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Animal Care Associate Jobs in Prairie View, IL (NOW HIRING)

Anti-Cruelty

ANIMAL CARE ASSOCIATE

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $20/hr

Animal Care Associate DEPARTMENT:Operations REPORTS TO:Operations Manager, Shelter Care STATUS:Non-Exempt GENERAL SUMMARY Under the direct supervision of the Operations Manager, the Animal Care ...

AbbVie

Animal Care Technician II

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

HS education and a minimum of one year experience in a laboratory animal care facility or an Associate's Degree in a related field. * AALAS certification at the ALAT level or above. * Problem-solving ...

AbbVie

Animal Care Technician II

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

HS education and a minimum of one year experience in a laboratory animal care facility or an Associate's Degree in a related field. * AALAS certification at the ALAT level or above. * Problem-solving ...

PetSuites

Boarding & Dog Daycare Supervisor

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Pet Pro Lead (Animal Care Supervisor) Full-Time | Animal Care Leadership Role Are you an ... Who We Are NVA Pet Resorts is part of National Veterinary Associates (NVA) -- the largest private ...

PetSuites

Boarding & Dog Daycare Supervisor

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Pet Pro Lead (Animal Care Supervisor) Full-Time | Animal Care Leadership Role Are you an ... Who We Are NVA Pet Resorts is part of National Veterinary Associates (NVA) - the largest private ...

Moffitt

SPVR HUSBANDRY OPERATIONS

Chicago, IL · On-site

$61K - $94K/yr

... Associate's degree + 5 years of animal care experience required OR High school diploma + 7 years of relevant experience LAT certification (AALAS) required LATG certification (AALAS) preferred ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Associate Veterinarian

Chicago, IL · On-site

$77K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We regularly work with pet adopters from PAWS Chicago, Anti-Cruelty Society, and the Animal Care ... Innovative Associate health and well-being resources (Headspace app, Fidelity financial wellness ...

Mission Pet Health

Associate Veterinarian

Algonquin, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Veterinarian Position at Animal Care Clinic of Fox Valley Join the dedicated team at Animal Care Clinic of Fox Valley, where we prioritize medical excellence and patient-focused care. We are proud to ...

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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 Prairie View, IL are hiring for Animal Care Associate jobs? Cities near Prairie View, IL with the most Animal Care Associate job openings:
Animal Care Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Care Associate job openings in Prairie View, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

ANIMAL CARE ASSOCIATE

Anti-Cruelty

Chicago, IL • On-site

$17.75 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

ANTI-CRUELTY JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:Animal Care Associate

DEPARTMENT:Operations

REPORTS TO:Operations Manager, Shelter Care

STATUS:Non-Exempt

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the Operations Manager, the Animal Care Associate provides essential daily care to shelter animals while maintaining a safe, sanitary, and low-stress environment in alignment with established protocols and best practices.

This role serves as the foundation of Shelter Care operations, ensuring animals receive consistent husbandry, enrichment, and monitoring while supporting positive experiences for adopters, volunteers, and staff.

Creating an inclusive and welcoming culture is central to our work. As outlined in our PETS Work Culture Agreement, we uphold Praise, Engagement, Trust, and Support in all interactions.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Uphold the PETS Work Culture Agreement
  • Follow Fear Free and Low-Stress Handling practices
  • Provide daily care including feeding, watering, cleaning, and monitoring health
  • Perform routine cleaning and disinfection per established protocols
  • Provide basic enrichment and exercise to reduce stress
  • Observe and report health or behavior concerns promptly
  • Safely handle animals and seekassistancewhen needed
  • Maintain clean, safe, and secure animal housing areas
  • Assistwith adoption support, including:
  • Engaging with adopters
  • Sharing basic animal information
  • Supporting post-adoption follow-up
  • Capture photos/videos andassistwith animal profiles as needed
  • Maintain a clean and organized work environment
  • Support volunteers andnew staffwith guidance and modeling
  • Attend required meetings andtrainings
  • Perform other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY

  • Ability to work independentlyand efficientlywith minimal supervision.
  • Works effectively in a team environment.
  • Ability tomultitaskwhile providing quality care in a fast paced andhigh-volumesetting.
  • Effective communication skills.
  • Maintains a neat and professional appearance.
  • Compassion and empathy for both animals and owners.
  • Comfortable in handling animals and making sound decisions based on safety.
  • Abilityto remain calm in a busy or stressful situation.
  • Ability to manageemotionalaspect of work in an animal welfare environment in a positive, professional manner.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

  • High school diploma or GEDrequired.
  • 1 year ofpreviousexperience in ananimal relatedfieldpreferred.

Note: a comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide a level of knowledge, skills, and ability may qualify individuals.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to work in all weather conditions.
  • Ability to handle work aroundallcompanion animals.
  • Ability to remain onfeetforlong periodsof time.
  • Ability tolift upto 40 pounds.
  • Ability tofrequentlybend, stoop and reach.
  • Ability to be comfortable working with cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles,fishand wildlife.
  • Due tonatureof shelter work,maybe exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile or iratepersons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.

The job description is a guide to the essential functions of the job, not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, qualifications, physical demands, and work environment conditions. Job descriptions are reviewed and revised to meet the changing needs of the organization at the sole discretion of management.

Anti-Cruelty is an equal opportunity employer.