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Animal Training Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Indianapolis Zoo

Aquarist

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

Prior experience at a public zoo or aquarium working with marine fish, invertebrates, water quality, and animal training is highly desirable. The successful candidate must be team-oriented with an ...

Indianapolis Zoo

Aquarist

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

Prior experience at a public zoo or aquarium working with marine fish, invertebrates, water quality, and animal training is highly desirable. The successful candidate must be team-oriented with an ...

Indianapolis Zoo

Aquarist

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

Prior experience at a public zoo or aquarium working with marine fish, invertebrates, water quality, and animal training is highly desirable. The successful candidate must be team-oriented with an ...

Humane Fort Wayne

Animal Care Lead

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$19/hr

Provide daily coaching, mentorship, and training to Animal Care team members. * Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive workplace culture. * Help onboard new employees and provide ongoing ...

City of New Albany

Animal Care Aid I

New Albany, IN · On-site

$14.50 - $19.75/hr

Is aware of and stays educated on current national trends in animal shelter issues and accepts training as needed. * *Exercises and socializes all animals held in order to increase their adoptability.

City of New Albany

Animal Care Aid I

New Albany, IN · On-site

$14.50 - $19.75/hr

Is aware of and stays educated on current national trends in animal shelter issues and accepts training as needed.*Exercises and socializes all animals held in order to increase their adoptability.

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All JobsAnimal Training JobsAnimal Training Jobs in Indiana

Animal Training information

See Indiana salary details

$9

$17

$25

How much do animal training jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal training in Indiana is $17.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is animal training?

Animal training involves teaching animals specific behaviors or responses to commands using various techniques, such as positive reinforcement, repetition, and consistency. Trainers work with a variety of animals including dogs, horses, marine mammals, and even exotic species, depending on the setting. The goal of animal training can range from basic obedience and companionship to specialized tasks like service work, performance, or assisting with research. Professional animal trainers need patience, a deep understanding of animal behavior, and strong communication skills. Training methods should always prioritize the animal's welfare and well-being.

What are animal training jobs?

Animal training jobs include a wide variety of positions, a few examples being dog trainers, horse trainers, agility instructors, or jobs training guide dogs and other service animals. In any of these careers, your duties and responsibilities may include teaching animals to behave and follow cues or signals for performances or completing a task for their owner. You may also teach the animals how to familiarize themselves with human voices and commands and monitor the animals’ health and mood. While many of the skills required for these jobs carry over from one to the other, they are very different careers with different qualifications.

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

To thrive as an Animal Trainer, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, training techniques, and often a background in biology, zoology, or psychology. Familiarity with training tools, positive reinforcement methods, and sometimes certifications from organizations like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) are beneficial. Patience, strong observation skills, and clear communication are important soft skills for building trust with animals and collaborating with owners. These skills ensure effective training outcomes, safety, and positive relationships between animals and humans.

What are some common challenges animal trainers face when working with new animals, and how are they typically addressed?

Animal trainers often encounter challenges such as building trust, overcoming fear or anxiety in animals, and addressing behavioral issues. These challenges are typically managed through consistent positive reinforcement, patience, and gradual acclimation to new environments or routines. Trainers also collaborate closely with veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and owners to develop tailored training plans that prioritize the animal’s well-being and learning pace. Ongoing communication and observation are key to successfully addressing and adapting to each animal’s unique needs.

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

AspectAnimal TrainingAnimal Behavior Specialist
CredentialsCertifications in training techniques, animal handlingAdvanced degrees in animal behavior, certifications in behavior analysis
Work EnvironmentZoological parks, pet training centers, aquariumsResearch facilities, veterinary clinics, animal behavior consulting
Employer & IndustryZoos, pet industry, entertainmentAcademic, research, veterinary, consulting

Animal Training focuses on teaching animals specific behaviors through conditioning, often for entertainment, obedience, or safety. Animal Behavior Specialists analyze and modify complex animal behaviors, often requiring advanced education. While both roles involve working with animals, Animal Training emphasizes practical skill development, whereas Animal Behavior Specialists focus on understanding and treating behavioral issues.

