Meet Katie

A woman wearing a face mask and casual clothing kneels in front of a chain-link animal enclosure, holding a frisbee and looking at a bear inside.
A woman taking a selfie with a Rottweiler dog against a blue wall. The woman is smiling and wears a gray jacket with a Veterinary Behavior of Indiana logo. The dog has a black and brown coat, a red collar with a bone-shaped tag, and is looking at the camera.
A woman with blonde, curly hair smiling and taking a selfie with a black dog with brown markings and floppy ears. The dog has a pink tongue sticking out slightly and wears a collar with a bone-shaped tag.

Hi, I’m Katie Mayer.

I’m an Indiana-based dog and cat trainer and a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner.

I spent nearly a decade as a zookeeper before transitioning into dog and cat training, working with species ranging from big cats and bears to primates, birds, and reptiles.

In 2022, I began working as a Behavior Therapy Trainer at Veterinary Behavior of Indiana, focusing on more complex behavior cases until the practice closed in March 2026.

I currently work full-time as a zookeeper at the Indianapolis Zoo, and outside of that, I offer dog and cat training, helping clients address behavior concerns and build practical, everyday skills.

At home, my husband Cody and I have a one-year-old daughter and a full house: Raven (Lab), Wally (Rottweiler), Damian (cat), and Smaug (bearded dragon). In my spare time, I enjoy reading, gardening, and playing video games.

More About BrightPaws Pathways’ Training

Person in black coat and pants holding a squirrel leash, feeding an orange and white fluffy cat wearing a red harness on a gravel path with green foliage in the background.

BrightPaws Pathways only uses force-free, positive reinforcement based training methods that are backed by science. Our goal is to help your pet by using what motivates and rewards them to change behavior.

BrightPaws Pathways does not promote the use of methods that use “aversive” stimuli or that inflict pain and fear on animals. Examples include causing physical harm to an animal; training equipment such as spray bottles, prong collars, e-collars, choke chains. These methods have fallout and can cause the behavior issues to worsen overtime, in addition to being outdated, and not backed by science.

BrightPaws Pathways strives to educate and empower owners, so if you have used these methods, I am here to help you put your best “paw” forward in a judgement-free way.

FAQs

  • First, fill out the contact form and let me know a little more information about you, your pet, and why you’d like to schedule. I’ll be in touch within 48 business hours and we’ll discuss booking your first session! If you haven’t received any info from me within 48 business hours, please reach back out and also check your spam folder (trust me it happens!).

    After you schedule your appointment, you will receive a Behavior History Form to fill out on your pet. This form is required to complete prior to your appointment.

    We’ll sit down during your initial consultation (75-90 minutes) and discuss your pet and the concerns you have. Then we’ll come up with a plan tailored to you and your pet, which will be sent to you by email with the topics discussed, the recommended plan, and additional resources.

    From there we’ll discuss next steps for future sessions to help keep you and your pet moving towards your goals.

  • How many sessions is entirely up to you to help achieve your goals.

    My goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools to help you and your pet live the best life possible while changing behavior, whether it is through a few sessions or continuous sessions.

    Depending on factors such as the behavior concern, your pet’s history, and the time you are able to put into the recommended plan will play into how much support you will need.

  • Prepayment
    All sessions, whether individual or part of a package, must be prepaid at the time of scheduling.

    Rescheduling
    We understand that schedules can change. You may reschedule an appointment with at least 48 hours’ notice. Each appointment includes one complimentary reschedule. Any additional reschedules will incur a $25 fee. This helps Katie maintain your preferred scheduling and ensures every client receives dedicated attention.

    Cancellations
    Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged the full session fee.

    Package Policy
    Please note that all packages are non-refundable, but sessions within a package may be rescheduled according to the rules above.

    Thank you for understanding — these policies help Katie provide consistent, high-quality service to all clients!

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Contact

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Interested in working together? Fill out some info and Katie will be in touch shortly!