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Animal Rescue Organizations Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

We also regularly help rescue domestic chickens and ducks. Every year, Red Door rescues and finds ... Red Door is a 501(c)(3) organization. We receive no federal, state, county or city money. We are ...

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

We also regularly help rescue domestic chickens and ducks. Every year, Red Door rescues and finds ... Red Door is a 501(c)(3) organization. We receive no federal, state, county or city money. We are ...

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

We also regularly help rescue domestic chickens and ducks. Every year, Red Door rescues and finds ... Red Door is a 501(c)(3) organization. We receive no federal, state, county or city money. We are ...

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

We also regularly help rescue domestic chickens and ducks. Every year, Red Door rescues and finds ... Red Door is a 501(c)(3) organization. We receive no federal, state, county or city money. We are ...

Simos

Shelter Services Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Maintain updated animal and client records through immediate and accurate data entry. * Maintain ... Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. * Self-starter with excellent oral and ...

NVA

Veterinary Technician, Lead

Glen Ellyn, IL · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

At Glen Ellyn Animal Hospital, we're looking for a Lead Technician to help guide our team, elevate ... Community-Focused Culture We stay connected to our community through local rescue partnerships and ...

NVA

Veterinary Technician, Lead

Glen Ellyn, IL · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

At Glen Ellyn Animal Hospital, we're looking for a Lead Technician to help guide our team, elevate ... Community-Focused Culture We stay connected to our community through local rescue partnerships and ...

All JobsAnimal Rescue Organizations JobsAnimal Rescue Organizations Jobs in Chicago, IL

Animal Rescue Organizations information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$21

$28

How much do animal rescue organizations jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue organizations in Chicago, IL is $21.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $25.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are animal rescue organizations?

Animal rescue organizations are groups dedicated to saving, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need. They often rescue animals from situations of neglect, abuse, abandonment, or overcrowded shelters. These organizations provide medical care, foster homes, and adoption services to help animals find safe, loving permanent homes. Many also promote animal welfare education and work to prevent cruelty through advocacy and community outreach.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in animal rescue organizations, and why are they important?

To thrive in animal rescue organizations, you need knowledge of animal care, handling, and welfare, often supported by experience or education in veterinary science or animal behavior. Familiarity with animal management software, basic medical equipment, and, in some cases, certifications in animal first aid or shelter operations is beneficial. Compassion, resilience, strong communication, and teamwork are vital soft skills for managing the emotional and physical demands of the role. These skills ensure the safety and well-being of animals, support effective team collaboration, and foster positive outcomes in high-stress rescue environments.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working in animal rescue organizations, and how can they be effectively managed?

Employees in animal rescue organizations often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as dealing with neglected or abused animals and making difficult decisions regarding their care. Additionally, they may face high workloads during emergency situations or intake surges. To manage these challenges, organizations typically provide training on animal handling, stress management resources, and foster a supportive team environment. Building strong communication skills and practicing self-care are also essential for maintaining resilience in this rewarding but demanding field.

What is the difference between Animal Rescue Organizations vs Animal Shelter Workers?

AspectAnimal Rescue OrganizationsAnimal Shelter Workers
CredentialsVaries; often volunteer-based, some certifications in animal careTypically require animal care certifications or training
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, rescue missions, temporary facilitiesAnimal shelters, kennels, indoor facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, rescue groups, charitiesMunicipal or private shelters
Common Search/ComparisonRescue efforts, field rescuesAnimal care, shelter operations

Animal Rescue Organizations focus on rescuing animals from dangerous situations or neglect, often working in the field and relying on volunteers. Animal Shelter Workers primarily operate within shelters, caring for animals awaiting adoption. Both roles require animal care knowledge but differ in work environment and scope.

What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue Organizations jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Animal Rescue Organizations jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue Organizations jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue Organizations jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Animal Rescue Organizations jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Animal Rescue Organizations job openings:

Animal Rescue Organizations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue Organizations job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,103 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Animal Care Steward

Red Door Animal Shelter

Chicago, IL

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 hours ago

Job description

Company Description

Since the Middle Ages, a red door has been the symbol of a safe haven. 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 provide a no-kill, cageless environment for animals in our care and provide permanent, loving residence for those few animals who don't find their forever homes.  We are one of only five no-kill, multi-species shelters in the country that admits rabbits as well as cats and dogs, spays/neuters them and places them up for adoption.  We also regularly help rescue domestic chickens and ducks.
Every year, Red Door rescues and finds homes for hundreds of abused and abandoned animals. Red Door is a 501(c)(3) organization. We receive no federal, state, county or city money. We are funded by private donations and grants from private foundations.

Red Door houses cats, rabbits, and our occasional chicken & duck friends on-site at the shelter.  All dogs are kept in foster homes off-site.

Job Description

An Animal Care Steward is responsible for the day-to-day care of the shelter animals and cleaning of the shelter, as defined by policies determined by the shelter's manager and Board of Directors. Main job responsibilites include cleaning animal areas, administering food and medications, and transporting animals to and from vet appointments.  All applicants must have an insured car and a valid driver's license.  Given that we are a small organization with limited resources, we expect all animal care stewards to be courteous, helpful and respectful to fellow staff, volunteers, and visitors; have attention to detail; the ability to learn and adjust to procedure changes quickly; and good communication skills

Qualifications

Job Functions

  • Clean animal areas - including bedding, food/water bowls, and litterboxes
  • Feed animals
  • Administer medications
  • Drive animals to and from vet appointments
  • Unload and organize food and supply deliveries
  • Laundry
  • Keep the shelter clean and organized
  • Clearly communicate questions and concerns to shelter management
  • Past experience with rabbits or other small, exotic mammals a plus

Requirements

  • Insured car and a valid driver's license
  • Prior experience working with animals in a professional setting
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs
  • Live within reasonable driving distance
Additional Information

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Red Door Animal Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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