How do you become an animal trainer?

To become an animal trainer, individuals typically gain experience by volunteering or working with animals, and may pursue relevant education such as a degree in animal science, biology, or a related field. Certification from professional organizations and developing skills in animal behavior, patience, and communication are also important for career advancement.

How much do you make as an animal trainer?

Animal trainers typically earn between $25,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of animals trained. Salaries can be higher for those working with specialized or exotic animals, and certifications or advanced skills may lead to increased pay.

What are the career paths for animal training?

Career paths for animal training include roles such as professional animal trainer, behaviorist, or trainer for specific animals like dogs, horses, or marine mammals. Opportunities exist in zoos, aquariums, pet training centers, and research facilities, often requiring certifications and hands-on experience. Advancement can lead to specialized training, management positions, or consulting roles in animal behavior and welfare.
More about Animal Training jobs

What are popular job titles related to Animal Training jobs in Indiana?

For Animal Training jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Training jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Training jobs in Indiana are:

Animal Training jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Training job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,213 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Animal Shelter Adoptions Counselor - Part Time

Humane Society of Indianapolis, Inc.

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description


Position is responsible for consulting with all potential adopters of animals consistent with HSI policies, procedures, beliefs and mission and accountable for accurate paperwork and record keeping for animal adoptions. Position must interact with public, staff, community service, and volunteers professionally and with exceptional customer service skills. Should also be able to communicate and be knowledgeable of municipal laws and ordinances and fundraising aspects of the Humane Society. Is expected to work safely and professionally with the primary goal of doing what is in the best interest for our animals.
Summary of essential job functions
  • Review all adoption paperwork with potential adopters
  • Assist potential adopters in finding the right pet and preventing mismatches
  • Ensure accuracy and completeness of adoption paperwork and money handling
  • Educate and ensure proper animal handling by the public
  • Provides education for adopters regarding obedience classes, suggested training methods and products
  • Answer questions and educate public on our shelter policies, procedures, programs and laws/ordinances , including s/n, microchips and preventative care
  • Sell retail merchandise, Pet Park memberships and microchips and actively solicit donations
  • Daily stocking of retail and assist with inventory as needed
  • Training of new hires
  • Manage the front desk and traffic flow of patrons in the lobby during shelter hours
  • Handle conflicts/issues with patrons as needed
  • Supervise, provide direction and support to other CSR/Adoption Counselors
  • Sets up adoption lobby cash drawer each day
  • Closes cash drawer and completes appropriate paperwork
  • Works with Director of Customer Service to ensure that team functions effectively including set up of Adoption Lobby, and maintaining a clean, organized environment for patrons
  • Assists with daily movement of animals in the shelter, performs a daily audit of the files of animals being made available for adoption and addresses any issues regarding incomplete files with the appropriate department
  • Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Minimum requirements
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills and organizational skills with attention to detail
• Must have demonstrated exceptional skills as a CSR/Adoption Counselor by demonstrating an ability to create a positive, professional environment for shelter visitors and employees
• Competent in conflict resolution, customer service with a strong work ethic
• Prior retail, food service and animal shelter or kennel experience preferred
• Knowledgeable in all phases of animal care, grooming, behavior problems, disease recognition and animal training.
• Minimum education: high school diploma or its equivalent. Some post-high school education preferred
• Ability to work as part of team with paid & volunteer staff, foster families, and the public
• Proficiency in Microsoft Windows programs and electronic communication
• Must have a valid Indiana Driver's License
• Must be 18 years of age
Abilities required
• Must be able to lift 50lbs.
Job Type: Part Time
Schedule:
11 AM - 7:30 PM every Thursday, 10 AM - 6:30 PM every Saturday and Sunday.
Salary: $15.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
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