ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Care Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

National Veterinary Associates

Veterinarian

Decatur, IL · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

We are a well-established, AAHA-accredited , full-service small animal veterinary hospital. We provide comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental care for canines, felines, exotics, pocket pets, and ...

NVA

Veterinarian

Decatur, IL · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

We are a well-established, AAHA-accredited , full-service small animal veterinary hospital. We provide comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental care for canines, felines, exotics, pocket pets, and ...

National Veterinary Associates

Veterinarian

Decatur, IL

$110K - $150K/yr

We are a well-established, AAHA-accredited , full-service small animal veterinary hospital. We provide comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental care for canines, felines, exotics, pocket pets, and ...

ADM

Elevator Worker - Sullivan, IL

Sullivan, IL

$20.75/hr

... care of our colleagues. In addition to competitive pay, we support your diverse needs with a ... We're a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world's premier agricultural ...

PetSmart

Retail Sales Associate Part Time

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Responsible for the pet healthcare of store owned pets, which includes feeding, watering and cleaning all pet habitats (bird, reptile, small animal, cricket, and fish aquariums). * Maintains total ...

PetSmart

Retail Sales Associate Full Time

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Responsible for the pet healthcare of store owned pets, which includes feeding, watering and cleaning all pet habitats (bird, reptile, small animal, cricket, and fish aquariums). * Maintains total ...

PetSmart

Retail Sales Associate Full Time

Forsyth, IL

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Responsible for the pet healthcare of store owned pets, which includes feeding, watering and cleaning all pet habitats (bird, reptile, small animal, cricket, and fish aquariums). * Maintains total ...

PetSmart

Retail Sales Associate Part Time

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Responsible for the pet healthcare of store owned pets, which includes feeding, watering and cleaning all pet habitats (bird, reptile, small animal, cricket, and fish aquariums). * Maintains total ...

PetSmart

Retail Sales Associate Full Time

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Responsible for the pet healthcare of store owned pets, which includes feeding, watering and cleaning all pet habitats (bird, reptile, small animal, cricket, and fish aquariums). * Maintains total ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal Care JobsAnimal Care Jobs in Decatur, IL

Animal Care information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$9

$17

$26

How much do animal care jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal care in Decatur, IL is $17.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are Different Types of Animal Care Jobs?

There are many different animal care jobs available, and which one you choose to do depends on your qualifications, interests, and training. If you are interested in working with household pets, you can find work as a vet tech or assistant, a pet groomer, or an animal trainer. If you have higher qualifications and an interest in working with larger or more exotic animals, you can work as a zoo caretaker or even in a state park or wildlife refuge. The qualifications for all of these jobs vary drastically from no education to a doctorate.

What is the highest paying job in animal care?

The highest paying jobs in animal care typically include veterinary surgeons and specialized animal researchers, with veterinarians earning higher salaries due to advanced education and licensing requirements. Veterinary surgeons often work in private practices or research institutions and may earn six-figure incomes, especially with experience and specialization in fields like surgery or exotic animals.

What jobs can I do in animal care?

Jobs in animal care include roles such as veterinary technician, animal caretaker, pet groomer, zookeeper, and animal trainer. These positions often require specific skills, certifications, or experience working with animals in settings like clinics, shelters, zoos, or grooming salons.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

Animal care jobs that can pay around $10,000 a month without a degree typically include specialized roles such as experienced pet trainers, veterinary technicians with advanced skills, or animal behavior consultants, often requiring certifications and extensive experience. High earnings are usually associated with self-employment, private practice, or working in affluent or niche markets where clients pay premium rates for expert services.

What is the difference between Animal Care vs Veterinary Assistant?

AspectAnimal CareVeterinary Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications varyHigh school diploma; often requires veterinary assistant certification
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, pet stores, kennels, rescue organizationsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal care facilities, pet services, sheltersVeterinary practices, animal healthcare industry
Common Search & ComparisonAnimal Care vs Veterinary Assistant

Animal Care roles focus on caring for animals in shelters, pet stores, and rescue organizations, often requiring basic certifications. Veterinary Assistants work directly in veterinary clinics, assisting veterinarians with medical procedures and patient care, usually needing specific certifications. While both roles involve animal handling, Veterinary Assistants have a more medical focus, whereas Animal Care roles emphasize daily animal welfare and enrichment.

What are some common challenges faced by animal care professionals, and how can they be managed effectively?

Animal care professionals frequently encounter challenges such as handling animals with unpredictable behavior, managing emotionally difficult situations like illness or euthanasia, and maintaining strict sanitation standards. Building strong observation skills, practicing patience, and adhering to safety protocols can help manage these challenges. Additionally, teamwork and open communication with colleagues, as well as ongoing training, are crucial for ensuring both animal welfare and personal well-being.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Care professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Care professional, you need a strong understanding of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and proper handling techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with animal management software, feeding and cleaning protocols, and safety equipment is typically required. Compassion, patience, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for building trust with animals and working well with team members. These skills ensure the health, safety, and well-being of animals while maintaining efficient and humane care standards.

What are animal care workers?

Animal care workers are professionals who provide daily care and support for animals in various settings, such as shelters, zoos, veterinary clinics, and pet boarding facilities. Their responsibilities typically include feeding, grooming, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and assisting with medical treatments. They play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and safety of animals and often work closely with veterinarians and animal trainers. Compassion, attention to detail, and physical stamina are important qualities for success in this field.

What jobs pay 400 dollars an hour?

