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Animal Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Moffitt

HUSBANDRY OPERATIONS MGR

Chicago, IL

$82K - $126K/yr

Maintain facility compliance with USDA Animal Welfare Act and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals; lead bi-annual IACUC inspections. * Operational Excellence: Oversee animal census ...

Verstela

Soldering Associate

Wood Dale, IL

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Assemble and install small-scale electronic and mechanical components into enclosures for animal testing equipment. * Inspection: Conduct visual and functional inspections of solder joints and ...

Rentokil

Aquatic Technician

Niles, IL

$37K - $37K/yr

Inspect and repair equipment and infrastructure related to aquatic systems, such as pumps, valves ... Maintain accurate records of water quality data, equipment maintenance logs, and animal health ...

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All JobsAnimal Inspector JobsAnimal Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL

Animal Inspector information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$25.2K

$56.6K

$102K

How much do animal inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal inspector in Chicago, IL is $56,595.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $65,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become an animal welfare inspector?

To become an animal welfare inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience in animal care or enforcement. Many positions require certification or training in animal handling, welfare laws, and inspection procedures, and some roles may require a background in veterinary science or related fields.

What is the highest paying job in animal welfare?

The highest paying jobs in animal welfare are often senior roles such as veterinary directors, animal shelter executives, or specialized researchers, which can offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills in managing organizations or conducting research.

What are some common challenges faced by Animal Inspectors when conducting field inspections?

Animal Inspectors often encounter challenges such as uncooperative owners, animals in distress, and navigating various environments that may be hazardous or unsanitary. Balancing regulatory enforcement with educational outreach requires strong communication and diplomacy skills. Additionally, inspectors must stay updated on animal welfare laws and manage detailed documentation, making attention to detail and adaptability essential for success in this role.

How to become an animal health inspector?

To become an animal health inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by postsecondary education in animal science, veterinary technology, or a related field. Relevant experience with animals and knowledge of health and safety regulations are important, and some positions may require certification or licensing depending on the jurisdiction.

What is the highest paying job in the animal field?

In the animal field, specialized roles such as veterinary surgeons or zoo directors tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience, and they typically involve leadership responsibilities and complex decision-making.

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

To thrive as an Animal Inspector, you need a background in animal science or a related field, knowledge of animal health regulations, and often state certification or licensure. Familiarity with inspection tools, animal health databases, and reporting systems is typically required. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure accurate assessments, regulatory compliance, and the protection of animal welfare and public health.

What is the difference between Animal Inspector vs Animal Control Officer?

AspectAnimal InspectorAnimal Control Officer
Required CredentialsOften requires state or local certification, knowledge of animal health and regulationsTypically requires certification, training in animal handling and local laws
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, inspection sites, animal facilitiesFieldwork, animal shelters, community outreach
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, health departmentsMunicipalities, animal shelters, law enforcement
Common Search & ComparisonAnimal Inspector vs Animal Control Officer

Animal Inspectors and Animal Control Officers both work in government settings related to animal welfare. While Animal Inspectors focus on health inspections, compliance, and regulations, Animal Control Officers handle live animal control, rescue, and community education. Both roles require certification and involve working with animals, but their daily tasks and work environments differ.

What are Animal Inspectors and what do they do?

Animal Inspectors are professionals responsible for ensuring the health, welfare, and humane treatment of animals in various settings such as farms, animal shelters, and zoos. They inspect facilities to check that animals are being properly cared for and that all local, state, and federal regulations are being followed. Their duties may include examining animals for signs of illness or mistreatment, investigating complaints of abuse, and enforcing animal welfare laws. Animal Inspectors often work closely with veterinarians, law enforcement, and animal welfare organizations to protect animals and promote public health.
What are popular job titles related to Animal Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL? For Animal Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Animal Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Inspector job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,595 per year, or $27.2 per hour.
Animal Care Technician I

Animal Care Technician I

Charles River Laboratories, Inc.

Chicago, IL

$20.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Charles River Laboratories rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we’ll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.

Job Summary

We are seeking an Animal Care Technician I for our Insourcing Solutions site in Chicago, IL
In the Animal Care Technician role, you will perform daily animal health observations, as well as animal husbandry duties to include water bottle/line and cage checks, provide food/water, and perform cage changes and/or clean cages all to maintain the quality and health of research animals.

Additional responsibilities include:

  • Maintain accurate records of things like animal breeding, as well as housing or support areas, and you may also be tasked with receiving, inspection, and housing of incoming animals.
  • Assist with restraint, handling, and manipulation of animal species, and you may become involved in the animal breeding and weaning procedures.
  • Other duties may include monitoring personnel and equipment entry into various rooms, operating required equipment and general housekeeping, when required. 
Job Qualifications

The following are the minimum requirements related to the Animal Care Technician I position:

  • Associates degree and 6 months of animal handling, care, and husbandry experience.
  • Or Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) in biology or animal science or related field and zero experience in animal handling, husbandry experience.
  • Achieving ALAT certification upon eligibility.  

The pay range for this position is $20.25 per hour. 

About Insourcing Solutions
Charles River Insourcing Solutions℠ can streamline research by delivering operational and cost efficiencies through the strategic insourcing of GMP, GLP and non-GLP research services from discovery through safety assessment. Insourcing Solutions℠ provides you with the ability to maintain control of your facility and expertise while leveraging available space.


About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients’ clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market.

With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in over 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client’s unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world.

At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly worked on 80% of the drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the past five years.

We’re committed to providing benefits that elevate your quality of life.  Based on your position these may include:  bonus/incentives based on performance, 401K, paid time off, stock purchase program, Health and wellness coverage, employee and family wellbeing support programs, and work life balance flexibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles River is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, family status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

It is unlawful in some states (including Massachusetts) to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

If you are interested in applying to Charles River Laboratories and need special assistance or an accommodation due to a disability to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the resume submission process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team by sending an e-mail message to crrecruitment_US@crl.com. This contact is for accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

For more information, please visit www.criver.com.

What Charles River Laboratories employees say

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About Charles River

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients' clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market. With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client's unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world. At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people's lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly supported the development of 86% of the drugs approved by the FDA in 2021.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Wilmington, MA, US

Year founded

1947

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