Animal Behaviorist Resume examples & templates

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Copyable Animal Behaviorist Resume examples

Ever wondered why your dog won't stop digging up the backyard or why zoo animals sometimes pace their enclosures? As an Animal Behaviorist, you'll become a detective of sorts—decoding the mysteries behind animal actions and helping improve their welfare and relationships with humans. This fascinating field blends biology, psychology, and ethology to understand why animals do what they do, from household pets to wildlife conservation subjects.

The demand for qualified animal behaviorists has grown by 13% since 2020, partly fueled by the pandemic pet boom that left many new owners struggling with behavioral issues. With nearly 85 million U.S. households owning a pet, behavior specialists are increasingly valued across veterinary practices, zoos, research facilities, and as independent consultants. The field is also seeing a shift toward evidence-based, force-free training methods (goodbye, outdated dominance theory!) and integration with veterinary medicine to address behavior problems holistically. Whether you're drawn to clinical work with companion animals or research with exotic species, animal behavior offers a rewarding path for those passionate about enhancing the human-animal bond while advocating for animal welfare.

Junior Animal Behaviorist Resume Example

Olivia Parker

Boston, MA | (617) 555-8243 | oparker@emaildomain.com | linkedin.com/in/oliviaparker

Recent graduate with BSc in Animal Science and focused training in animal behavior. Combining hands-on experience from internships at Boston Animal Shelter and Maple Ridge Wildlife

Center with research-based knowledge of behavioral modification techniques. Skilled in behavioral assessment, enrichment program development, and positive reinforcement training methods for both domestic and exotic species.

EXPERIENCE

Junior Animal Behaviorist, Boston Animal Shelter – Boston, MA
January 2023 – Present

  • Conduct behavioral assessments for 15-20 shelter dogs weekly, creating individualized behavior modification plans that reduced euthanasia rates by 13%
  • Design and implement enrichment activities for cats and dogs, resulting in decreased stress behaviors in 72% of long-term residents
  • Collaborate with volunteer team to provide basic obedience training for adoptable dogs, improving adoption rates for “difficult” cases by 28%
  • Document behavioral changes and maintain detailed progress reports for shelter management and potential adopters

Animal Behavior Intern, Maple Ridge Wildlife Center – Concord, MA
May 2022 – December 2022

  • Assisted lead behaviorist with conditioning 7 rescued raccoons for potential release, focusing on natural foraging behaviors
  • Collected and analyzed behavioral data for 12 species of native wildlife during rehabilitation process
  • Helped develop and test 3 new enrichment protocols for captive birds of prey
  • Maintained daily observation logs and participated in weekly team meetings (my raven observations contributed to a center-wide handling protocol change!)

Veterinary Assistant, All Paws Animal Hospital – Cambridge, MA
Summers 2020-2021 (Seasonal)

  • Assisted veterinarians during exams and procedures for approximately 18-25 patients daily
  • Provided basic animal restraint while maintaining low-stress handling techniques
  • Communicated with pet owners about basic behavioral concerns and management techniques

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, University of Massachusetts – Amherst, MA
Concentration: Animal Behavior and Welfare | Graduated: May 2022
Relevant Coursework: Animal Behavior, Applied Animal Behavior, Wildlife Management, Comparative Psychology, Ethology

Certification in Applied Animal Behavior, Animal Behavior Institute – Online
Completed: November 2022

Fear Free Certified Professional – Level 1
Certified: March 2023

SKILLS

  • Behavioral assessment & modification
  • Positive reinforcement training
  • Enrichment program development
  • Low-stress handling techniques
  • Data collection & analysis
  • Species-specific behavior interpretation
  • Basic veterinary assistance
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Animal welfare advocacy
  • Problem behavior identification

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Volunteer Trainer, Paws for People Therapy Dog Program – Boston, MA
September 2022 – Present

  • Train potential therapy dogs and handlers in basic obedience and appropriate public behavior
  • Evaluate dog-handler teams for temperament suitability in healthcare settings

Mid-level Animal Behaviorist Resume Example

Jamie M. Feldman

Boston, MA • (617) 555-8294 • jamie.feldman@email.com • linkedin.com/in/jamiefeldman

Animal Behaviorist with 5+ years of experience addressing complex behavioral issues in domestic and exotic species. Blending scientific methodology with practical interventions to develop tailored behavior modification plans. Known for building strong client relationships and achieving measurable improvements in animal welfare and human-animal bonds. Looking to leverage my clinical experience and research background in a senior behavioral consultant role.

