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Animal Rescue Jobs in Joliet, 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 ... An Animal Care Steward is responsible for the day-to-day care of the shelter animals and cleaning ...

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 ... An Animal Care Steward is responsible for the day-to-day care of the shelter animals and cleaning ...

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 ... An Animal Care Steward is responsible for the day-to-day care of the shelter animals and cleaning ...

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 ... An Animal Care Steward is responsible for the day-to-day care of the shelter animals and cleaning ...

NVA

Veterinary Technician

Yorkville, IL · On-site

$18 - $29/hr

We're proud to serve our community in a state-of-the-art facility, providing high-quality care while also giving back through our very own animal rescue, Silly's Sanctuary, and partnerships with ...

NVA

Veterinary Technician

Yorkville, IL · On-site

$18 - $29/hr

We're proud to serve our community in a state-of-the-art facility, providing high-quality care while also giving back through our very own animal rescue, Silly's Sanctuary, and partnerships with ...

Orchard Road Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Aurora, IL · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Our valued rescue partners include Anderson Animal Shelter, Aurora Animal Control, and Rover Rescue of Illinois. * Benefits / Perks: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, Retirement plan with a 3.5% ...

Orchard Road Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Montgomery, IL · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Our valued rescue partners include Anderson Animal Shelter, Aurora Animal Control, and Rover Rescue of Illinois. * Benefits / Perks: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, Retirement plan with a 3.5% ...

Orchard Road Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Montgomery, IL · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Our valued rescue partners include Anderson Animal Shelter, Aurora Animal Control, and Rover Rescue of Illinois. * Benefits / Perks: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, Retirement plan with a 3.5% ...

Orchard Road Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Montgomery, IL

$120K - $130K/yr

Our valued rescue partners include Anderson Animal Shelter, Aurora Animal Control, and Rover Rescue of Illinois. * Benefits / Perks: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, Retirement plan with a 3.5% ...

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How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Joliet, IL is $20.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $24.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is animal rescue?

Animal rescue refers to the process of saving animals from dangerous, abusive, or neglectful situations and providing them with shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation. Animal rescue organizations work to protect stray, abandoned, or mistreated animals, often finding them foster or permanent homes. The main goal is to ensure the well-being and safety of animals, promoting responsible pet ownership and preventing cruelty. Rescued animals may include pets like dogs and cats, as well as wildlife in distress. Volunteers and professionals collaborate to give these animals a second chance at life.

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

To thrive as an Animal Rescue Worker, you need knowledge of animal handling, first aid, and welfare, often supported by relevant certifications or experience with animals. Familiarity with animal control software, rescue equipment, and sometimes animal transport vehicles is typically required. Compassion, resilience, and strong communication skills are vital for building trust with animals and collaborating with the public and rescue organizations. These skills ensure the safety, effective care, and successful rehoming of animals in challenging and often urgent situations.

What are some common challenges faced by animal rescue professionals, and how can they effectively address them?

Animal rescue professionals often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as witnessing animal neglect or working with traumatized animals. They may also face physical demands, unpredictable schedules, and the need to make quick decisions in high-stress environments. Building emotional resilience, practicing self-care, and collaborating closely with veterinary staff, volunteers, and local authorities can help manage these challenges. Additionally, ongoing training and open communication within the team are essential for maintaining a supportive work environment and ensuring the best outcomes for rescued animals.

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

AspectAnimal RescueAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal handling or rescue techniquesHigh school diploma; training in animal care and shelter operations
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor rescues, emergency situationsIndoor shelter facilities, animal care areas
Employer & Industry UsageRescue organizations, non-profits, government agenciesShelters, humane societies, animal control agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Animal Rescue involves actively seeking out and rescuing animals in distress, often in outdoor or emergency settings. Animal Shelter Workers primarily care for animals within shelter facilities, focusing on daily care and adoption processes. Both roles require animal handling skills and work within animal welfare organizations, but their work environments and specific duties differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Joliet, IL?

The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Joliet, IL are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Joliet, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,375 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Animal Care Steward

Red Door Animal Shelter

Chicago, IL

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days 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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