1

Animal Training Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Leadership or team training experience; shelter experience is a plus. * Previous animal handling experience preferred. * Strong communication, organization, and computer skills. * Ability to safely ...

Leadership or team training experience; shelter experience is a plus. * Previous animal handling experience preferred. * Strong communication, organization, and computer skills. * Ability to safely ...

Leadership or team training experience; shelter experience is a plus. * Previous animal handling experience preferred. * Strong communication, organization, and computer skills. * Ability to safely ...

Animal Care Support Technician I Position Title Lab Support Technician I Division: Consumer ... established training plans and written procedures. * Awareness and general understanding of ...

$20 - $22/hr

Animal Care Support Technician I Position Title Lab Support Technician I Division: Consumer ... established training plans and written procedures. * Awareness and general understanding of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Animal Training information

See Indiana salary details

$9

$17

$25

How much do animal training jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 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 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.

How can you become an animal trainer?

To become an animal trainer, gaining experience working with animals through volunteering or entry-level positions is important. Many trainers pursue a degree or certification in animal behavior, zoology, or related fields, and developing skills in patience, communication, and understanding animal training tools like clickers or positive reinforcement techniques is essential.

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.

What job can I do if I love animals?

Animal training is a career where you work with animals to teach behaviors for entertainment, obedience, or assistance. It often requires knowledge of animal behavior, patience, and sometimes certification or experience with specific species. Other related jobs include veterinary technician, zookeeper, pet groomer, or animal shelter worker.

What are three examples of careers in animal training?

Three careers in animal training include working as a marine mammal trainer, a dog trainer, and a wildlife rehabilitator. These roles typically require knowledge of animal behavior, training techniques, and sometimes certifications or specialized education. They often involve working in zoos, aquariums, or private training facilities.

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.

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Animal Training jobs in Indiana? For Animal Training jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Animal Training job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,213 per year, or $17.4 per hour.
Animal Care Specialist

Animal Care Specialist

Humane Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

$16/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Employee discounts
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off

Why Join Humane Fort Wayne?

Do you have a passion for animal welfare and enjoy making a difference every day? Humane Fort Wayne is looking for an Animal Care Specialist to provide compassionate care for shelter animals while supporting adoptions, enrichment, and daily shelter operations. In this hands-on role, you'll help ensure every animal receives the care, attention, and support they need on their journey to a loving home.
What You'll Do
Animal Care & Welfare
  • Monitor the health and behavior of shelter animals and report concerns to the medical team.
  • Assist with animal intakes, medical procedures, medication administration, and daily care.
  • Maintain accurate records using shelter management software.
  • Ensure kennels and animal spaces are clean, safe, and enriching throughout the day.

Behavior & Enrichment
  • Perform behavior evaluations and document observations.
  • Support behavior modification plans, enrichment activities, and playgroups.
  • Assist with dog introductions, adoption meet-and-greets, and behavior support for adopters.
Feeding & Daily Care
  • Prepare and distribute meals according to each animal's individual needs.
  • Monitor special diets, medications, and pre-surgical feeding requirements.
  • Help oversee volunteers assisting with feeding and daily care.
Adoptions & Customer Service
  • Create a welcoming experience for visitors and adopters.
  • Help families find the right pet by sharing information about each animal's personality and care needs.
  • Support adoption appointments and send-home processes.
Shelter Operations
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary shelter environment.
  • Monitor supplies, assist with inventory, and report maintenance concerns.
  • Collaborate closely with medical, behavior, intake, adoption, and volunteer teams to provide exceptional animal care.
What You Bring
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Leadership or team training experience; shelter experience is a plus.
  • Previous animal handling experience preferred.
  • Strong communication, organization, and computer skills.
  • Ability to safely handle animals and recognize animal behavior.
  • Compassion, adaptability, and a commitment to Humane Fort Wayne's mission.
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and lift 50+ pounds throughout the day.
  • Comfortable working in an active shelter environment with animals, cleaning products, and common allergens.