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Animal Behavior Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Animal Behavior information

See Indiana salary details

$17.3K

$43.8K

$68.9K

How much do animal behavior jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal behavior in Indiana is $43,814.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29,529.00 and $54,371.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Behaviorist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Behaviorist, you need a strong background in animal science, psychology, or biology, often supported by a relevant degree and specialized training. Familiarity with behavioral assessment tools, data analysis software, and sometimes certification from organizations like the Animal Behavior Society is typical. Excellent observation, problem-solving, and communication skills help professionals interact effectively with both animals and their owners. These qualifications are crucial for accurately diagnosing behavioral issues and implementing effective intervention strategies that improve animal welfare.

What jobs study animal behavior?

Jobs that study animal behavior include ethologists, wildlife biologists, zoologists, and animal behaviorists. These roles often require a background in biology or psychology, fieldwork experience, and knowledge of research methods and animal handling. They can be found in research institutions, zoos, conservation organizations, and academic settings.

What is animal behavior?

Animal behavior refers to the actions and reactions of animals in response to external or internal stimuli. It encompasses everything animals do, including movement, communication, feeding, mating, and social interactions. Scientists study animal behavior to understand how animals adapt to their environment, interact with each other, and survive. This field can involve both observing animals in their natural habitats and conducting experiments in controlled settings.

What are some common challenges faced by animal behaviorists in their daily work?

Animal behaviorists often encounter challenges such as interpreting subtle behavioral cues, working with animals that may be stressed or fearful, and effectively communicating findings to pet owners or facility staff. They may also face unpredictable situations, especially when working with animals with a history of aggression or trauma. Building trust with both animals and humans, as well as adapting behavior modification plans to suit individual needs, are key aspects of the role that require patience and flexibility.

What Are Animal Behavior Jobs?

Animal behavior jobs focus on either domestic animals or wildlife behavior. If you work with domestic animals, you may have duties like training dogs or horses as companion animals or service animals. Your responsibilities can vary significantly, as running obedience classes is very different than training a seeing-eye dog. As an animal behaviorist, your duties and responsibilities are to study how animals behave in their natural habitat, observing how they eat, their hunting behavior, their mating patterns, and how they raise their offspring. In addition to your research, you may teach in a college or university or provide instruction to primary school students. Other animal behaviorist work in zoos or wildlife preserves.

What jobs can you do with animal behaviour?

Jobs related to animal behavior include animal trainer, zookeeper, wildlife rehabilitator, research scientist, and animal behaviorist. These roles often require knowledge of animal psychology, observation skills, and sometimes certifications or degrees in biology, zoology, or animal science. They typically involve working in environments such as zoos, research facilities, or conservation organizations.

What is the highest paying job working with animals?

The highest paying jobs working with animals include veterinary surgeons, especially specialized or board-certified veterinarians, and zoo directors or managers. These roles often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and specialized skills, with salaries reaching six figures or more depending on the location and employer.

How do you become an animal behaviorist?

To become an animal behaviorist, typically a bachelor's degree in biology, psychology, or a related field is required, followed by a master's or doctoral degree specializing in animal behavior or ethology. Gaining experience through internships, research, or working with animals is important, and professional certification from organizations like the Animal Behavior Society can enhance career prospects.

What is the difference between Animal Behavior vs Animal Care Specialist?

AspectAnimal BehaviorAnimal Care Specialist
Required CredentialsDegree in animal science, psychology, or related field; certifications in animal behaviorHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training or certifications in animal care
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, animal behavior consulting firmsZoos, shelters, pet stores, veterinary clinics
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, academia, animal behavior consultingAnimal shelters, pet care facilities, zoos
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Animal Behavior specialists focus on studying, analyzing, and understanding animal actions, often working in research or consulting roles. Animal Care Specialists provide hands-on care, feeding, and maintaining animals in shelters, zoos, or clinics. While both roles involve working with animals, Animal Behavior emphasizes understanding behavior patterns, whereas Animal Care focuses on daily animal well-being and management.

More about Animal Behavior jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Behavior jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Animal Behavior jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Behavior jobs in Indiana? For Animal Behavior jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Behavior jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Behavior jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Animal Behavior jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Animal Behavior job openings:
Animal Behavior jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Behavior job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,814 per year, or $21.1 per hour.
Animal Care Technician Team Lead

Animal Care Technician Team Lead

Humane Society of Indianapolis, Inc.

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$19/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
At IndyHumane, an Animal Care Technician Lead is a hands-on operational leader responsible for maintaining the standards of animal care, cleanliness, workflow, and team accountability.
ACT Leads work directly alongside the team, help drive daily operations, coach staff in real time, and ensure animal care standards are consistently met.
We are seeking experienced animal care professionals who understand shelter or kennel operations, can lead by example, and are ready to help build a high-performing team culture.
Successful ACT Leads are:
  • Experienced and technically skilled in animal care operations
  • Confident leaders who hold themselves and others accountable
  • Highly observant with strong attention to detail
  • Efficient and organized under pressure
  • Comfortable coaching peers and addressing issues directly
  • Committed to maintaining standards every day

Summary of Essential Job Functions:
  • Leading daily workflow and task execution for Animal Care Technicians
  • Working alongside staff while monitoring pace, quality, and protocol compliance
  • Performing kennel and room walkthroughs to ensure cleanliness and disease prevention standards are met
  • Coaching and correcting staff in real time when standards are not met
  • Assigning duties and adjusting workflow based on census and operational demands
  • Supporting training and development of newer team members
  • Communicating observations/concerns regarding animal health, behavior, staffing, or facility needs
  • Collaborating with leadership and other departments on special cases and operational priorities
  • Assisting with direct animal care, cleaning, enrichment, feeding, and handling as needed
  • Works closely and communicates frequently with the Animal Care Manager
  • Works collaboratively with all departments regarding disease control, behavior, enrichment, and special placement
  • Set assignments and duties for Animal Care Technician team
  • Conducts rounds with Animal Care Manager to assess team, equipment, and level of cleanliness in each space
  • Any other duties as assigned by management

Minimum Requirements:
  • At least 2 years of professional animal care experience required
  • Previous shelter, kennel, veterinary, boarding, or daycare leadership experience preferred
  • Experience with humane animal handling
  • Demonstrated experience with humane animal handling
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Working knowledge of disease prevention and sanitation protocols
  • Ability to problem-solve and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
  • Must possess adequate oral communication, written communication, and organizational skills
  • Ability to create a positive, professional work environment
  • Possess working knowledge of chemicals and their applications and hazards and understand warning labels
  • Detailed oriented
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Valid Indiana driver's license

Abilities Required:
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds
  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time
  • Must tolerate noise, odors, weather exposure, and emotionally challenging situations

Important Expectations
  • This is active, hands-on labor for most of the day
  • You will be held accountable to cleanliness, efficiency, and protocol standards
  • All team members are expected to become proficient in all aspects of the role

Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
JOB CODE: 1000014

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