Experience

Lead Animal Behaviorist | Boston Animal Wellness Center | June 2021 – Present

  • Manage a caseload of 12-15 weekly behavioral consultations, primarily focusing on canine anxiety, feline aggression, and multi-pet household dynamics
  • Designed and implemented a structured follow-up program that improved client compliance by 37% and increased positive outcome rates
  • Supervise 2 junior behaviorists and coordinate with veterinary staff to ensure comprehensive care approaches
  • Launched virtual consultation services during COVID-19, retaining 89% of clients and attracting new clients from rural areas
  • Developed specialized protocols for noise phobias that were adopted by 3 partner clinics

Animal Behaviorist | Paws & Claws Veterinary Hospital | March 2019 – May 2021

  • Conducted over 400 behavioral assessments and created customized treatment plans for dogs, cats, and exotic pets
  • Collaborated with veterinarians to address medical components of behavioral issues, improving treatment success rates by 28%
  • Facilitated monthly workshops for pet owners on topics including separation anxiety, introducing new pets, and managing aggression
  • Reduced euthanasia referrals for behavioral issues by 42% through early intervention strategies

Behavior Intern | New England Wildlife Center | January 2018 – February 2019

  • Assisted with behavioral assessments of wildlife rehabilitation candidates, focusing on release readiness
  • Implemented enrichment programs for 25+ resident animals, including raptors and small mammals
  • Documented behavioral changes in response to environmental modifications, contributing data to center research
  • Co-authored a poster presentation on rehabilitation success rates at regional wildlife conference

Education

Master of Science, Animal Behavior | Tufts University | 2017

Thesis: “Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Stereotypic Behaviors in Captive Canids”

Bachelor of Science, Zoology | University of Massachusetts Amherst | 2015

Minor: Psychology

Certifications

Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) | Animal Behavior Society | 2020

Fear Free Certified Professional | Level 3 | 2019

Low Stress Handling Certification | 2018

Skills

  • Functional assessment of problematic behaviors
  • Behavior modification plan development
  • Client education and compliance strategies
  • Psychopharmacology (working with veterinarians)
  • Specialized handling techniques for fearful/aggressive animals
  • Environmental enrichment design
  • Data collection and behavioral analysis
  • Applied behavior analysis methodology
  • Ethogram development
  • Scientific literature review

Professional Memberships

Animal Behavior Society

Association of Professional Dog Trainers

International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants

Senior / Experienced Animal Behaviorist Resume Example

MELISSA FAIRCHILD, Ph.D.

Portland, OR 97209 • (503) 555-7842 • melissa.fairchild@email.com
linkedin.com/in/melissafairchild • ResearchGate: M.Fairchild

Certified Animal Behaviorist with 11+ years of experience working with domestic and exotic species to address behavioral challenges, enhance welfare, and develop enrichment programs. Track record of reducing problem behaviors by 67% through evidence-based interventions and specialized training protocols. Published researcher specializing in canine cognition and captive wildlife management with expertise in both clinical and field settings.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Lead Animal Behaviorist | Pacific Northwest Wildlife Center | Portland, OR | 2019-Present

