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Animal Control Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Under the supervision of the Curator of Animals, the Animal Keeper Part-Time will be responsible for: * Caring for the wild and domestic animals in the Zoo's collection. * Cleaning and disinfecting ...

Under the supervision of the Curator of Animals, the Animal Keeper Part-Time will be responsible for: * Caring for the wild and domestic animals in the Zoo's collection. * Cleaning and disinfecting ...

As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the health, care, and presentation of our live animals while driving sales, customer experience, and ...

Animal Care Specialist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the health, care, and presentation of our live animals while driving sales, customer experience, and ...

Animal Care Specialist

River Forest, IL ยท On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Animal Care Specialist

Springfield, IL ยท On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Animal Care Specialist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Animal Care Specialist

Alton, IL ยท On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Animal Care Specialist

Springfield, IL ยท On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Animal Care Specialist

River Forest, IL

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Animal Care Technician

Paris, IL ยท On-site

$20/hr

We're looking for a dedicated Animal Care Technician to join our team, supporting both the Farrowing and Breeding departments. This hands-on role is essential to the daily care of our animals and ...

Details Open Date 07/17/2026 Requisition Number PRN45676B Job Title Animal Care Technicians Working Title Animal Care Technicians Career Progression Track S00 Track Level S3 - Skilled, S2 ...

Details Open Date 07/17/2026 Requisition Number PRN45676B Job Title Animal Care Technicians Working Title Animal Care Technicians Career Progression Track S00 Track Level S3 - Skilled, S2 ...

Animal Care Technicians

Campus, IL ยท On-site

$17 - $21.82/hr

Details Open Date 07/17/2026 Requisition Number PRN45676B Job Title Animal Care Technicians Working Title Animal Care Technicians Career Progression Track S00 Track Level S3 - Skilled, S2 ...

Showing results 21-40

Animal Control information

See Illinois salary details

$20.4K

$38.9K

$58.6K

How much do animal control jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal control in Illinois is $38,860.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,900.00 and $45,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal control officer?

Animal control officers are professionals responsible for enforcing laws and regulations related to the care and control of animals in a community. Their duties include responding to reports of stray or dangerous animals, investigating cases of animal cruelty or neglect, capturing and relocating wildlife, and educating the public about responsible pet ownership. They also work closely with local shelters and may assist in the adoption process for stray or abandoned animals. Animal control officers play a vital role in protecting both animals and the public from harm.

What does an animal control officer do?

Animal control jobs focus on ensuring public safety and protecting animals. In this role, you may patrol your community, investigate reports of hurt or dangerous animals, and rescue pets from mistreatment. Your responsibilities also include supporting the safety of personnel, writing reports, and issuing citations as necessary. In some positions, your duties may involve supporting public awareness efforts. For example, if people need to abandon a pet because they are no longer able to take care of it, animal control officers can help them find a shelter or an adopting family. Animal control officers work with a variety of animals, some of which are dangerous, so the ability to handle a wide range of creatures is essential.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an animal control officer?

To thrive as an Animal Control Officer, you need knowledge of animal behavior, safety protocols, and relevant local regulations, typically supported by a high school diploma and specialized training or certification. Familiarity with animal handling equipment, incident reporting systems, and sometimes law enforcement databases is important. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills help when interacting with the public and de-escalating tense situations. These competencies ensure public safety, humane treatment of animals, and effective enforcement of animal-related laws.

What are common challenges faced by animal control officers in the field?

Animal control officers often encounter unpredictable situations, such as handling aggressive or frightened animals and addressing emotionally charged interactions with pet owners. They must also navigate varying local laws and regulations, ensuring proper documentation and evidence collection for potential legal cases. Additionally, officers may be required to work irregular hours, including nights and weekends, to respond to emergencies or public safety concerns. Building strong communication skills and resilience is essential to manage these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Animal Control vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectAnimal ControlAnimal Shelter Worker
CertificationsAnimal Control Officer Certification, sometimes requiredBasic animal handling and shelter management training
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor, community-basedIndoor shelter facilities, community interaction
Employer & IndustryMunicipal agencies, animal control departmentsAnimal shelters, rescue organizations
Job FocusEnforcing animal laws, capturing stray animalsCaring for animals, adoption services

Animal Control officers primarily enforce laws and capture stray or dangerous animals in the community, often working outdoors. Animal Shelter Workers focus on caring for animals within shelter facilities, preparing them for adoption. While both roles involve animal handling, their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

Is it hard to be an animal control officer?

