Pet Behavior Trainer, Full Time

North Shore Animal League America, Inc.; Port Washington (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Job summary

North Shore Animal League America, Inc. is seeking an experienced Pet Behavior Trainer for a full-time role. You will train, evaluate, and prepare dogs for adoption, guiding adopters to choose suitable animals and providing post-adoption support.

The position includes staff and volunteer training and handling dogs with aggressive behaviors. Weekend adoption floor duties, safety training, and coordination with other departments are part of the role.

Qualifications

• Six months hands-on experience working with canines in a shelter, veterinary facility or as a dog trainer school graduate.
• Strong ability to read dog body language and respond appropriately.
• Clear communication skills; able to adapt quickly and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Assist with adoptions on the busy adoption floor during weekends.
• Explain behavioral issues to potential adopters and match dogs to families.
• Work daily with assigned dogs to address behavior and training needs.
• Set up protocols for handling dogs with behavioral issues.
• Provide animal care including feeding, medications, and walks for behavior department dogs.
• Participate in playgroups and assist other departments as needed.
• Prepare written evaluations and adoption releases for dogs with behavioral concerns.
• Offer post-adoption support and training resources to adopters and staff.

Skills

Dog handling

Body language

Communication

Independence

Patience

Friendly personality

Education

Six months hands-on canine experience (shelter/vet or trainer school)

Job description

North Shore Animal League America is currently seeking an experienced Pet Behavior Trainer to join our team for a full-time position. You will prepare animals for adoption into permanent homes. Support and help potential adopters select training animals that are right for them. Offer post adoption support to adopters. Train staff and volunteers on the proper techniques for successful adoptions. Work with difficult dogs with behavior issues including aggressive behavior.

Responsibilities

• Work on the adoption floor throughout the busy part of the weekends and assist with adoptions.
• Speak to potential adopters about dogs with behavioral issues.
• Work various assigned dogs on a daily basis.
• Set-up protocols for animals being worked with behavioral issues.
• Feed, medicate and walk behavior department animals.
• Assist with playgroups with various kennel dogs.
• Evaluate any animal placed on a behavior hold and prepare a written evaluation.
• Prepare written releases and recommendations for adoption of animals with behavioral issues (including floor copies and behavioral handouts).
• Assist other departments experiencing difficulties with the handling, treatment or movement of any animal exhibiting scared or aggressive behavior.
• Conduct safety training, obedience, orientation and in-home training classes.
• Conducts Little Learner classes on Tuesday evenings.
• Conducts Sunday orientation classes for new adopters.
• Various other duties as assigned

Requirements

• At least six months previous experience working hands-on with canines in a shelter environment, veterinary facility or graduate of a dog trainer school.
• Strong dog handling skills with the ability to read dog body language
• Good communication, ability to adapt quickly and make decisions.
• Must be dependable, responsible and work independently with little supervision.
• Must possess patience and a friendly personality.
• Desire to make a positive difference in the lives of animals.

Salary: $20.00 – 25.00 per hr based upon experience

Benefits

• We offer a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, and much more.

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