Job: Veterinary Behaviorist / Certified Applied Animal Behavorist

If you’re looking for a career at an extraordinary organization, then the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA is the place for you!

Company Info
Serving San Diego County since 1880, the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA provides vital services to animals and people alike through sheltering and adopting animals, providing positive reinforcement behavior training for adoptable animals and for owned animals through public training classes, investigating animal cruelty and neglect, providing adult and youth education programs, sharing animals through Pet-Assisted Therapy and rescuing animals in emergency situations.

SUMMARY: Primary duties are to development and maintain oversight of behavior management plans for SDHS animals found to be treatable/behaviorally manageable, serve as an expert behavior resource for SDHS partners, assist in SDHS behavior research studies in the shelter-setting, provide pre- & post-adoption consultations to adopters, and assist with special events as needed.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following, but are not limited to:
Act as a resource to SDHS partners by collaborating with specific staff members from each participating facility. Requests may include:
• Assistance in development and implementation of individual behavior management plans while in shelter care. Plans may later transfer to the adopter/new home.
• Assist in development and/or revision of kennel/housing protocols to assist in the reduction of kennel stress and/or kennel neurosis.
• Review and make recommendations for modification to existing behavior programs.
• Provide training for staff members on specific topics such as resource guarding, reactivity, impulse control, etc.
• Assist with the development of behavior assessment programs for dogs and cats.
Provide professional diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment plans for SDHS dogs and cats found to be treatable / manageable.

Design and recommend enrichment programs for in-house SDHS animals.

Instruct/lead staff and volunteer training/workshops on an as-needed basis including behavior foster parents.

Utilize/promote positive reinforcement training techniques.

Assist with dog-to-dog introductions and behavior assessments for both dogs and cats when needed.

Provide pre- and post-adoption consultations for SDHS animals placed out with required behavior management plans.

Promote positive relationships with the general public, volunteers, staff, and SDHS partners while promoting SDHS programs, policies and philosophies.

Work directly with all Animal Services managers, the Senior Vice President of Animal Services, and other staff members to assure the highest level of standards in day-to-day shelter operations at all three SDHS facilities.

Communicate effectively and professionally with co-workers, management, SDHS partners, and the public at all times.

Perform data entry duties using the appropriate database software programs.

Attend in-service training as required.

Attend staff and volunteer meetings as needed for position input/participation.

Assist as needed with special events.

Dress in workplace-appropriate business casual attire or clean uniform with name tag at all times during business hours.


The San Diego Humane Society and SPCA foster a nurturing and supportive environment for employees and volunteers alike. Our vision is to Inspire and Engage the Community to End Animal Suffering. Our mission is to promote the humane treatment of animals, to prevent cruelty to animals, and provide education to enhance the human-animal bond. The SDHS is a private nonprofit organization that receives no public or government funding, the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA is supported solely by contributions, grants, bequests, investments, proceeds from it retail outlets and some fees for service.

We offer excellent benefits, competitive salaries, opportunities for advancement, and a fun and engaging work place in a team oriented environment!

SDHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

EDUCATION, SKILL, EXPERIENCE: Prefer a DACVB (Diplomat of the America College Veterinary Behaviorist), although a DVM CAAB (Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist) would be considered. Previous work specifically involving dogs and cats is required. Good public speaking skills are required. Travel to SDHS partner facilities throughout San Diego County, and possible further distances as required. Valid CA Drivers License required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Individual will frequently be required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear. Must be able to lift, push or pull 50 pounds for situations of restraining or moving animals. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Will work primarily in an animal shelter setting, with the occasion for off-site special events. There is a potential of exposure to parasites and infectious diseases that can be carried and transmitted by animals. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.