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Cat Behavior Consultant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Behavior Specialist

Mission, KS · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Are you as consistent as a cat's unwavering demand for treats at 3 a.m.? * Want to make a daily ... Conduct behavior consultations for adopters and foster families to ensure successful matches ...

Community Action Team (CAT) program provides services in home and out in the community for youth ... serve as a consultant and mentor to Bachelor's Level Direct Care employees and Behavioral ...

Medical case management and feline behavior consultations * Client communication and team collaboration Details: Location: Memorial Cat Hospital Duration: minimum 2 weeks, up to 4 weeks, depending on ...

$110K - $130K/yr

Summer Street Cat Clinic was established over 40 years ago and has been highly regarded in the ... Our services consist of preventative medicine, behavior consultations, weight management and ...

The Sales Representative is a trusted consultant to our valued customers when making equipment ... Understands and uses offerings from Cat Financial or other finance companies. * Adheres to all ...

... CAT guidelines and underwriting discipline to minimize exposure and appropriately price Keeps ... CNA employees exemplify these behaviors in all responsibilities and interactions. Knowledge, Skills ...

... CAT guidelines and underwriting discipline to minimize exposure and appropriately price Keeps ... CNA employees exemplify these behaviors in all responsibilities and interactions. Knowledge, Skills ...

... to CAT guidelines and underwriting discipline to minimize exposure and appropriately price • ... CNA employees exemplify these behaviors in all responsibilities and interactions. Knowledge, Skills ...

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Cat Behavior Consultant information

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$18

$32

$48

How much do cat behavior consultant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for cat behavior consultant in the United States is $32.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.96 and $37.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cat behavior consultant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cat Behavior Consultant, you need a solid understanding of feline behavior, animal science, and behavior modification techniques, often supported by formal education or specialized certification such as from the IAABC. Familiarity with behavior assessment tools, client management software, and up-to-date research on animal welfare is typically required. Strong communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills help build trust with clients and effectively address unique cat behavior challenges. These skills and qualifications are vital for developing effective behavior plans that improve cat welfare and client satisfaction.

What is a cat behavior consultant?

Cat behavior consultants are professionals who specialize in understanding, diagnosing, and modifying feline behavior. They help cat owners address issues such as aggression, inappropriate elimination, excessive vocalization, and anxiety. By assessing the cat’s environment, medical history, and behavior, consultants develop tailored strategies to improve the well-being of both the cat and its owner. Their work often involves educating owners about feline needs and creating enrichment plans to prevent future problems.

What is the difference between Cat Behavior Consultant vs Cat Trainer?

AspectCat Behavior ConsultantCat Trainer
CredentialsCertifications in animal behavior, veterinary behaviorist background often preferredTraining certifications, pet obedience courses
Work EnvironmentConsultations in homes, clinics, or shelters; focus on behavior issuesTraining classes, homes, pet stores; focus on obedience and tricks
Employer & IndustryAnimal behavior clinics, veterinary practices, pet consulting firmsPet training centers, individual trainers, pet stores

While both roles involve working with cats, a Cat Behavior Consultant specializes in diagnosing and modifying complex behavior issues, often requiring advanced certifications. A Cat Trainer primarily focuses on teaching obedience and tricks, with training certifications. The consultant's work environment tends to be more clinical or consultative, whereas trainers often work in group classes or private sessions. Understanding these differences helps pet owners choose the right professional for their cat's needs.

What are some common challenges faced by cat behavior consultants when working with clients and their pets?

Cat Behavior Consultants often encounter challenges such as managing clients’ expectations for quick results and dealing with inconsistent follow-through on behavior modification plans. Many cats have deeply ingrained behaviors that require patience and consistent effort from the owner, so educating clients about realistic timelines is crucial. Additionally, consultants may need to adapt strategies to suit each household’s unique environment and dynamics. Building trust with both the cat and the owner is essential for successful outcomes.
More about Cat Behavior Consultant jobs
Infographic showing various Cat Behavior Consultant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,831 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Behavior Specialist

Great Plains Spca

Mission, KS • On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description


Behavior Specialist

Job Description

Class: Full Time, Non - Exempt July 2025

Location: Merriam

Reports to: Animal Behavior Manager

Salary: $18-$21 hourly


Great Plains SPCA located in Merriam, KS is the highest rated shelter in the Kansas City area that serves 7,000 animals and 500,000 residents annually. We are a results driven organization built on resiliency, compassion, inclusion, and accountability.

