ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Animal Behavior Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dallas Zoo

General Application - Animal Care

Dallas, TX

$15.50 - $21/hr

Zoologist - Our entry-level animal care staff provide daily care for a variety of species while gaining valuable experience in husbandry, enrichment, and behavioral observation. Senior Zoologist ...

Forsyth County, GA

Animal Services Officer I

Cumming, GA · On-site

$45K/yr

This classification is considered the entry level for the Animal Services Officer series. 10-hour ... animal behavior problems, and animal control laws; provides information and assistance, performs ...

Forsyth County

Animal Services Officer I

Cumming, GA · On-site

$45K/yr

This classification is considered the entry level for the Animal Services Officer series. 10-hour ... animal behavior problems, and animal control laws; provides information and assistance, performs ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal JobsAnimal Training JobsDog Trainer JobsEntry Level Animal Behavior Jobs

Entry Level Animal Behavior information

See salary details

$12

$20

$26

How much do entry level animal behavior jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animal behavior in the United States is $20.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level animal behaviorist?

An entry level animal behaviorist is a professional who studies the behavior of animals, often focusing on how animals interact with their environment, other animals, and humans. Individuals in this role may work in research, animal shelters, zoos, or with veterinarians to observe, record, and analyze animal behavior. Entry level positions typically involve assisting senior behaviorists, collecting data, and sometimes helping with animal training or enrichment activities. Most entry level animal behaviorists have a bachelor's degree in animal science, biology, psychology, or a related field. The role provides foundational experience for those interested in advanced study or specialized careers in animal behavior.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Animal Behaviorist, you need a foundational understanding of animal behavior, biology, and psychology, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with behavioral assessment tools, data collection software, and animal care protocols is typically required. Strong observational skills, patience, and effective communication are important soft skills for working with both animals and their human caretakers. These skills ensure accurate behavior analysis, promote animal welfare, and facilitate successful collaboration within research or care teams.

What are some common challenges faced in an entry level animal behavior role, and how can they be managed?

Entry-level animal behavior professionals often encounter challenges such as interpreting subtle animal cues, managing nervous or aggressive animals, and adapting to varied work environments like shelters, zoos, or research facilities. Building strong observation skills, maintaining patience, and consistently following safety protocols are essential for overcoming these challenges. Collaboration with experienced colleagues and seeking mentorship can also help new team members develop effective handling techniques and gain confidence in their assessments.

What is the difference between Entry Level Animal Behavior vs Entry Level Animal Care?

AspectEntry Level Animal BehaviorEntry Level Animal Care
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal behavior or psychology beneficialHigh school diploma; certifications in pet care or veterinary assisting helpful
Work EnvironmentResearch facilities, zoos, animal training centersAnimal shelters, pet stores, veterinary clinics
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, zoos, animal training companiesAnimal shelters, pet care services, veterinary clinics
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles related to animal behavior analysisLooking for entry-level animal care positions

Entry Level Animal Behavior focuses on understanding and analyzing animal actions, often requiring knowledge of psychology and behavior modification. Entry Level Animal Care involves hands-on animal handling, feeding, and basic health care. Both roles are essential in animal-related industries but differ in focus and skill requirements.

How to get into entry level animal behavior?

To enter an entry-level animal behavior role, gaining a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, psychology, or a related field is often required. Gaining hands-on experience through internships, volunteering at animal shelters, or working with research projects can improve job prospects. Developing skills in observation, data collection, and understanding animal welfare is also beneficial.

What jobs can I get with an entry level animal behavior degree?

Entry level animal behavior degrees can qualify you for roles such as animal care technician, zoo assistant, or research assistant, where understanding animal behavior and basic observation skills are essential. These positions often involve working in shelters, zoos, or research facilities and may require certifications in animal handling or safety protocols.

What jobs can you get with entry level animal behavior?

Entry-level animal behavior roles include positions such as animal care technician, zoo assistant, or pet trainer, which often require basic knowledge of animal needs and behavior. These jobs typically involve working in shelters, zoos, or veterinary clinics and may require certifications like pet first aid or animal handling training.
More about Entry Level Animal Behavior jobs

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Animal Behavior jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Animal Behavior job openings:

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

The most popular types of Animal Behavior jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Animal Behavior jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Animal Behavior jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Animal Behavior jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Animal Behavior jobs are:

Entry Level Animal Behavior jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Animal Behavior job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,702 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Pet Care Yard Attendant

Corning, NY • On-site

Happy Tails Daycare & Pet Resort
Cattle Farming • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Happy Tails Daycare & Pet Resortexternal

$16.50/hr

Full-time

Life

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Happy Tails Daycare & Pet Resort in Corning, NY is looking to hire a full-time OR part-time Pet Care Yard Attendant to supervise and care for dogs and cats. Do you love animals? Do you want to work in a safe, fun environment with opportunities for leadership training and growth? If so, please read on!
This entry-level animal care position earns a competitive wage of $15.00 - $17.00/hour. We provide great benefits, including life insurance, discounts on pet boarding and daycare, dog park memberships, and wholesale prices for pet products. Additionally, we offer our Pet Care Yard Attendants in-depth training on dog behavior and handling as well as frequent continuing education opportunities. If this sounds like the right entry-level animal care opportunity for you, apply today!
ABOUT HAPPY TAILS DAYCARE & PET RESORT
Happy Tails Daycare & Pet Resort was founded in 2008 by dog owner Elaine Walker. Her goal was to create a facility where dogs would be treated like family. A place where they would get exercise and socialize with other dogs, then come home happy and tired. With these high standards, she created Happy Tails: a fun, safe environment for pets.
Our fast-paced environment requires active, dynamic, customer-oriented individuals. We strive to create long-lasting relationships with our customers and their pets by becoming their best friend's best friend. We love hiring honest, dependable, organized, and positive people. In return for your hard work, we provide a great work environment, competitive pay, and abundant opportunities to learn about animal care.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PET CARE YARD ATTENDANT
In this role, you supervise dogs in our off-leash play yard. You learn to influence and control pack behavior by confidently engaging and leading the dogs. Our clients rely on you to communicate clearly, with both them and their pets, and to provide consistently excellent service. You maintain a safe, clean, and healthy environment by being passionate about organization, cleanliness, and attention to small details. This means doing some regular cleaning tasks like sweeping, dishes, and laundry. You also assist your team with taking care of cats. Your satisfaction comes from befriending animals and playing with dogs at work every day!
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Reliable transportation

Are you confident with animals? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment? Are cleanliness and safety important to you? If yes, you might just be perfect for this entry-level animal care position!
WORK SCHEDULE
This can be a part-time or a full-time position, working any day of the week from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
ARE YOU READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM?
If you feel that you would be right for this part-time or full-time animal care job, please fill out our initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application. We look forward to meeting you!
Location: 14830

Apply