In the animal care field, high-paying roles such as specialized veterinary surgeons or animal behavior consultants can earn around $400 per hour, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and a private practice setting. These positions often require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and a strong reputation in the industry.
More about Animal Care jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Care jobs in Decatur, IL? The most popular types of Animal Care jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Care jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Care jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Animal Care jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Animal Care job openings:
Animal Care jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Care job openings in Decatur, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, 49% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,913 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

ANIMAL CARETAKER I| Various Locations IA/IL

JBS Imports

Clinton, IL • On-site

$17.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Description
Position at JBS USA
Starting Pay: $17.50/HR
Essential Functions:
(Order of Essential Functions does not indicate importance of functions)
  1. Must take active role in safety program including following safety procedures, enforcement of policy and continued training.
  2. Must take active role in bio-security program including enforcement of policy and continued training.
  3. Must recognize and report any broken or faulty equipment to their supervisor.
  4. Meet company expectations for attendance at work and punctuality.
  5. Follow all rules and procedures from both the employee handbook and direct rules and procedures from supervisor.
  6. Attend all mandatory meetings and training and be willing to participate and take an active role in system improvement teams.
  7. Maintain a good working relationship with all co-workers.
  8. Must be receptive to constructive criticism by co-workers and supervisors.
  9. Perform all required duties in a timely manner as outlined in the S.O.P (Standard Operating Procedure).
  10. Understand and demonstrate farm Bio-Security Requirements
  11. Achieve PQA+ (Pork Quality Assurance Training).
  12. Understand and demonstrate correct handling techniques at all times for animals of all ages.
  13. Understand and demonstrate safe and efficient power washing techniques (under indirect supervision).
  14. Understand and demonstrate the need for correct methods of medication handling and storage.
  15. Understand and demonstrate correct methods of euthanasia of animals.
  16. Understand and demonstrate correct methods of dead animal disposal (incinerator, composting and other forms).
  17. Understand and demonstrate correct methods of treating and vaccinating for animals of all ages.
  18. Understand and demonstrate all aspects of processing of piglets including castration.
  19. Understand and demonstrate general housekeeping and sanitation skills (example; laundry, showers, medication rooms).
  20. Understand and demonstrate under direct supervision artificial insemination protocols and procedures.
  21. Understand and demonstrate under direct supervision semen handling, and heat detection and breeding of weaned sows, gilts and opportunity animals.
  22. Understand and demonstrate proper techniques of feeding in breeding, gestation, and lactation.
  23. Understand and demonstrate proper techniques of sow monitoring in farrowing.
  24. Understand and demonstrate proper techniques of day 0-3 pig care.
  25. Understand and demonstrate proper techniques of sorting and fostering.
  26. Understand and demonstrate proper techniques of manure feedback.
  27. Understand and demonstrate proper techniques of prostaglandin use.
  28. Ensures that all Bio-security procedures outlined by TriOak Foods are followed.
  29. Ensure that all animal welfare procedures outlined by TriOak Foods are followed.
  30. All other duties as may be assigned.

Success Factors:
  • Willingness to listen and learn.
  • Ability to be a team player.
  • Able to work in a physically demanding environment.
  • Able to work weekends and holidays as required.
  • Display honesty, trustworthiness and dependability at all times.
  • Show pride in work well done.
  • Be respectfully of others.
  • Maintain strong work ethic.
  • Show initiative to seek other work upon completion of a task.

Job Qualifications:
  • Be able to lift in excess of 50lbs moving up to 100 yards daily, be able to lift 15 lbs. repeatedly on a daily basis from side to side for at least 1 hour. Push and/or pull a minimum of 500 lbs. in a cart with wheels when required. Squat to floor, grip small objects with ease and twist at least 45 degrees.
  • Be capable of repeated actions.
  • Be responsive to visible signs of animal discomfort.
  • Be responsive to verbal alarms and sounds of animals.
  • Be able to effectively communicate orally and in writing with other employees and company contacts.
  • Be able to move, load and unload animals 600 plus pounds.
  • Be able to walk and stand for long periods of time on different surfaces including concrete.
  • Be able to climb in and out of crates and over obstacles.
  • Be able climb different types of ladders including feed bin ladders.
  • Be able to maintain balance on all surfaces.
  • Be able to retain and perform written and spoken instructions.
  • Must not own or live near any swine. Must not live with anyone who has contact with swine.

Working Conditions:
  • During summer months outside temperatures can be over 100 degrees for entire scheduled workday.
  • During winter months outside temperatures can be below zero for entire scheduled workday.
  • During and after heavy rains or snowfalls the road in and around the farms can become extremely muddy, snow covered, icy and difficult to maneuver on.
  • During different job duties the noise inside or outside barns can become very loud.
  • Will be exposed daily to odors, dusts and gasses that may be uncomfortable or hazardous if proper procedures are not followed.
  • Will be exposed to electrical boxes and electrical machinery that are not to be entered or repaired by those who are not certified in basic electrical training and/or lock out tag out by the Safety Coordinator.
  • Will be exposed daily to procedures that cause contact with hazardous materials.
  • he applicant who fills this position will be eligible for the following benefits:
    • Benefits: Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment;
    • Paid Time Off: vacation, and 6 company observed holidays;
    • 401(k): company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule.
    • Better Futures Program - Online Classes or select 2 Year Community College tuition paid for you or your dependents!
    • Supervisor Development Program: Opportunity to grow your career through leadership training.

    EOE/Vet/Disability

Apply