  • Oversee behavioral management for 120+ species (mammals, birds, reptiles), developing custom enrichment programs that reduced stereotypic behaviors by 42% within 18 months
  • Lead team of 5 behaviorists and 12 volunteers, establishing standardized assessment protocols and training programs
  • Created and implemented the center’s first comprehensive behavior tracking system, now used by 8 partner facilities across the region
  • Designed and conducted research on environmental enrichment techniques, resulting in 3 peer-reviewed publications and a chapter in “Wildlife Management: Modern Approaches”
  • Reduced staff injuries from animal handling by 78% through development of species-specific safety protocols and stress-reduction techniques

Senior Animal Behaviorist | Companion Animal Behavioral Services | Seattle, WA | 2016-2019

  • Managed caseload of 35+ clients monthly, addressing complex behavioral issues in companion animals with 91% improvement rate
  • Specialized in fear aggression and separation anxiety cases, developing custom behavior modification plans for veterinary referrals
  • Established and led group training classes for 400+ dog owners annually, with 97% client satisfaction rating
  • Created proprietary assessment tool for evaluating shelter animals, increasing adoption success rates by 31% and reducing returns
  • Mentored 4 junior behaviorists, 3 of whom went on to obtain certification

Animal Behavior Specialist | Eastside Veterinary Clinic | Bellevue, WA | 2013-2016

  • Collaborated with veterinary team to address behavioral components of medical cases and develop post-treatment behavior plans
  • Conducted 20+ in-home consultations monthly for clients with dogs, cats, and exotic pets exhibiting problem behaviors
  • Developed clinic’s first pre-adoption counseling program, matching 150+ families with suitable pets
  • Presented monthly workshops on common pet behavior issues, averaging 24 attendees per session

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION

Ph.D., Animal Behavior | University of Washington | 2015

Dissertation: “Cognitive Enrichment Strategies and Their Impact on Captive Canid Welfare Metrics”

M.S., Zoology | Oregon State University | 2011

B.S., Biology, minor in Psychology | University of Oregon | 2009

Certifications:

  • Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) – Animal Behavior Society, 2016
  • Low Stress Handling Certification – Silver Level, 2014
  • Fear Free Professional Certification, 2017
  • Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist, 2018

SKILLS & EXPERTISE

  • Applied Behavior Analysis & Functional Assessment
  • Environmental Enrichment Design
  • Positive Reinforcement Training Methodology
  • Behavior Modification Protocol Development
  • Pharmacological Interventions (in partnership with veterinarians)
  • Research Design & Statistical Analysis
  • Public Education & Client Communication
  • Exotic & Wildlife Behavioral Management
  • Animal Welfare Assessment
  • ZIMS & Wildlife Tracking Software

PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

  • Fairchild, M., et al. (2021). “Automated enrichment systems and their effects on captive carnivore behavior.” Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 52(3), 889-901.
  • Presenter, “Cognitive Enrichment in Captive Settings,” Animal Behavior Society Conference, 2020
  • Co-author, “Environmental Factors in Canine Aggression: A Multi-Site Study,” Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2018

How to Write an Animal Behaviorist Resume

Introduction

Landing your dream job as an animal behaviorist starts with a resume that showcases your unique combination of scientific knowledge, hands-on experience, and genuine passion for understanding animal behavior. Whether you're fresh out of school or have been studying canine cognition for a decade, your resume needs to speak the language of both the scientific community and potential employers who might not be experts in ethology.

I've reviewed hundreds of animal behaviorist resumes over the years, and the ones that stand out share certain qualities. They tell a story about the candidate's journey with animals while backing it up with concrete credentials and measurable results. Let's break down exactly how to create one that works.

Resume Structure and Format

Keep your resume clean and scannable — just like you'd organize behavioral observation data. Most hiring managers spend just 7.4 seconds on their initial resume scan!

  • Length: Stick to 1 page for early-career positions, 2 pages max for senior roles
  • Format: Use a clean, professional template with clear section headings
  • Font: Choose readable fonts like Calibri or Arial at 10-12pt size
  • Margins: Keep at 0.5-1 inch all around
  • File type: Save as PDF unless specifically requested otherwise

Profile/Summary Section

Your professional summary should immediately signal your specialty within animal behavior. Are you focused on companion animals? Wildlife? Zoo enrichment programs? Research?

