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

VetCor

Veterinarian - Niles, IL

Niles, IL · On-site

Join a team of collaborative, experienced DVMs and certified vet techs (CVTs) * Thrive in a ... rescue groups including Community Animal Rescue Effort (CARE) and Chicago Pet Rescue . Why Niles ...

Vetcor

Veterinarian - Niles, IL

Niles, IL · On-site

Join a team of collaborative, experienced DVMs and certified vet techs (CVTs) * Thrive in a ... rescue groups including Community Animal Rescue Effort (CARE) and Chicago Pet Rescue . Why Niles ...

Simos

Shelter Services Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

... empathetic team member who supports the human-animal bond by facilitating positive connections ... At least 1-year experience working with cats and kittens in a shelter, rescue, or veterinary ...

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 ...

Smart Paws Chicago

Dog Walkers Needed!

Chicago, IL

$10 - $15/hr

... rescue. When Sam moved to Chicago he immediately understood that caring for a dog in the city can ... team on a part/full time basis. If you're an animal lover and looking for a rewarding way to work ...

Smart Paws Chicago

Dog Walkers Needed!

Chicago, IL · On-site

$10 - $15/hr

... rescue. When Sam moved to Chicago he immediately understood that caring for a dog in the city can ... team on a part/full time basis. If you're an animal lover and looking for a rewarding way to work ...

Smart Paws Chicago

Become a Dog Walker!

Chicago, IL · On-site

$10 - $15/hr

... rescue. When Sam moved to Chicago he immediately understood that caring for a dog in the city can ... team on a part/full time basis. If you're an animal lover and looking for a rewarding way to work ...

Smart Paws Chicago

Dog Walker

Chicago, IL

$10 - $15/hr

... rescue. When Sam moved to Chicago he immediately understood that caring for a dog in the city can ... team on a part/full time basis. If you're an animal lover and looking for a rewarding way to work ...

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

Animal Rescue Team information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$21

$28

How much do animal rescue team jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue team 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 is an animal rescue team?

Animal Rescue Teams are groups of trained professionals and volunteers who respond to emergencies involving animals in distress. Their work includes rescuing animals from natural disasters, accidents, abuse, or neglect, and providing immediate care and shelter. These teams often collaborate with local authorities, veterinarians, and animal shelters to ensure the safety and well-being of animals. Their goal is to save lives, relieve suffering, and promote humane treatment of animals in crisis situations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal rescue team member, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Rescue Team member, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and crisis response—often supported by relevant certifications or experience in animal handling. Familiarity with animal transport equipment, humane traps, and incident management systems like ICS is typically required. Compassion, teamwork, and resilience are vital soft skills for handling stressful situations and collaborating with diverse stakeholders. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring animal welfare, safety, and effective rescue operations during emergencies.

What are some common challenges faced by members of an animal rescue team, and how can these be managed on the job?

Members of an Animal Rescue Team often encounter fast-paced and emotionally demanding situations, such as rescuing injured or distressed animals in unpredictable environments. Challenges include managing stressful scenarios, making quick decisions, and ensuring both personal and animal safety. To manage these challenges, team members rely on thorough training, strong communication with colleagues, and strict adherence to protocols. Building resilience and participating in debriefings after tough rescues also help maintain well-being and effectiveness on the job.

What is the difference between Animal Rescue Team vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectAnimal Rescue TeamAnimal Shelter Worker
CertificationsFirst aid, animal handling, rescue certificationsAnimal care, shelter management certifications
Work EnvironmentField rescues, outdoor settings, emergency situationsIndoor shelter facilities, daily animal care
Employer & IndustryRescue organizations, NGOs, emergency servicesAnimal shelters, municipal facilities
Search & Comparison IntentRescue operations, emergency animal aidAnimal care, shelter operations

Animal Rescue Teams focus on emergency rescue and field operations to save animals in distress, often working outdoors and in urgent situations. Animal Shelter Workers primarily manage daily care and sheltering of animals within facilities. While both roles involve animal care, their work environments and specific responsibilities differ significantly.

How do you become an animal rescue team member?

To become an animal rescue team member, individuals typically need a passion for animal welfare, relevant experience or training in animal care, and often certifications such as pet first aid or animal handling. Many organizations require background checks and physical ability to handle animals in various environments, and volunteers may start by participating in local rescue programs or shelters before advancing to team roles.

How to become part of an animal rescue team?

To join an animal rescue team, individuals typically need to volunteer or apply through local shelters or rescue organizations, often requiring a background check and training in animal care and handling. Relevant skills include compassion, teamwork, and knowledge of animal behavior, and some organizations may require certifications in pet first aid or rescue techniques.

What qualifications do you need to work at an animal rescue team?

Animal rescue team members typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience working with animals. Relevant skills include animal handling, first aid, and knowledge of animal behavior; certifications in pet CPR or animal care can be beneficial. Physical fitness and the ability to work in various weather conditions are also important.
Animal Rescue Team jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue Team 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.

Veterinarian For Growing Practice in Chicago Top-Notch Mentorship

Niles, IL • On-site

New Frontier Animal Medical Center
See more jobs at New Frontier Animal Medical Centerexternal

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Golf-Mil Veterinary Hospital is a companion animal hospital located in Niles, IL that has provided the highest quality medical and surgical services to dogs and cats for the last 61 years. We are a full-service, multi-doctor practice that has been AAHA-accredited for 50 years! We are looking to bring on a full-time or part-time veterinarian to join our thriving practice.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced veterinarian looking to join an experienced and supportive team of doctors and CVTs. We are looking to hire a doctor that enjoys collaborative medicine and teamwork.

About The Hospital
  • Great work-life balance and a flexible schedule, with no on‑call or after hour requirements
  • Digital x‑rays – standard and dental
  • Separate surgical suite
  • Brand new ultrasound
  • Electronic medical records
  • Recently remodeled, modern facility
  • Proudly works closely with the Community Animal Rescue Effort and Chicago Pet Rescue
Location

A northern Chicago suburb, Niles is a lovely place to call home. The village was named “Best Place in U.S. to Raise Kids” by Bloomberg’s BusinessWeek in 2011, and the community is dedicated to its reputation for great schools, affordable housing, and friendly neighborhoods. It is conveniently located along the Chicago Metra commuter train line, offering easy access to downtown Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Enjoy the rare mix of an idyllic suburban community and urban living here!

Benefits

We offer generous salary, 401(k), medical benefits (including health, dental, and vision), CE allowance, professional dues and liability coverage. In addition, we also support employee wellbeing with paid vacation, an employee assistance program (EAP), growth opportunities, and reduced rates on voluntary benefits (including accident insurance, critical illness insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, identity protection coverage, and discounted auto and home insurance) and so much more!

We are so proud of our practice and would love to tell you more. Apply today!

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