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

Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$19 - $21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are a 2-doctor small animal hospital focused on canine and feline medicine and surgery ... National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of ...

Veterinarian

Normal, IL · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Kruger Animal Hospital has moved into a brand-new building and looking for a 4th associate to join ... Small animal with a mix of avian, reptile, and small mammal exotics care (not required) * Modern ...

Veterinarian

Normal, IL · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Kruger Animal Hospital has moved into a brand-new building and looking for a 4th associate to join ... Small animal with a mix of avian, reptile, and small mammal exotics care (not required) * Modern ...

Veterinary Extern - General Practice

Normal, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The stipend amount at Kruger Animal Hospital is $1,000. National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of animals and the people who love them. At NVA, w ...

Veterinary Extern - General Practice

Normal, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The stipend amount at Kruger Animal Hospital is $1,000. National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of animals and the people who love them. At NVA, w ...

About the Role As a Dental Hygienist, you will be at the forefront ofdental care, ensuring our ... Associate's or technical degree in dental hygiene. * 1 to 3 years of related experience as a dental ...

Showing results 41-53

Animal Care Associate information

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 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 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 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 cities near Normal, IL are hiring for Animal Care Associate jobs? Cities near Normal, IL with the most Animal Care Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Care Associate job openings in Normal, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

NVA

Bloomington, IL • On-site

$19 - $21.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description


Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) - Full-Time
Kruger Animal Hospital - Bloomington, IL
Kruger Animal Hospital is looking for a full-time Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) to join our close-knit, team-oriented practice. If you're looking for a supportive environment where you can utilize your technical skills and build strong relationships with clients and patients-this could be a great fit.
We are a 2-doctor small animal hospital focused on canine and feline medicine and surgery, supported by a collaborative team of 12.
Why You'll Love It Here
  • Supportive Team: Close-knit environment where everyone works together
  • Hands-On Medicine: Opportunity to fully utilize your technical skills
  • Well-Rounded Care: Mix of preventative care, diagnostics, and surgery
  • Positive Culture: Team-focused with strong communication and support
What You'll Do
  • Assist with exams and patient care
  • Perform venipuncture, catheter placement, and lab work
  • Support surgery (prep, induction, monitoring, recovery)
  • Take radiographs
  • Administer medications and treatments
  • Provide excellent client communication and education
What We're Looking For
  • Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT required)
  • Strong technical and clinical skills
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Positive, team-oriented attitude
  • Passion for patient care and client service
Schedule
  • Full-Time
What We Offer
• Pay Range: $19.00-$21.50/hour
  • Health insurance
  • Supplemental insurance (dental, vision, life, disability, etc.)
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Student debt refinancing options
  • Generous paid time off
  • Free mental health benefit options

If you're looking for a team where you can grow your skills, feel supported, and make a meaningful impact every day, we'd love to connect.
National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of animals and the people who love them.
At NVA, we're on a mission to improve the lives of pets and the people who love them. That starts by empowering our care teams. We nurture their growth with resources to practice medicine their way. Our network of 1,000 hospitals connects them to a community of professionals who share their passion so they can learn and grow together. Our national presence enables us to deliver technology and innovations that simplify work and expand care for all. At NVA, we're committed to your professional growth. We support your entire career journey, offering opportunities ranging from mentorship to ownership.
At National Veterinary Associates, we want to make sure your experience connecting with us is seamless and straightforward. Here's what to expect when interacting with us:
• We'll always reach out via verified LinkedIn profiles or emails ending in @nva.com
• We may also contact you via text message from an identified NVA representative for recruiting-related communication
• All job opportunities and applications are hosted on our official careers site: careers.nva.com
• There is no cost or confidential information required to apply or be considered for a position
If you have any doubts about a communication, feel free to visit our careers page to verify authenticity or email us at hiringhub@nva.com. Thank you for exploring opportunities at NVA!
NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.

NVA logo

About NVA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Nashville Veterinary Specialists + Animal Emergency (NVS) is a veterinary specialty and emergency hospital group with two locations in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. Our Mission and primary focus is to honor the human-animal bond in all we do, focusing on patient care, client experience, and the health of our team. We believe we can never stop improving and strive to improve in all we do. Not only do we focus on patient care, but core to our hospital culture is also a focus on the health of our team, our community, and the environment. We are committed to sustainable environmental practices. NVS works in partnership with National Veterinary Associates-Compassion-First (NVA C-F). NVA-CF is the largest private owner of freestanding veterinary hospitals in North America with over 1400 locations worldwide.

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US