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Internship Cat Behaviorist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PAWS AND CLAWS SPA LLC

Groomer

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

... internship, apprenticeship, or professional employment. ​Knowledge: A solid understanding of animal behavior and handling techniques. Knowledge of various dog and cat breeds and their specific ...

Caterpillar

Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$89K - $144K/yr

Cat Digital is the digital and technology focused organization within Caterpillar, Inc. Our global ... Experience through internships, personal projects, research, hackathons, student organizations, or ...

PAWS AND CLAWS SPA LLC

Groomer

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

... internship, apprenticeship, or professional employment. ​Knowledge: A solid understanding of animal behavior and handling techniques. Knowledge of various dog and cat breeds and their specific ...

Solvista Health

Clinician SUD (with tiers)

Salida, CO · On-site

$52K - $69K/yr

Solvista Health offers internships for master's level students in the behavioral health field ... CAS or CAT required Clinician III * Colorado LAC license required; LPC, LCSW, LMFT considered ...

Solvista Health

Clinician SUD (with tiers)

Salida, CO · On-site

$52K - $69K/yr

Solvista Health offers internships for master's level students in the behavioral health field ... CAS or CAT required Clinician III * Colorado LAC license required; LPC, LCSW, LMFT considered ...

Solvista Health

Clinician SUD (with tiers)

Salida, CO · On-site

$57K - $76K/yr

Solvista Health offers internships for master's level students in the behavioral health field ... CAS or CAT required Clinician III * Colorado LAC license required; LPC, LCSW, LMFT considered ...

Boyd CAT

Student Technician Apprentice

Nitro, WV · On-site

$24/hr

There will be a total of 8 weeks unpaid classroom instruction and 4-week paid internship. The ... Supports the organization's mission, vision and values by exhibiting the following behaviors:

All JobsCat Behaviorist JobsInternship Cat Behaviorist Jobs

Internship Cat Behaviorist information

See salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do internship cat behaviorist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship cat behaviorist in the United States is $17.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internship Cat Behaviorist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Cat Behaviorist, you need a solid understanding of feline behavior, basic animal care knowledge, and preferably a background in animal science or psychology. Familiarity with animal behavior assessment tools, data recording systems, and possibly certifications like Fear Free or IAABC is advantageous. Strong observational skills, patience, and effective communication are essential soft skills for working with cats and their owners. These skills enable accurate behavior analysis, promote animal welfare, and facilitate successful behavior modification strategies.

What are some typical responsibilities of an Internship Cat Behaviorist, and how do interns typically collaborate with senior behaviorists or veterinarians?

As an Internship Cat Behaviorist, you can expect to assist with observing feline behavior, documenting behavioral patterns, and helping to develop enrichment plans for both shelter and owned cats. Interns often work closely with senior behaviorists, who provide mentoring and guidance during behavioral assessments and intervention planning. Collaboration with veterinarians is common, especially when distinguishing between medical and behavioral causes for certain issues. This teamwork environment fosters learning and allows interns to gain practical experience while contributing meaningfully to feline welfare.

What does an Internship Cat Behaviorist do?

An Internship Cat Behaviorist assists experienced cat behaviorists by observing, assessing, and helping to modify feline behavior. Interns may participate in evaluating cats' environments, identifying behavioral issues like aggression or anxiety, and developing enrichment or training plans. This role often involves working closely with shelter staff, cat owners, and other animal professionals to improve cats' well-being and chances of adoption. Interns gain hands-on experience, learn feline body language, and contribute to educational outreach or research projects. The internship is a valuable stepping stone for those interested in a career in animal behavior or welfare.

What is the difference between Internship Cat Behaviorist vs Cat Trainer?

AspectInternship Cat BehavioristCat Trainer
Required CredentialsBasic knowledge of feline behavior, often pursuing related certifications or degreesExperience in training, certifications like CCPDT or APDT often preferred
Work EnvironmentVeterinary clinics, animal shelters, research facilitiesPet training centers, private homes, pet stores
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal behavior research, veterinary practices, sheltersPet owners, training schools, pet product companies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in feline behaviorLearning about pet training careers

The Internship Cat Behaviorist role focuses on gaining foundational knowledge of feline behavior, often in veterinary or shelter settings, while a Cat Trainer emphasizes hands-on training skills for pet owners and commercial settings. Both roles involve working with cats but differ in scope, environment, and required credentials.

