Feline Behavior Specialist
Aspcapro, New York, NY, United States
Summary
Join the ASPCA’s Animal Recovery Center as a Feline Behavior Specialist to provide behavioral evaluations, enrichment, and behavior modification to feline victims of cruelty or neglect and at‑risk cats to…
Key Highlights
Help support our groundbreaking, lifesaving work in a dynamic career.
Make a direct and meaningful impact on the vulnerable animals who need us most.
Make a real impact on animals and help advance our work with opportunities for professional growth.
Help advance our lifesaving work and create meaningful change for animals.
What You’ll Do
Feline Behavior Specialist
reports directly to the Manager, Feline Behavior and has no direct reports.
Provide safe, high‑quality behavioral support from intake to outcome or discharge, in accordance with organizational protocols.
Assist with assessments, behavior modification, enrichment and placement recommendations for cats seized by the New York City Police Department or surrendered through the ASPCA’s Community Engagement Program.
Create and implement enrichment and behavior modification protocols for individual animals and coordinate with caretakers to facilitate delivery of interventions.
Support, communicate and collaborate with staff in ARC, the Adoption Center, the Animal Hospital and Forensics to optimize the health and welfare of animals and, whenever possible, set them up for success in a new home.
Provide on‑scene support for large‑scale animal cases locally or nationally.
Where and When You’ll Work
This position is an on‑site role at the 92nd Street ASPCA location.
Schedule is full time, Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Schedules are subject to change as needed by the ASPCA.
Ability and willingness to travel up at least once a year as needed.
Must have flexibility in schedule to accommodate program needs.
Compensation and Benefits Compensation
Target hiring range: $34.70 – $37.10 per hour.
Benefits
Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer‑paid dental and optional vision coverage.
Flexible time off that includes vacation time, paid personal time, sick time, bereavement time, paid parental leave, and 10 company paid holidays.
Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings, including a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions.
Robust professional development opportunities.
Employee Assistance Program to support physical, mental, financial and social wellbeing.
Health Care Navigation and Caregiver Support Benefits.
Responsibilities
Provide behavior support and expertise for all NYPD and CE cat intakes.
Ensure timely evaluation of animals and appropriate documentation of evaluations for each animal, including recommendations for outcome, assessment with respect to placement and treatment using the ASPCA’s Adoptability Guidelines and Treatment Eligibility Charts.
Implement behavior modification and treatment plans for all animals.
Clearly document and communicate the results of each animal’s assessment, including behavioral prognosis, safe handling guidelines, plan for behavior modification and enrichment, and the animal’s suitability for foster and placement.
Create, execute, and assign enrichment, training and behavior modification for animals on‑site, at boarding partners, and in foster homes; monitor and track implementation and effectiveness.
Advise on appropriate housing and other forms of environmental enrichment for ARC cats.
Identify and respond to behavior concerns and address them with appropriate modification, enrichment, or environmental changes.
Collaborate with medical and daily care teams; where appropriate, collaborate with the medical team for potential psychopharmacological support.
Ensure timely and consistent delivery of specialized low‑stress handling as required for intake, medical handling and/or procedures.
Respond to and manage emergent behavior needs as they arise; communicate revised plans and safety measures to ensure staff safety in a timely manner.
Liaise with NYPD officers upon intake of animals to gather behavioral histories and information on the animals’ environment/living conditions.
Communicate results of behavior assessments to colleagues, other shelters and rescue groups who may be considering taking these animals.
With the Senior Director of Behavior and Feline Manager, provide behavioral information to inform appropriate outcome decisions (foster, placement, euthanasia, etc.).
Support foster parents on a regular basis to ensure all animals and foster parents are set up for success; may include weekly Zoom calls to provide live coaching for assigned behavior modification.
Use active listening and respectful dialogue to answer questions and help staff understand behavioral signs that indicate potential fear, aggression and/or poor quality of life.
Assist in transition, acclimation, and continuity of care during various stages of rehabilitation including transitions from the field, AAH, ARC to the Adoption Center.
Assign behavior treatments for the volunteer cat behavior program where appropriate.
Provide support to the ARC administrative volunteer and assign weekly tasks.
Utilize multiple databases to ensure animal records are complete and up to date, including treatment notes, behavior observation reports, foster notes, medication, history of location changes and evaluations.
Respond to panic button/safety calls involving felines.
Collaborate with members of various departments including CE, Adoption Center, and AAH as needed.
Ensure the team has a deep understanding of the importance of behavioral welfare in integrated care and is a leader in the collaborative concept that “we are all on the behavior team.”
Coach staff and qualified volunteers in assisting with behavior modification and enrichment programs.
Contribute to the creation of written and video training materials in animal behavior, low‑stress handling, recognizing and responding to stress signals, and other relevant topics as requested.
Participate in staff training and ongoing coaching about animal behavior.
Direct staff and volunteers in behavior tasks, supporting integrated care and prioritizing behavioral welfare.