Consider your summary the "abstract" of your professional paper. It should concisely present your specialization, experience level, and unique value in 3-5 powerful sentences.

Example: "Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist with 6+ years specializing in feline behavior modification and enrichment. Developed intervention protocols that reduced shelter return rates by 34% at Bay Area Cat Rescue. Combines evidence-based methodologies with compassionate, client-focused communication to resolve challenging behavioral issues."

Professional Experience

This is where the rubber meets the road. Focus on results and specific animal populations you've worked with.

  • Start each bullet with strong action verbs (Analyzed, Implemented, Conducted)
  • Include the specific species or animal groups you worked with
  • Quantify your impact where possible (% improvement in behaviors, number of cases)
  • Highlight interdisciplinary collaboration (working with vets, trainers, researchers)
  • Mention specific assessment tools or methodologies you've used (functional assessments, preference testing, etc.)

For entry-level positions, include relevant internships, volunteer work, or research assistant positions. Even helping at a local shelter demonstrates commitment to the field.

Education and Certifications

Animal behavior is a credential-heavy field, so this section carries weight. List degrees in reverse chronological order, and highlight relevant coursework if you're early in your career.

  • Degrees in zoology, psychology, biology, ethology, or veterinary medicine
  • Certifications: CAAB, ACAAB, KPA-CTP, CBCC-KA, etc.
  • Specialized training programs or workshops (Karen Pryor Academy, etc.)
  • Relevant memberships (Animal Behavior Society, APDT, IAABC)

Keywords and ATS Tips

Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter resumes before human eyes ever see them. Include these field-specific keywords (naturally woven into your content):

  • Behavior modification
  • Functional assessment
  • Operant conditioning
  • Enrichment protocols
  • Ethogram development
  • Applied behavior analysis
  • Positive reinforcement
  • Counterconditioning

Industry-specific Terms

Show you speak the language by naturally incorporating relevant terminology:

  • Species-specific terms based on your specialty (canine, feline, equine, etc.)
  • Behavioral medicine terminology if working in veterinary settings
  • Research methodologies if coming from an academic background
  • Training philosophies relevant to your approach

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on loving animals (show scientific expertise too!)
  • Listing every animal you've ever owned (unless directly relevant)
  • Using jargon without demonstrating practical application
  • Neglecting to show client communication skills (crucial for private practice)
  • Forgetting to tailor your resume to the specific setting (zoo vs. research vs. clinical)

Before/After Example

Before: "Helped many dogs with behavior problems using positive methods."

After: "Designed and implemented behavior modification protocols for 47 dogs with aggression and anxiety issues, achieving 82% success rate as measured by owner-reported satisfaction and follow-up assessments. Utilized functional analysis to identify triggers and developed counterconditioning programs tailored to each case."

Remember that your resume is just the first step. Be ready to discuss specific cases, methodologies, and your philosophy toward animal behavior during interviews. Good luck!

Soft skills for your Animal Behaviorist resume

  • Cross-species communication techniques that bridge human-animal interaction gaps
  • Patient observation skills – can spend 6+ hours tracking subtle behavioral changes
  • Conflict resolution (especially useful when working with protective pet owners)
  • Stress management in high-pressure environments with unpredictable animals
  • Empathetic listening – both to animals’ non-verbal cues and owners’ concerns
  • Clear documentation ability for behavior modification plans that non-specialists can follow

Hard skills for your Animal Behaviorist resume

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques for behavioral modification
  • Ethogram development and implementation for diverse species
  • Statistical analysis using SPSS and R for behavioral data interpretation
  • Operant conditioning methodologies for training programs
  • BORIS (Behavioral Observation Research Interactive Software) proficiency
  • Animal welfare assessment through QBA (Qualitative Behavior Assessment)
  • Experimental design for behavioral studies with sample size N>30
  • IACUC protocol preparation and compliance documentation
  • ZooMonitor software for behavioral tracking and analysis