More about Internship Cat Behaviorist jobs
What cities are hiring for Internship Cat Behaviorist jobs? Cities with the most Internship Cat Behaviorist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cat Behaviorist jobs? The most popular types of Cat Behaviorist jobs are:
What states have the most Internship Cat Behaviorist jobs? States with the most job openings for Internship Cat Behaviorist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Internship Cat Behaviorist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Internship Cat Behaviorist jobs are:
Internship Cat Behaviorist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Cat Behaviorist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 38% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 17% Temporary, 29% Nights, and 5% Summer. Highlights an 20% Physical, and 80% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,995 per year, or $17.3 per hour.
Specialist, Lifesaving and Care - Cat World

Specialist, Lifesaving and Care - Cat World

Best Friends Animal Society

Kanab, UT • On-site

$22.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Best Friends Animal Society rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Location: Kanab, Utah (Relocation assistance may be available)
Hiring Range: This position's hiring rate is anticipated to be $22.50 per hour, plus great benefits!
Interviews will occur weekly until the position is filled.
Position Summary: Lifesaving and Care Specialists play a direct role in achieving Best Friends Animal Society's no-kill mission and goal by providing the hands-on care for the animals at the sanctuary, working with all departments to find those animals homes wherever possible, and serving as mission and brand ambassadors for the tens of thousands of guests, volunteers, and adopters who visit the sanctuary annually. Cat World Lifesaving & Care Specialists work within a team setting to oversee the health, wellbeing, and general care of cats. They have a unique role as the direct day-to-day connector between the animals in our care and our supporters. As such these specialists represent Best Friends through in-person work, conversations, demonstrations, tour presentations, and other activities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Support lifesaving objectives throughout the department, providing feedback and support for outcome plans, assist with all aspects of the adoption process, regularly update animal photos and bios, provide superior customer service to visitors, volunteers, and adopters.
  • Serve as a sanctuary ambassador, representing Best Friends' work to visitors and volunteers, and speaking to the sanctuary's special role in Best Friends' no-kill goals.
  • Support a "volunteers-first" team giving every volunteer the opportunity to maximize their skills and value towards Best Friends' lifesaving activities, and inspiring visitors to continue the work in their communities.
  • Provide for the safety and hands-on training of volunteers, both individuals and groups, including orienting them to the assigned area and tasks; answering questions as needed.
  • Greet and conduct tours, speak about specific animals, the work of Cat World and the sanctuary, answer questions and assist visitors with their needs.
  • Work alongside and support interns, workshop attendees, and other categories of visitors.
  • Provide basic and routine care for animals per department guidelines including but not limited to feeding, watering, transporting to appointments (clinic, hydrotherapy, grooming, etc.), and light grooming.
  • Support animals with medical issues, which may include zoonotic disease, by medicating, treating, preparing special diets, observing and reporting, and assisting in the maintenance of required veterinary records.
  • Providing socialization, enrichment, and exercise for animals as outlined by leadership; identifying behavioral issues and sharing observations with team members and leaders; following behavior or other plans as developed for the department or specific cats.
  • Cleaning work areas and preserving physical appearance of cat buildings and grounds: scooping, raking, sweeping, shoveling, dusting, mopping, trash removal, scrubbing, weeding, etc., noting maintenance or repairs needed and reporting per protocol.
  • Deliver superior customer service relating to all visitors, adopters, fosters and transfer partners in a friendly, informative and professional manner.
  • Follow Best Friends policies, procedures, and task lists for daily lifesaving outcome assignments, including accurate and timely communications, work completion, data entry, and recordkeeping.
  • Travel to support partner shelters and working directly with their shelter staff on an occasional basis with the expectation of at least one shelter visit per year to help implement and support operational improvement and sustainable lifesaving.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Experience:
  • Strong desire to work with cats. Previous experience a plus.
  • Customer-centric, non-judgmental approach to engaging with adopters, partners, visitors, volunteers, and colleagues; familiarity and comfort with an open adoption process, experience interacting with the public (customer service) preferred.
  • Ability to professionally speak about Best Friends activities and positions on issues.
  • Ability to work with, crate, and handle cats, including those with health and/or behavior conditions/concerns including shyness, fearfulness, and aggression; basic ability to identify and speak to medical and behavioral characteristics of cats.
  • Resourceful, get-it-done attitude; ability to adopt to new work areas or processes; problem solving, seeking answers independently and enthusiastically; flexibility to persist until department goals are achieved.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, positive attitude, a team player, personable, professional, and able to get along with people from different backgrounds.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with well-developed organization skills to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands; with accurate, appropriate, clear and concise written and verbal communication skills; and strong listening skills.
  • Basic experience with Microsoft Office products; familiarity with shelter software (Best Friends uses Shelterluv), or desire to learn.

Physical Requirements:
  • Routinely lift 65 pounds and perform daily strenuous activity including, but not limited to lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, cleaning, and bending.
  • Perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time including typing, sitting, walking, arm, and hand motion.
  • Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.
  • Daily exposure to dogs, cats and other animals of all sizes, temperaments, and medical status.
  • Valid driver's license, ability to qualify to be added to Best Friends insurance, ability to travel, including overnight stays, when needed.
  • Daily hours and days of the week may vary according to the needs of the department schedule; position includes weekends, nights and holiday work.
  • Ability to travel occasionally to support partner shelters and partner shelter staff in sustainable lifesaving work.

*During the selection process, candidates may be asked to participate in an onsite working interview.
Thank you for your interest in pursuing a career at Best Friends Animal Society. Best Friends Animal Society is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or domestic partner status.
Applicants for employment in the U.S. must have valid work authorization that does not now and/or will not in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S. by Best Friends Animal Society.

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