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

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

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

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

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 · 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 ...

Pet Supplies Plus

Assistant Store Manager

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$20.15 - $24.15/hr

Responsibilities/Qualifications As Assistant Store Team Leader at Pet Supplies Plus, you're ... Adhering to operational policies and procedures (cleanliness, animal care, safety and security ...

Pet Supplies Plus

Assistant Store Manager

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$20.15 - $24.15/hr

Responsibilities/Qualifications As Assistant Store Team Leader at Pet Supplies Plus, you're ... Adhering to operational policies and procedures (cleanliness, animal care, safety and security ...

Pet Supplies Plus

Assistant Store Manager

Des Plaines, IL

$20.15 - $24.15/hr

As Assistant Store Team Leader at Pet Supplies Plus, you're pawsitively passionate about people and ... Adhering to operational policies and procedures (cleanliness, animal care, safety and security ...

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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 9, 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.

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 handling and first aid. Gaining relevant experience, such as volunteering at shelters or completing certification courses, can improve chances of joining and effectively contributing to rescue efforts.

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 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue Team jobs in Chicago, IL? For Animal Rescue Team jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue Team jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue Team jobs in Chicago, IL are:
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 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,103 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Dog Walkers Needed!

Smart Paws Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$10 - $15/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Since the Smart Paws family became Smart Paws Chicago LTD (fancy, we know) we've received glowing reviews from our clients. Some might say this is because we only hire dedicated, fun loving dog walkers and require extensive background checks, but we know the people love us for our personal connections with their pets and our reliability. Oh, and our super high tech reporting system reassures clients they're getting nothing short of the highest quality service Chicago has to offer. Yeah, we keep it real here; and that's exactly why they call us "Chicago's most trusted pet service!"
Samuel Hoke, the owner and operator of Smart Paws, grew up in suburbia alongside Beaux, his fluffy and beloved Siberian Husky rescue. When Sam moved to Chicago he immediately understood that caring for a dog in the city can be challenging. Working around little to no yard space, generally smaller homes, and pretty appalling winter weather can make it difficult for pups to get out, move it move it, and shake a tailfeather. So you might be asking, who let the dogs out? That's where we come in!
Job Description
Become a Dog Walker!
Compensation: $10-15/hr
Smart Paws Chicago is a fun, furry and professional pet sitting company servicing the Chicago-land area. We are currently looking for a Dog Walker to join our team on a part/full time basis. If you're an animal lover and looking for a rewarding way to work directly with pets, we'd love to hear from you! This is not a seasonal job, we're looking for individuals who can stay with us for an extended period of time.
The right individual must:
1. Have a positive mental attitude
2. Be trustworthy
3. Enjoy being outdoors in all weather conditions
4. Love pets of all shapes, sizes and dispositions
5. Have a charming personality
Being a Walker for Smart Paws Chicago also requires:
1. An iPhone or an Android phone with data plan.
2. Solid work history, references and ability to pass a background check.
3. Kind heart, sense of humor, communication (verbal and written) skills, time management skills
4. The flexibility to adapt to an ever changing schedule & route size.
5. Living in the city of Chicago
Regular position:
1. We need someone who can commit to this position for at least 6 months.
2. Requires a car or city biking experience.
3. Starting ASAP.
Looking to fill positions for all hours, day or night!
Smart Paws sitters average $10.00-$15/hour +tips
Check out our website to see if Smart Paws Chicago could be a fit for you! If you're interested in joining our family please fill out this form (http://www.smartpawschicago.com/#!employment/c1cu9) a message about why you'd make a great dog walker along with your availability and desired shift(s)! Great communication is a must. We're all about great personalities so show us yours!
http://www.smartpawschicago.com/#!employment/c1cu9
Qualifications
Additional Information
Car or biker required

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