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Animal Care Associate Jobs in Normal, IL (NOW HIRING)

NVA

Veterinary Technician - Credentialed

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) - Full-Time Hawthorne Park Animal Care Center - Bloomington ... National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of ...

PetSmart

Retail Sales Associate Part Time

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $16.50/hr

Responsible for the pet healthcare of store owned pets, which includes feeding, watering and ... small animal, cricket, and fish aquariums). * Maintains total store cleanliness standards.

PetSmart

Retail Sales Associate Full Time

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $16.50/hr

Responsible for the pet healthcare of store owned pets, which includes feeding, watering and ... small animal, cricket, and fish aquariums). * Maintains total store cleanliness standards.

PetSmart

Retail Sales Associate Part Time

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $16.50/hr

Responsible for the pet healthcare of store owned pets, which includes feeding, watering and ... small animal, cricket, and fish aquariums). * Maintains total store cleanliness standards.

PetSmart

Retail Sales Associate Part Time

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $16.50/hr

Responsible for the pet healthcare of store owned pets, which includes feeding, watering and ... small animal, cricket, and fish aquariums). * Maintains total store cleanliness standards.

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Animal Care Associate information

What is an animal care associate?

Animal Care Associates are professionals responsible for the daily care and well-being of animals in various settings, such as animal shelters, veterinary clinics, zoos, or research facilities. Their duties typically include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring health and behavior, and assisting with basic medical care under supervision. They play a crucial role in ensuring that animals are comfortable, healthy, and safe. Good communication, attention to detail, and a genuine concern for animals are essential qualities for this role.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an animal care associate?

To thrive as an Animal Care Associate, you need a fundamental understanding of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and safe handling techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal management software, cleaning and feeding equipment, and sometimes certifications in animal first aid are typically required. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help foster positive animal interactions and effective teamwork. These competencies ensure the health, safety, and well-being of animals while maintaining smooth daily operations.

What challenges do animal care associates face, and how can they prepare for them?

Animal Care Associates often encounter challenges such as handling animals with varying temperaments, managing physically demanding tasks, and adhering to strict hygiene protocols. To prepare, it's beneficial to build strong observation skills, develop patience, and be comfortable working in fast-paced environments. Learning proper animal restraint techniques and maintaining clear communication with veterinarians and other team members can also make daily responsibilities more manageable and rewarding.

What is the difference between Animal Care Associate vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAnimal Care AssociateVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in veterinary technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, pet stores, kennelsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal care facilities, shelters, pet storesVeterinary practices, animal hospitals
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Animal Care Associates typically perform basic animal handling, feeding, and cleaning duties in shelters or pet stores, often with minimal formal education. Veterinary Technicians have more advanced responsibilities, including assisting veterinarians with medical procedures, requiring specialized training and certification. Both roles involve working closely with animals, but Veterinary Technicians usually work in clinical settings with more technical tasks.

What cities near Normal, IL are hiring for Animal Care Associate jobs?

Cities near Normal, IL with the most Animal Care Associate job openings:

Animal Care Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Care Associate job openings in Normal, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Veterinary Extern - General Practice

National Veterinary Associates

Bloomington, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

National Veterinary Associates rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 281 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 53 rated veterinary

Job description

An externship experience at an NVA hospital will give students the unique opportunity to understand the day-to-day operations of the practice, and to gain valuable hands-on clinical experience. Although every NVA hospital is unique, we all have some things in common: an environment that is supportive, committed to excellent medicine, and provides exceptional service to animals and the people who love them. 
 
Students will work closely with the supervising Associate Veterinarians to gain experience in gathering patient histories, performing physical exams, creation of treatment plans, diagnostics, dentistry services, observing/assisting or performing surgical procedures, and medical management of patients. In addition to practicing their clinical skills, student externs will have the opportunity to practice their communication skills with the medical team, support staff, and clients.  
 
Most externship experiences at Hawthorne Park Animal Care Center range from two to eight weeks depending on student and hospital schedules. All veterinary students (regardless of class year) are encouraged to participate in NVA externships.
  
Veterinary students who are in the clinical portion of their education are eligible for a travel/living expense stipend. Click HERE to view list of stipend amounts and HERE for details on the stipend program. The stipend amount for Hawthorne Park Animal Care Center is $1,000.

What National Veterinary Associates employees say

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About National Veterinary Associates

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

National Veterinary Associates, based in Agoura Hills, CA, US, is a leading provider in the veterinary healthcare industry. Established in 1996, it operates independently owned veterinary practices across the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. With a passion for pet health, National Veterinary Associates supports over 1000 veterinary hospitals and pet resort entities. Though their website, nva.com, doesn't explicitly describe their mission, it is evident that their aim is to empower veterinarians with the resources they need to provide high-quality, compassionate pet care services. They have made remarkable strides in advancing veterinary medicine, which is a testament to their industry influence and commitment.

Industry

Veterinary services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US

Year founded

1996

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