ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Assistant Animal Behavior Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

NVA

Veterinary Assistant

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Minimum 1 year of experience as a Veterinary Assistant Strong understanding of restraint, animal behavior, and proper handling techniques A positive attitude and strong teamwork skills Ability to ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Clinton, MD · On-site

... * Assist with additional duties as needed to support business needs. People Leadership * Train, coach, and develop partners in animal care, selling behaviors, and operational routines. * Provide ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Clinton, MD

... * Assist with additional duties as needed to support business needs. People Leadership * Train, coach, and develop partners in animal care, selling behaviors, and operational routines. * Provide ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Columbia, MD · On-site

... * Assist with additional duties as needed to support business needs. People Leadership * Train, coach, and develop partners in animal care, selling behaviors, and operational routines. * Provide ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Columbia, MD

... * Assist with additional duties as needed to support business needs. People Leadership * Train, coach, and develop partners in animal care, selling behaviors, and operational routines. * Provide ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal Behavior JobsAssistant Animal Behavior JobsAssistant Animal Behavior Jobs in Washington

Assistant Animal Behavior information

What does an assistant animal behaviorist do?

An Assistant Animal Behaviorist supports animal behaviorists in observing, assessing, and modifying the behavior of animals, often in shelters, clinics, or research settings. Their duties may include collecting behavioral data, assisting with training or enrichment programs, and helping to develop behavior modification plans. They also work closely with animals to implement these plans and monitor progress, ensuring animal welfare and safety. This role often involves working with veterinarians, trainers, and animal caregivers to address behavioral issues and improve the well-being of animals.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Animal Behaviorist, you typically need a background in animal science or psychology, with experience in animal handling and observation. Familiarity with data collection tools, animal behavior assessment software, and sometimes certifications like ACAAB (Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist) are valuable. Strong communication, patience, and attention to detail help build rapport with animals and accurately report behavioral findings. These skills ensure effective support for behavior modification plans and contribute to the well-being and safety of both animals and handlers.

What are some typical challenges faced by assistant animal behaviorists in their daily work?

Assistant Animal Behaviorists often work with animals that display stress, anxiety, or aggressive behaviors, which can present safety challenges and require patience and strong observation skills. Additionally, they may need to adapt to unpredictable animal responses and keep detailed records for behavior analysis. Collaboration with senior behaviorists, veterinarians, and animal care staff is common, as is educating pet owners or handlers on behavior modification techniques. This role is both rewarding and demanding, requiring flexibility and strong communication skills.

What is the difference between Assistant Animal Behavior vs Animal Care Technician?

AspectAssistant Animal BehaviorAnimal Care Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal behavior preferredHigh school diploma; basic animal care certifications often required
Work EnvironmentAnimal training centers, research facilities, veterinary clinicsAnimal shelters, zoos, veterinary clinics
Employer & Industry UsageBehavioral training, research, animal rehabilitationAnimal husbandry, shelter care, zoo operations
Common Search & ComparisonBehavioral training, animal behavior jobsAnimal care jobs, shelter technician roles

The main difference is that Assistant Animal Behavior focuses on training and modifying animal behavior, often requiring knowledge of animal psychology and behavior techniques. In contrast, Animal Care Technicians primarily handle daily animal care, feeding, and health monitoring. Both roles are essential in animal-related industries but serve different functions based on skills and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Behavior jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Animal Behavior jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Assistant Animal Behavior jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Assistant Animal Behavior job openings:

Assistant Animal Behavior jobs near you

Veterinary Assistant

Leesburg, VA

National Veterinary Associates
Veterinary Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about National Veterinary Associatesexternal

$18 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

National Veterinary Associates rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 281 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Catoctin Veterinary Clinic, a long-standing small animal practice serving Leesburg and Loudoun County since 1978, is looking for an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our growing team. If you're passionate about veterinary medicine, love working with animals, and want to be part of a supportive, dedicated, and fun hospital culture, we'd love to meet you!

Our clinic prides itself on teamwork, excellent patient care, and a culture where every person genuinely wants to be here. We're excited to welcome the next great member of our team.

What We Offer:

Competitive hourly rate: $18-$22/hour based on experience

Flexible scheduling: 4x10-hour shifts

Only 2 weekend shifts per month

Starbucks Fridays!

Scrub allowance & pet care discounts after 90 days

Full NVA benefits package: medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO & more

Career growth:

Education opportunities to become an LVT after 1 year

Access to high-quality training and mentorship from our skilled medical team

Fun team culture: brewery outings, Top Golf, holiday events

Community involvement: Loudoun Pet Expo, Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival, and client education seminars

What You'll Do:

As a Veterinary Assistant, you'll play a key role in patient care and daily hospital operations, helping our team provide exceptional service to pets and clients.

You will be responsible for:

Safely and confidently restraining dogs and cats using low-stress, fear-aware techniques

Supporting veterinarians during exams, diagnostics, treatments, and procedures

Understanding animal behavior and recognizing stress signals

Maintaining clean and organized exam rooms, treatment areas, and equipment

Handling basic laboratory tasks and patient care duties

Providing compassionate client communication and support

What We're Looking For:

Minimum 1 year of experience as a Veterinary Assistant

Strong understanding of restraint, animal behavior, and proper handling techniques

A positive attitude and strong teamwork skills

Ability to multitask in a busy small animal hospital

Compassion, professionalism, and a dedication to patient care

Someone who values learning, growth, and collaboration

Join a Team That Truly Cares

If you're an experienced Veterinary Assistant looking for a hospital with excellent culture, flexibility, growth opportunities, and meaningful work, Catoctin Veterinary Clinic is the place for you.

What National Veterinary Associates employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

National Veterinary Associates logo

About National Veterinary Associates

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

National Veterinary Associates, based in Agoura Hills, CA, US, is a leading provider in the veterinary healthcare industry. Established in 1996, it operates independently owned veterinary practices across the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. With a passion for pet health, National Veterinary Associates supports over 1000 veterinary hospitals and pet resort entities. Though their website, nva.com, doesn't explicitly describe their mission, it is evident that their aim is to empower veterinarians with the resources they need to provide high-quality, compassionate pet care services. They have made remarkable strides in advancing veterinary medicine, which is a testament to their industry influence and commitment.

Industry

Veterinary services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US

Year founded

1996

View All National Veterinary Associates Jobs

Apply