  • Are you ready for a job that keeps you on your toes, both mentally and physically?
  • Are you looking for a job where "predictable" is a dirty word?
  • Are you as consistent as a cat's unwavering demand for treats at 3 a.m.?
  • Want to make a daily difference for community pets?


Position Summary: This position functions independently within the Behavior Team while collaborating closely with the greater GPSPCA team to advance the organization’s mission. The role is responsible for supporting the mental and physical well-being of all animals at GPSPCA, with a primary focus on behaviorally challenging and at-risk animals. Key responsibilities include advocating for the animals, providing enrichment and training, implementing and enforcing safe-handling practices, maintaining clear and effective signage, facilitating organization-wide communication, and delivering staff training. This role requires the ability to safely, confidently, and effectively work with GPSPCA’s most at-risk animal population.



Key Responsibilities and Competencies:

  • Conduct behavior assessments for dogs and cats upon intake and through their shelter stay.
  • Create and implement individualized behavior modification plans to reduce stress and improve overall welfare for shelter pets, collaborating with staff and volunteers to ensure consistent follow-through.
  • Perform dog-to-dog (D2D) introductions and communicate results and recommendations to relevant departments.
  • Assist in coordinating and running canine playgroups, ensuring sessions are safe, structured, and supportive of animal well-being.
  • Conduct behavior consultations for adopters and foster families to ensure successful matches.
  • Assist with onsite and offsite behavior consultations, as well as staff, volunteer, and public training classes.
  • Assess bite risk and participate in safety planning for animals and people.
  • Assist with humane euthanasia decisions and procedures for animals with significant behavioral challenges, in accordance with organizational policies and ethical standards.
  • Manage the Behavior Team inbox, ensuring timely, professional, and clear communication with internal and external inquiries.
  • Support the Behavior Manager with data tracking, communication, and project follow-through as assigned
  • Participate with end of day pet help to support daily animal care operations
  • Other duties as needed



Key Skills

  • Key Competencies – Integrity, Problem Solving, Action Oriented, Detail Oriented
  • Demonstrated organizational and multitasking abilities, with capacity to manage and prioritize duties across multiple departments.
  • Handle dogs and cats and other pets of all sizes, ages, temperaments and needs safely and appropriately
  • Strong interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent customer service and professionalism
  • Compassion and empathy for animal and human clients
  • Ability to remain calm and empathic in stressful situations



Education/Experience:

  • High School diploma or GED preferred
  • 2-3 years of experience in animal welfare
  • Prior experience of handling animals of various temperaments



Work Conditions

  • Standard Schedule: Sunday – Thursday 9:00am-6:00pm or 10:00am-7:00pm
  • Flexible and available to work non-traditional hours when required to meet operational demands and inability to cover rotation holiday coverage
  • Possess a Valid driver’s license
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs. to waist height and handle/ walk animals up to 100 lbs. safely.
  • Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
  • Comfortable working in environments with noise, odor, and potential exposure to zoonotic disease.
  • Carries out duties and job assignments as delegated by appropriate supervisor, manager, or director.



At Will Employment

There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an employment offer. It is the policy of Great Plains SPCA that employment is at will, which means that the employment is for no specific term and that employment may be terminated by the employee or Great Plains SPCA at any time without cause.


Great Plains is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or for any basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We assure you that your opportunity for employment with Great Plains SPCA depends solely on your qualifications.


Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. You may be required to perform other related duties within your skill set as negotiated and/or directed to meet the ongoing needs of your department and the organization.


GPSPCA is an engaging, mission‑driven workplace where our team and the animals we serve come first. We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:


  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Generous PTO, Days of Significance, and 9 paid holidays
  • 100% employer‑covered mental health support
  • Disability and life insurance
  • 403(b) retirement plan
  • Discounts on veterinary care, retail store items, and GPSPCA event tickets