test). To apply, please ...

State of Washington

DSHS CSTC Psychologist

Olympia, WA · On-site

$93K - $160K/yr

The Psychologist 4 will provide coverage overseeing milieu programming, complete psychological ... animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring ...

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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 Care Specialist I (Bird & Mammal)

Scottsdale, AZ • On-site

OdySea Aquarium
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about OdySea Aquariumexternal

$18 - $23.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:
As part of the OdySea Aquarium animal team, this position has the potential to work with a diverse collection of animals including (but not limited to) California sea lions, Asian small-clawed otters, African penguins, reptiles, and small exotic land animals. A central responsibility of this position will be in the daily operation of their assigned area (i.e. habitat cleaning, maintenance, food preparation, enrichment management, etc.), educational animal presentations and engaging interactions with guests. Individual will demonstrate the understanding of operant conditioning techniques within the training department and throughout the aquarium to enhance animal welfare and visitor experience opportunities. Individual will be integral in educating and interacting aquarium guests about species survival and conservation through presentations.?
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Responsible for maintaining the highest level of animal welfare including both proactive and reactive identification, communication, and management of areas of opportunity.
  • Participate in educational animal presentations, shows, and interactive programs within the Aquarium. Ensure psotive and engaging interactions with guests, daily.
  • Uphold all department Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Support the training and mentoring of intern and volunteer team members.
  • Help create and implement enrichment plans for assigned animals.
  • Participate in the development of exhibits, educational planning, research and conservation activities.
  • Inspect and maintain exhibits, and related facilities, daily for cleanliness, safety, and structural integrity.
  • Communicate effectively with the rest of the Animal Care team and departmental leadership.
  • Ensure adherence to aquarium standards and procedures and compliance with the requirements of various professional associations and regulatory agencies. Maintain highest level of animal husbandry and training practices.
  • Build knowledge of industry innovations and progressive animal care through professional meetings and conferences, trade journals, and communication with professional colleagues.
  • Represent the Animal Care Department and OdySea Aquarium to visiting investors, professionals, guests, and media.??
  • Perform all other duties as assigned by Director, Curator and/or Manager.

Requirements
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Biology, Zoology, Marine Science or related discipline preferred, equivalent alternate experience accepted.
  • Minimum 1-year experience in a zoological setting working with exotic marine and/or terrestrial animals.
  • Excellent public speaking skills.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
  • Must be able to access animal pools, exhibits, and enclosures.
  • Must be a strong swimmer, with the ability to pass departmental swim test.
  • Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, or irregular hours dictated by facility or animal needs.
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time, as well as walk.?
  • Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
  • Ability to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, or crawl.
  • Required to frequently talk and hear.
  • No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work.
  • Specific vision requirements for this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
  • Must be able to take directional cues directly or indirectly.
  • Ability to work in an environment that may be loud at times.
  • Ability to work in all weather conditions, including occasional extreme hot or cold, and wet and/or humid conditions.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Apply