Attend department rounds to communicate behavioral changes or euthanasia decisions.
Qualifications
Safe and humane animal handling skills required.
Outstanding defensive handling skills required.
Ability to handle animals for examinations and medical procedures using the least restraint and least stressful methods.
Ability to give and receive direction and feedback in a fast paced, dynamic, demanding environment.
Experience with behaviorally compromised animals and ability to make euthanasia decisions.
Sophisticated animal training and behavior modification abilities, including timing, creation of benchmarks and adjustment of criteria for desensitization or shaping.
High professional standards, guided by science rather than personal experience or opinion.
Self‑guided, creative and flexible individual who performs well with minimal supervision and demonstrates integrity and accountability.
Excellent ability to be a team player and interact effectively with ASPCA employees, clients and the public.
Excellent written and oral communication skills; able to communicate clearly, effectively, sensitively and professionally with staff at all levels.
Excellent organizational and time‑management skills.
Excellent presentation and teaching skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Box.
Experience with FileMaker Pro or Airtable preferred.
Willingness to learn from mistakes; enjoys problem solving and identifying ways to improve.
Willingness to accept responsibility for sustaining a healthy work‑life balance.
Physical ability to stand for 8 or more hours and bend, crouch, kneel and move freely; occasional lifting of up to 60 lbs.
Ability to work in challenging conditions, including harsh temperatures or unsanitary environments; personal protective gear and masks required.
Ability to exemplify ASPCA’s core values and behavioral competencies.
Language
English (required).
Additional language fluency a bonus.
Education and Work Experience
BS or BA preferred.
High School diploma or GED required.
Certification from a reputable behavior professional program (e.g. CCPDT, IAABC, KPA‑KA) or comparable work experience.
At least 1 year experience in feline behavior and hands‑on experience working with cats required.
Fundamental grasp of animal learning theory and its applications required.
2 years experience working as a professional trainer/behaviorist, handling, evaluating and conducting behavior modification for behaviorally compromised animals (private consultations or shelter setting, required).
At least one year experience working in an animal shelter (volunteer work included) required.
Experience working with fearful and aggressive cats required.
Experience handling cats for medical examinations/per procedures preferred.
Experience training/coaching staff and/or volunteers in behavior‑related tasks, guiding individuals with varying levels of experience and comfort around animals preferred.
Additional Information
Fear Free® certification required or within 30 days of employment.
Complete Low‑Stress Handling University Silver Level Certification within six months of hire.
Completion of Shelter Behavior Academy Foundations within two years of hire.
Our EEO Policy The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA’s standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA. Please inform the ASPCA’s People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or otherwise participate in the application process.
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Key Highlights
Help support our groundbreaking, lifesaving work in a dynamic career.
Make a direct and meaningful impact on the vulnerable animals who need us most.
Make a real impact on animals and help advance our work with opportunities for professional growth.
Help advance our lifesaving work and create meaningful change for animals.
What You’ll Do
Feline Behavior Specialist
reports directly to the Manager, Feline Behavior and has no direct reports.
Provide safe, high‑quality behavioral support from intake to outcome or discharge, in accordance with organizational protocols.
Assist with assessments, behavior modification, enrichment and placement recommendations for cats seized by the New York City Police Department or surrendered through the ASPCA’s Community Engagement Program.
Create and implement enrichment and behavior modification protocols for individual animals and coordinate with caretakers to facilitate delivery of interventions.
Support, communicate and collaborate with staff in ARC, the Adoption Center, the Animal Hospital and Forensics to optimize the health and welfare of animals and, whenever possible, set them up for success in a new home.
Provide on‑scene support for large‑scale animal cases locally or nationally.
Where and When You’ll Work
This position is an on‑site role at the 92nd Street ASPCA location.
Schedule is full time, Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Schedules are subject to change as needed by the ASPCA.
Ability and willingness to travel up at least once a year as needed.
Must have flexibility in schedule to accommodate program needs.
Compensation and Benefits Compensation
Target hiring range: $34.70 – $37.10 per hour.
Benefits
Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer‑paid dental and optional vision coverage.
Flexible time off that includes vacation time, paid personal time, sick time, bereavement time, paid parental leave, and 10 company paid holidays.
Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings, including a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions.
Robust professional development opportunities.
Employee Assistance Program to support physical, mental, financial and social wellbeing.
Health Care Navigation and Caregiver Support Benefits.
Responsibilities
Provide behavior support and expertise for all NYPD and CE cat intakes.
Ensure timely evaluation of animals and appropriate documentation of evaluations for each animal, including recommendations for outcome, assessment with respect to placement and treatment using the ASPCA’s Adoptability Guidelines and Treatment Eligibility Charts.
Implement behavior modification and treatment plans for all animals.
Clearly document and communicate the results of each animal’s assessment, including behavioral prognosis, safe handling guidelines, plan for behavior modification and enrichment, and the animal’s suitability for foster and placement.