Animal control officers often face physically demanding work, including handling aggressive animals and working outdoors in various weather conditions. The job requires good communication skills, knowledge of animal behavior, and sometimes certification or training in animal handling and safety protocols.

What do I need to work for animal control?

To work in animal control, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions require a valid driver's license. Relevant skills include animal handling, communication, and sometimes certification in animal care or safety; physical fitness is also important due to the nature of the work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Control jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Animal Control jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Animal Control jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Animal Control job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Control job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,860 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Animal Keeper Part Time

Peoria Park District

Peoria, IL โ€ข On-site

$16/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Duties: Under the supervision of the Curator of Animals, the Animal Keeper Part-Time will be responsible for:

  • Caring for the wild and domestic animals in the Zoo's collection.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting displays and off-site areas in a timely and efficient manner.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting dishes, pans and utensils used in diet
  • preparation and animal care. Participating in all aspects of kitchen
  • clean-up.
  • Keeping work areas and public area neat and orderly.
  • Preparing and distributing diet, assisting in the formulation of diets and the procurement of animal needs.
  • Assisting in the handling of, administration of medication to, assisting in surgery, and record keeping of medications to assigned string.
  • Aiding in the acquisition and distribution of consumable products necessary to maintain a wild animal population. Submits requests for animal supplies, expenditures and bills to Animal Curator.
  • Maintaining accurate records and paperwork necessary to maintain a captive animal population.
  • Participating in preventative medicine/procedures and reports animal health concerns to the Animal Curator or Zoo Director; serves as liaison with veterinarian as needed.
  • Recommending procedures for animal care, researches and recommends animals for acquisition/disposition. Meets monthly in animal collection meetings as well as regularly with Animal Curator to maintain information flow on the animal collection. Sets goals and objectives based upon review.
  • Participating in behavioral enhancement for the animal collection.
  • Reporting all malfunctions of heating, plumbing, mechanical and electrical equipment and submitting maintenance needs to the Animal Curator and maintenance staff.
  • Reporting emergencies and unusual situations to appropriate personnel.
  • Performing routine maintenance tasks as needed. Assisting in exhibit repair and construction. Ensuring exhibits are properly maintained for the species displayed and the general public.
  • Assisting in programming and promotions of the zoo to include working with volunteers. May be required to provide programming on an on-going basis.
  • Wearing proper designated uniform during regular zoo hours.
  • Assuming responsibility for knowing, being trained and following all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed.
  • Follows all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed. Supports all aspects of the Park District's safety program.
  • Performing other duties assigned:
    • Which are reasonably related to the duties described; or
    • Which need to be performed promptly to avoid safety hazards or to protect Park District property; or
    • Which are not generally described in other job descriptions; or
    • When the amount of work exceeds the availability of Park District employees within the appropriate job classification.

Essential Functions:

  • Ability to reach, walk, pull, kneel, squat, and bend at the waist and knees.
  • Ability to understand and complete record-keeping and paperwork relative to job duties.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Education: A two-year college degree in a related field. Although a degree is preferred, extensive experience in a like position with similar duties and responsibilities may be substituted for all or part of the educational requirement.

Experience: One year of experience in the care and maintenance of wild and/or domestic animals is required. A combination of education and experience may substitute.

Knowledge and Ability:

  • Basic knowledge of characteristics, diet, habits and well-being of wild and domestic animals.
  • Aptitude for on-the-job training and ability to follow written and oral instructions.
  • Ability to work harmoniously with the public and fellow employees in a positive and cooperative manner.
  • Must be dependable, courteous and able to work with people of all ages.
  • Ability to be professional, respectful, accountable, innovative, to follow safety procedures, and be equitable to both internal and external customers.
  • Personal: Must demonstrate reliability, initiative, tact and resourcefulness.
  • Requires a valid Illinois State Driver's License.

Perks:

  • Part-time employees enjoy discounted recreation classes and free admission to select Park District facilities.

The Peoria Park District hires without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, protected veteran status, or on the basis of any characteristic protected by law.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.