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

VCA Animal Hospitals

Associate Veterinarian

Chicago, IL · On-site

$77K/yr

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 ...

NVA

Customer Service Representative

Hanover Park, IL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Hanover Park Animal Care Center 1920 Ontarioville Road, Hanover Park, IL About Us: At Hanover Park ... National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of ...

New

NVA

Veterinary Technician - Non-Credentialed

Mundelein, IL · On-site

$15 - $22/hr

Apply today and become part of the Mundelein Animal Hospital family! Hospital website: National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of animals and the ...

National Veterinary Associates

Veterinarian

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time Associate Veterinarian for a premier small animal hospital located in the Chicagoland ... We are looking for a full-time veterinarian at Deerfield Animal Care Center. This brand-new ...

Hyde Park Animal Clinic

Associate Veterinarian

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100 - $180/hr

At Hyde Park Animal Clinic, we are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for small animal patients in a supportive and collaborative environment. Our commitment to clinical excellence ...

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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 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.

Associate Veterinarian

VCA Animal Hospitals

Chicago, IL • On-site

$77K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 660 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 53 rated veterinary

Job description

Join us as an Associate Veterinarian, DVM at VCA Mont Clare Animal Hospital located in Northwest Chicago, IL and you'll quickly discover that you're well supported by world-class medicine, technology, facilities, and a talented team. You'll be empowered to do your best work with a team you can count on. At VCA, the future of veterinary medicine is in our hands.
Why Join the Team?
  • VCA Mont Clare Animal Hospital, located on the northwest side of Chicago, is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Associate Veterinarian to join our team in a community-focused general practice.
  • Our hospital has served the Mont Clare neighborhood since the 1970s and prides itself on its strong roots and "hometown" feel. With a team of 12 staff members and two full-time doctors, we foster a warm and collaborative culture. One of our current DVMs will be reducing their hours in December, and we are proactively seeking an Associate Veterinarian-either full-time or part-time-to help us continue offering exceptional care.
  • We are nestled right on the edge of the city, offering the perfect blend of urban and suburban life. Our clients come from nearby neighborhoods such as Elmwood Park, River Grove, Norridge, Belmont Cragin, Forest Park, and Oak Park. We regularly work with pet adopters from PAWS Chicago, Anti-Cruelty Society, and the Animal Care League in Oak Park, and we're easily accessible via CTA and Metra.

Students and new graduates are encouraged to apply and will receive dedicated mentorship
Schedule
We are open Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturdays from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm (closed Sundays).
  • A full-time schedule would likely fall between 30-35 hours/week
  • Our most needed coverage days are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
  • DVMs typically have 1-2 surgery days per week
  • At least one Saturday off per month is built into the schedule
  • We're open to both full-time and part-time candidates, with flexibility to support your ideal work-life balance

Cases
As a general practice hospital, we currently see cats and dogs, but are open to expanding to exotics if a candidate has experience. We are also open to welcoming a doctor with orthopedic surgery skills.
Our services include:
  • Soft tissue surgery (spay, neuter, pyometra, cystotomy, mass removal)
  • Dental cleanings
  • Hands-free digital radiology
  • In-house and reference lab diagnostics
  • Preventive care, sick visits, and vaccinations
  • Mobile ultrasound access (with in-house fast scans offered by our Medical Director)

Who we look for
  • People obsessed with pets and their care
  • Dedicated experts who want to provide world-class medicine
  • Collaborators who enjoy teaching others and working as a team
  • Curious lifelong learners who want to grow and thrive for a dynamic and fulfilling career
  • Empathetic partners who develop strong client and Associate relationships built on trust

Total Rewards
As a VCA Associate, eligible full-time employees will be rewarded with a comprehensive package, including:
Compensation
  • Salary is negotiable based on experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, and other relevant credentials. The annual salary range for this position is $77,000 to 160,000. Salary range listed is based on a 24-40 hour work week.
  • This position may also be eligible for other variable pay programs.

Health & Well-being
  • Innovative Associate health and well-being resources (Headspace app, Fidelity financial wellness tool, and access to additional mental health resources including Lyra Health)
  • 401k retirement savings plan with company match
  • Health/dental/vision insurance, infertility and gender affirmation benefits
  • Paid parental, vacation and sick leave

Professional Development
  • Continuing Education Allowance and paid Continuing Education Days
  • WOOF University - offering abundant CE for Doctors and the care team
  • Opportunities to participate in a robust Clinical Studies program

Discover Additional Benefits Benefits | VCA (vcacareers.com) (open link in new window)
Qualifications
  • A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, from an accredited university or equivalent
  • Licensure in good standing to practice in (IL), or the ability to obtain
  • A commitment to practicing the highest standard of medicine and upholding the veterinary code of ethics

About VCA
VCA is a leader in veterinary care and is committed to taking care of the future of veterinary medicine. With a network of 1,000 animal hospitals, we impact pets, people and our communities by delivering world-class medicine with hometown care to over 4.5 million pets annually.
Trusted and empowered, our 35,000 Associates collaborate and unleash their unique power to achieve the best outcomes. With access to endless resources, we continuously learn and share knowledge to build fulfilling careers, push our profession forward and make a lasting impact on our shared future.
VCA is part of the Mars Veterinary Health family of brands, working towards A Better World for Pets™. Learn more at www.vca.com or find us on social media.
Learn more about the hospital [Link to hospital website]
If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!
The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

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