Create, execute, and assign enrichment, training and behavior modification for animals on‑site, at boarding partners, and in foster homes; monitor and track implementation and effectiveness.
Advise on appropriate housing and other forms of environmental enrichment for ARC cats.
Identify and respond to behavior concerns and address them with appropriate modification, enrichment, or environmental changes.
Collaborate with medical and daily care teams; where appropriate, collaborate with the medical team for potential psychopharmacological support.
Ensure timely and consistent delivery of specialized low‑stress handling as required for intake, medical handling and/or procedures.
Respond to and manage emergent behavior needs as they arise; communicate revised plans and safety measures to ensure staff safety in a timely manner.
Liaise with NYPD officers upon intake of animals to gather behavioral histories and information on the animals’ environment/living conditions.
Communicate results of behavior assessments to colleagues, other shelters and rescue groups who may be considering taking these animals.
With the Senior Director of Behavior and Feline Manager, provide behavioral information to inform appropriate outcome decisions (foster, placement, euthanasia, etc.).
Support foster parents on a regular basis to ensure all animals and foster parents are set up for success; may include weekly Zoom calls to provide live coaching for assigned behavior modification.
Use active listening and respectful dialogue to answer questions and help staff understand behavioral signs that indicate potential fear, aggression and/or poor quality of life.
Assist in transition, acclimation, and continuity of care during various stages of rehabilitation including transitions from the field, AAH, ARC to the Adoption Center.
Assign behavior treatments for the volunteer cat behavior program where appropriate.
Provide support to the ARC administrative volunteer and assign weekly tasks.
Utilize multiple databases to ensure animal records are complete and up to date, including treatment notes, behavior observation reports, foster notes, medication, history of location changes and evaluations.
Respond to panic button/safety calls involving felines.
Collaborate with members of various departments including CE, Adoption Center, and AAH as needed.
Ensure the team has a deep understanding of the importance of behavioral welfare in integrated care and is a leader in the collaborative concept that “we are all on the behavior team.”
Coach staff and qualified volunteers in assisting with behavior modification and enrichment programs.
Contribute to the creation of written and video training materials in animal behavior, low‑stress handling, recognizing and responding to stress signals, and other relevant topics as requested.
Participate in staff training and ongoing coaching about animal behavior.
Direct staff and volunteers in behavior tasks, supporting integrated care and prioritizing behavioral welfare.
Attend department rounds to communicate behavioral changes or euthanasia decisions.
Qualifications
Safe and humane animal handling skills required.
Outstanding defensive handling skills required.
Ability to handle animals for examinations and medical procedures using the least restraint and least stressful methods.
Ability to give and receive direction and feedback in a fast paced, dynamic, demanding environment.
Experience with behaviorally compromised animals and ability to make euthanasia decisions.
Sophisticated animal training and behavior modification abilities, including timing, creation of benchmarks and adjustment of criteria for desensitization or shaping.
High professional standards, guided by science rather than personal experience or opinion.
Self‑guided, creative and flexible individual who performs well with minimal supervision and demonstrates integrity and accountability.
Excellent ability to be a team player and interact effectively with ASPCA employees, clients and the public.
Excellent written and oral communication skills; able to communicate clearly, effectively, sensitively and professionally with staff at all levels.
Excellent organizational and time‑management skills.
Excellent presentation and teaching skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Box.
Experience with FileMaker Pro or Airtable preferred.
Willingness to learn from mistakes; enjoys problem solving and identifying ways to improve.
Willingness to accept responsibility for sustaining a healthy work‑life balance.
Physical ability to stand for 8 or more hours and bend, crouch, kneel and move freely; occasional lifting of up to 60 lbs.
Ability to work in challenging conditions, including harsh temperatures or unsanitary environments; personal protective gear and masks required.
Ability to exemplify ASPCA’s core values and behavioral competencies.
Language
English (required).
Additional language fluency a bonus.
Education and Work Experience
BS or BA preferred.
High School diploma or GED required.
Certification from a reputable behavior professional program (e.g. CCPDT, IAABC, KPA‑KA) or comparable work experience.
At least 1 year experience in feline behavior and hands‑on experience working with cats required.
Fundamental grasp of animal learning theory and its applications required.
2 years experience working as a professional trainer/behaviorist, handling, evaluating and conducting behavior modification for behaviorally compromised animals (private consultations or shelter setting, required).
At least one year experience working in an animal shelter (volunteer work included) required.
Experience working with fearful and aggressive cats required.
Experience handling cats for medical examinations/per procedures preferred.
Experience training/coaching staff and/or volunteers in behavior‑related tasks, guiding individuals with varying levels of experience and comfort around animals preferred.
Additional Information
Fear Free® certification required or within 30 days of employment.
Complete Low‑Stress Handling University Silver Level Certification within six months of hire.
Completion of Shelter Behavior Academy Foundations within two years of hire.
Our EEO Policy The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA’s standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA. Please inform the ASPCA’s People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or otherwise participate in the application process.
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