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Animal Rescue Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Laboratory Animal Veterinarian

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$150K - $185K/yr

Clinical Veterinarian - Opportunity in Laboratory Animal Medicine Location: Indianapolis, IN ( Advanced Rodent Surgical Research Facilities) Travel: Required to other Indiana sites; optional out-of ...

We are seeking an Animal Care Technician to join our dynamic team! This position will focus on overall animal care and welfare, production and selection for customer orders, facility upkeep and ...

Animal Care Attendant

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$12 - $14/hr

Join us! We're currently sniffing out our next Animal Care Attendant at Pet Palace Indianapolis Do you speak fluent "woof" or "meow"? Know the joy of puppy kisses and the chaos of a zoomie's session?

Join us! We're currently sniffing out our next Animal Care Attendant at Pet Palace Indianapolis Do you speak fluent "woof" or "meow"? Know the joy of puppy kisses and the chaos of a zoomie's session?

Animal Care Technician

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$15 - $20.25/hr

Provide food, water, and clean housing to animals according to a rigid schedule Maintain detailed records of animal production and inventory in precisely weighed and aged groups Inject or medicate ...

Perform veterinary reviews for Animal Care and Use Protocols * Monitor and facilitate compliance with all applicable policies and guidelines related to the use of rodents in research * Assist in the ...

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Animal Rescue information

See Indiana salary details

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How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Indiana is $20.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become an animal rescue worker?

To become an animal rescue worker, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience with animals, and strong compassion. Volunteering at shelters or rescue organizations can provide valuable skills, and some roles may require certifications in animal care or first aid.

What degree do I need for animal rescue?

Animal rescue jobs typically do not require a specific degree, but a background in animal science, biology, or related fields can be beneficial. Relevant skills include animal handling, first aid, and knowledge of animal behavior, and certifications such as pet first aid or CPR can enhance employability.

What is animal rescue?

Animal rescue refers to the process of saving animals from dangerous, abusive, or neglectful situations and providing them with shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation. Animal rescue organizations work to protect stray, abandoned, or mistreated animals, often finding them foster or permanent homes. The main goal is to ensure the well-being and safety of animals, promoting responsible pet ownership and preventing cruelty. Rescued animals may include pets like dogs and cats, as well as wildlife in distress. Volunteers and professionals collaborate to give these animals a second chance at life.

Do animal rescues pay employees?

Animal rescue organizations may pay employees, especially those in full-time or specialized roles, but many positions are volunteer-based. Salaries can vary depending on the organization, location, and job responsibilities, with some rescues offering stipends or part-time wages. Certification in animal care or related skills can improve employment prospects and pay rates.

What are some common challenges faced by animal rescue professionals, and how can they effectively address them?

Animal rescue professionals often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as witnessing animal neglect or working with traumatized animals. They may also face physical demands, unpredictable schedules, and the need to make quick decisions in high-stress environments. Building emotional resilience, practicing self-care, and collaborating closely with veterinary staff, volunteers, and local authorities can help manage these challenges. Additionally, ongoing training and open communication within the team are essential for maintaining a supportive work environment and ensuring the best outcomes for rescued animals.

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

To thrive as an Animal Rescue Worker, you need knowledge of animal handling, first aid, and welfare, often supported by relevant certifications or experience with animals. Familiarity with animal control software, rescue equipment, and sometimes animal transport vehicles is typically required. Compassion, resilience, and strong communication skills are vital for building trust with animals and collaborating with the public and rescue organizations. These skills ensure the safety, effective care, and successful rehoming of animals in challenging and often urgent situations.

What is the difference between Animal Rescue vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectAnimal RescueAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal handling or rescue techniquesHigh school diploma; training in animal care and shelter operations
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor rescues, emergency situationsIndoor shelter facilities, animal care areas
Employer & Industry UsageRescue organizations, non-profits, government agenciesShelters, humane societies, animal control agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Animal Rescue involves actively seeking out and rescuing animals in distress, often in outdoor or emergency settings. Animal Shelter Workers primarily care for animals within shelter facilities, focusing on daily care and adoption processes. Both roles require animal handling skills and work within animal welfare organizations, but their work environments and specific duties differ significantly.

What is the highest paid job working with animals?

The highest paid jobs working with animals typically include veterinary surgeons and specialized animal researchers, with veterinarians earning a median annual salary of around $100,000 or more. Advanced roles such as zoo directors or animal pharmacologists may also command higher salaries, especially with extensive experience and advanced certifications.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Indiana are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,662 per year, or $20 per hour.

Laboratory Animal Veterinarian

RPM ReSearch

Indianapolis, IN โ€ข On-site

$150K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Clinical Veterinarian โ€“ Opportunity in Laboratory Animal Medicine

Location: Indianapolis, IN ( Advanced Rodent Surgical Research Facilities)

Travel: Required to other Indiana sites; optional out-of-state travel opportunities


Are you a companion animal veterinarian or an early-career laboratory animal vet seeking a meaningful, mission-driven role? At our ย Indianapolis research hubs, youโ€™ll join a passionate team working at the intersection of animal care and scientific advancement.


Our two advanced rodent surgical units in Indianapolis are integral to our nationwide network. These state-of-the-art facilities specialize in surgically modified rodent models that support cutting-edge biomedical research. As a Clinical Veterinarian, youโ€™ll play a critical role in upholding our high standards of animal care, ensuring regulatory compliance, and guiding research that shapes the future of human and animal health.

This is more than a jobโ€”itโ€™s an opportunity to transition into or grow within laboratory animal medicine while working with expert teams and contributing to research that matters.


ย What Youโ€™ll Do:


  • Deliver high-quality veterinary care for rodent colonies in specialized surgical environments.
  • Support the welfare and biosecurity of animals used in preclinical research, including during post-op recovery and life-cycle monitoring.
  • Train and mentor technicians and animal care staff in clinical care, anesthesia, and humane handling.
  • Collaborate across departments to support the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) and foster a "Culture of Care."
  • Liaise with the IACUC, Attending Veterinarian, and Institutional Officials to ensure compliance and proactive animal health reporting.
  • Provide emergency veterinary care (after-hours/weekend/holiday) on a rotating schedule.
  • Contribute veterinary oversight to new surgical model development and provide guidance on best practices in perioperative care.
  • Participate in internal audits, AAALAC site visits, and regulatory inspections.
  • Offer veterinary support and guidance on animal procurement, transportation, nutrition, behavior, and environmental enrichment.
  • Travel to other our sites across Indiana with occasional out-of-state opportunities.