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Entry Level Animal Care Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Country Critters Vet Clinic, LLC.

Be Seen First

Veterinary Assistant

Monrovia, IN · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

... Qualifications * Entry-level experience in veterinary technology * Associate degree in Veterinary Technology or related field Preferred Qualifications * Experience in animal care and surgical ...

Purdue University

Research Technician

West Lafayette, IN · On-site

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

West Lafayette Job Summary The Research Technician, Associate is an entry-level position that ... Two years of animal care related experience * Basic computer and data-entry skills * Basic ...

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All JobsAnimal Care JobsEntry Level Animal Care JobsEntry Level Animal Care Jobs in Indiana

Entry Level Animal Care information

See Indiana salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do entry level animal care jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animal care in Indiana is $16.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.89 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level animal care job?

Entry level animal care jobs involve assisting in the daily care and well-being of animals in settings such as shelters, veterinary clinics, zoos, or pet boarding facilities. Responsibilities typically include feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, providing enrichment, and sometimes assisting with basic grooming or medical tasks. These positions often require a genuine love for animals, attention to detail, and the ability to work physically demanding shifts. Entry level roles serve as a foundation for those interested in pursuing advanced careers in animal care or veterinary medicine.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an entry level animal care worker?

As an entry level animal care worker, your day-to-day tasks usually include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health and behavior, and assisting with basic grooming or exercise routines. You’ll likely work closely with senior staff, veterinarians, and sometimes interact with the public, especially if you’re in a shelter or zoo environment. Attention to detail and strong observation skills are important, as early detection of health issues is a key part of the role. The work can be physically demanding but highly rewarding for animal lovers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level animal care worker?

To thrive as an Entry Level Animal Care worker, you need basic animal handling skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with cleaning protocols, animal restraint equipment, and record-keeping systems is typically required. Compassion, patience, and strong teamwork skills help you build trust with animals and collaborate effectively with colleagues. These skills ensure the well-being of animals, maintain facility standards, and support a safe, supportive environment for both animals and staff.

What is the difference between Entry Level Animal Care vs Veterinary Assistant?

AspectEntry Level Animal CareVeterinary Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications optionalHigh school diploma; some certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, pet stores, kennelsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal care facilities, pet organizationsVeterinary practices, animal healthcare industry
Common Search & ComparisonEntry Level Animal Care vs Veterinary Assistant

Entry Level Animal Care roles focus on basic animal handling and care in shelters or pet stores, often requiring minimal certifications. Veterinary Assistants work in clinics, assisting veterinarians with medical tasks, and may need specific certifications. Both roles involve working closely with animals, but Veterinary Assistants typically have more medical responsibilities and work in clinical settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Care jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Animal Care jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Animal Care jobs in Indiana?

For Entry Level Animal Care jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Animal Care jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Animal Care jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Entry Level Animal Care jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Entry Level Animal Care job openings:

Entry Level Animal Care jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Animal Care job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,650 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Animal Feed Attendant - Part Time

Indianapolis Zoo

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$13/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Indianapolis Zoo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Put the FUN back into work and join our Attractions Team! From greeting guests at our bird aviaries, to ensuring safety procedures are followed when visitors participate in feeds or take a stroll through plains, the FUN never stops for our part-time variable hourly (20-29 hours per week) Animal Feed Attendants in our Guest Experience department. NOTE: This is NOT an animal care position.


Ideal candidates are committed to advancing the Zoo's mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. This is an entry-level position partially responsible for animal feeds at the Kangaroo, Flamingo and Giraffe feeding stations. In addition to assisting with the feeds in these areas, this position will assist in over-seeing feeds and interactions between guests and the birds inside the aviaries along with our new Amazonian Rainforest exhibit. By providing above and beyond customer service and ensuring a family-friendly, safe environment, our Attractions department is integral to our operations. A cooperative and team-oriented personality, along with a friendly and courteous attitude is highly desirable. This position is designed for an outgoing individual that is looking to get their foot in the door (so to speak) into animal care. Any experience excelling in customer service is a plus! Pay rate for this exciting position is $13.00/ hr.


Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Greets guests in a responsible, safe manner at all bird aviaries, giraffe ticketing station, and kangaroo feeds.
  • Distributes food and handles tickets at all animal feeding stations, including bird aviaries (budgie, lorikeet, and flamingo), kangaroo, and giraffe.
  • Ensures safety procedures are being followed at all attractions by both staff and guests.
  • Provides friendly, professional service to Zoo guests and fellow staff members; guides, directs, and engages guests with a detailed and pleasant manner.
  • Must be temperamentally suited to work with delicate, wild animals, primarily birds.
  • Must enjoy working as a team but be able to work independently as well.

Why should you apply?

  • Free admission for employees with the option of bringing up to four (4) family members/ friends.
  • Flexible scheduling (Student & Retiree Friendly)
  • Complimentary Zoo passes.
  • Free admission and discounts to other downtown culture venues such as the Children's Museum, Indiana Beach Amusement Park, Holiday World & Splashin' Safari and so much more!
  • Complimentary parking for downtown events!
  • Unique, FUN working environment. How many people can say they are able to visit a tiger or walrus on their lunch break?

To apply:

  • Interested candidates must complete an online application.
  • Attach a resume and cover letter to your application to increase your chances.

Employment at the Indianapolis Zoo is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a background check, motor vehicle check (if applicable) and a drug test.

What Indianapolis Zoo employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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