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Animal Control Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

McHenry County

Animal Control Officer

Crystal Lake, IL

$23.73 - $27.41/hr

Animal Control Animal Control Officer I II III - Full Time JOB SUMMARY: Enforcing the animal control ordinance and educating the public on responsible pet ownership. Team oriented environment.

Lake County, IL

Seasonal Kennel Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

Kennel Technician The Kennel Technician is a valuable member of our Animal Care and Control team who with minimal supervision, is responsible for maintenance of the Animal Care and Control shelter ...

Lake County

Seasonal Kennel Technician

Waukegan, IL

$18.55/hr

General Description The Kennel Technician is a valuable member of our Animal Care and Control team who with minimal supervision, responsible for maintenance of the Animal Care and Control shelter ...

Lake County, IL

Seasonal Kennel Technician

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$18.55/hr

Animal Care & Control - Libertyville, IL Job Type: Temporary Job Number: 16504 Department: Health Department Division: Environmental Health Services Opening Date: 07/24/2026 Salary Grade: Union ...

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

This is what Red Door Animal Shelter provides for the animals in its care. Red Door's mission is to promote respect for all animals through education, shelter, rehabilitation, and adoption. We ...

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

This is what Red Door Animal Shelter provides for the animals in its care. Red Door's mission is to promote respect for all animals through education, shelter, rehabilitation, and adoption. We ...

Lambs Farm

Animal Keeper

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$17/hr

SummaryWe are seeking an Animal Keeper to oversee the care of nearly 300 animals. This role involves ensuring animal welfare, working with participants with developmental disabilities, interacting ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Chicago, IL · 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 ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Lake Zurich, IL · On-site

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal Control JobsAnimal Control Jobs in Chicago, IL

Animal Control information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$21.6K

$41.3K

$62.4K

How much do animal control jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal control in Chicago, IL is $41,344.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,100.00 and $47,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do I need to work for animal control?

To work in animal control, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and good communication skills. Some positions may require knowledge of animal behavior, basic first aid, or relevant certifications such as animal control or humane officer training. Physical fitness and the ability to handle animals safely are also important.

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.

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.

Is it hard to get into animal control?

Getting into animal control can be competitive and often requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with physical fitness and good communication skills. Some positions may require relevant certifications or experience with animals, and background checks are typically part of the hiring process.

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.
More about Animal Control jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Control jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Animal Control jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Animal Control jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Animal Control job openings:
Animal Control jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Control job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,344 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Animal Control Officer

McHenry County, IL

Crystal Lake, IL • On-site

$23.73 - $27.41/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Description
Division: Animal Control
Animal Control Officer I II III - Full Time
JOB SUMMARY:
Enforcing the animal control ordinance and educating the public on responsible pet ownership. Team oriented environment. Comfortable in a fast pace, high volume, multi-tasking workplace. The Veterinary Public Health Division is a 24-hour, 365-day operating program.
JOB FUNCTION:
Directly guided by the Illinois State Statutes and the McHenry County Public Health Ordinance, Animal Control - Article VI, investigating animal related complaints (rabid, stray, biting, neglected, injured etc.). Capture and transport animals and prepare citations as well as reports. Clean and sanitize animal housing of current animal population on a regular basis.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
High School diploma or GED and a good driving record are required (Valid IL driving license). Knowledge of animal behavior as well as animal handling experience. Euthanasia Certification (through the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation) is required within 12 months. Good writing skills and computer competency a must. Ability to understand and interpret public health ordinances and policies. Ability to communicate effectively and to relay education and policy to the public. Ability to move 100 Lbs. (Bilingual Preferred) Position subject to a background check including fingerprinting.
STARTING SALARY
$23.73-$27.41 dependent on certification and experience.
HOURS
37.50 hours per week, some nights, weekends, overnight on-call and holiday hours included.
BENEFITS
  • 4 Medical plans, 2 dental plans, 2 vision plans, and various supplemental plans.
  • Pension: Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
  • Nationwide Retirement Solutions (457 and Roth457) plans
  • Standard Life insurance policy with the option to buy up additional coverage for employee and dependents.
  • Tuition Reimbursement and Student Loan Repayment Programs
  • Paid vacation, sick, personal days, and 14 paid holidays.

McHenry County is an equal opportunity employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against because of age, race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, Veteran status, or disability.
All Health Department staff are required to be up to date on the Covid vaccination as determined by the CDC and IDPH, including all primary series doses and boosters, as a term and condition of employment with the Department. In addition, proof of all vaccines are mandatory for employment with the Health Dept., including the flu vaccine.

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