Dog Behavior Associate — Shelter Rehab & Training

ASPCA; New York (NY); On-site; USD 43,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Paid time off

401(k) with match

Job summary

ASPCA in Pawling, NY is hiring a Behavior Associate to join the Recovery & Rehabilitation Center. You will start via the Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship, gaining hands-on canine behavioral skills and progressing toward a Behavior Specialist role after about one year.

You’ll work with the Animal Behavior team to ensure compassionate, science-based care for dogs. The role requires travel up to 20% and a flexible schedule including some evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; hands-on dog handling experience.
• Minimum 6 months of hands-on experience with dogs; shelter experience preferred.
• Sofia Yin Low Stress Handling University Silver-Level certification within six months.
• Fear Free Shelter certification within 60 days of hire.
• Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship required within 1 year of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe, compassionate environment using low-stress handling.
• Carry out behavior modification protocols and document sessions.
• Assist with behavior evaluations, playgroups, intake, grooming, and veterinary exams.
• Monitor behavioral health and communicate observations to staff.
• Support ASPCA field work and data collection for research projects.

Skills

English fluency

Excellent communication

Flexible / resilient

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Shelter software familiarity

Salesforce familiarity

Education

High School Diploma / GED

Sofia Yin Low Stress Handling University Silver-Level

Fear Free Shelter certification

Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship completion within 1 year

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Shelter software systems

Salesforce

Job description

ASPCA in Pawling, NY is hiring a Behavior Associate to join the Recovery & Rehabilitation Center. You will start via the Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship, gaining hands-on canine behavioral skills and progressing toward a Behavior Specialist role after about one year.

You’ll work with the Animal Behavior team to ensure compassionate, science-based care for dogs. The role requires travel up to 20% and a flexible schedule including some evenings and weekends.