ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Rescue Jobs in Park Ridge, IL (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Park Ridge, IL

Animal Rescue information

See Park Ridge, IL salary details

$9

$20

$27

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Park Ridge, IL is $20.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.02 and $24.62 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 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 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 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 job is it called when you rescue animals?

The job of rescuing animals is typically called an animal rescue worker or animal rescue technician. These professionals often work for shelters, rescue organizations, or wildlife agencies, and they may need training in animal handling, first aid, and sometimes certifications in animal care or veterinary assistance.
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Park Ridge, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:
What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Park Ridge, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 30% Internship, 60% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,082 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Associate Veterinarian | Up To $75,000 in Sign-On Bonuses | Northwest Animal Hospital

Northwest Animal Hospital

Des Plaines, IL • On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Practice
We are currently undergoing an exciting clinical evolution. With a brand-new DVM team at the helm, we are actively redefining our medical protocols and elevating the standard of care for every patient that walks through our doors. We built a patient-first environment from the ground up. This is a rare chance to join a practice where your input helps shape our new workflows and ultimately provide the best medical care for our patients. We are proud to highlight our intergrative medicine approach offering acupuncture, allergy testing, diet consultations, & supplements.
Position Purpose
Associate Veterinarian - Northwest Animal Hospital
Des Plaines, Illinois
Northwest Animal Hospital is excited to welcome a compassionate and motivated Associate Veterinarian to our growing team! If you're looking for a practice where you can provide excellent medicine, collaborate with a supportive team, and truly enjoy coming to work each day, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
We are passionate about delivering high-quality veterinary care while maintaining a positive, fun, and team-focused culture. Our hospital offers a unique blend of traditional veterinary medicine and integrative approaches, allowing our doctors to provide thoughtful, well-rounded care tailored to each patient's needs.
About the Clinic
Northwest Animal Hospital is a full-service companion animal practice offering wellness and preventative care, dentistry, surgery, diagnostics, internal medicine, and integrative veterinary care.
One of the things that makes Northwest special is our focus on both traditional and natural approaches to medicine. Our Managing DVM, Dr. Draca, offers diet consultations and fresh-feeding guidance, including home-cooked and raw diet recommendations when appropriate. She is also nearing completion of her acupuncture certification and has begun offering acupuncture services in the hospital.
Dr. Draca plans to pursue certification in Chinese herbal medicine next, and our team currently offers a variety of supplement recommendations and natural wellness options.
This is a great opportunity for a veterinarian who is interested in progressive medicine, integrative care, nutrition, acupuncture, or simply expanding their medical toolkit in a supportive environment.
About the Team
Our team is one of the things that truly sets Northwest Animal Hospital apart. You'll be joining dedicated veterinarians, technicians, and support staff who believe collaboration, communication, and teamwork are key to providing excellent patient care.
Whether you are an experienced veterinarian or a newer graduate looking for mentorship, you will find a team that is eager to support your success and help you grow.
About the Area
Located in Des Plaines, Illinois, Northwest Animal Hospital offers the perfect blend of suburban charm and big-city accessibility. With beautiful parks, great restaurants, family-friendly neighborhoods, and easy access to nearby Chicago, the area offers a fantastic quality of life for individuals and families alike.
What We're Looking For
We're seeking a veterinarian who:
Is passionate about providing high-quality, compassionate care
Enjoys collaborating with a supportive team
Values building strong client relationships
Has an interest in progressive, well-rounded medicine
Is open to learning more about integrative medicine, nutrition, acupuncture, and natural wellness options
Brings a positive attitude and enthusiasm for growth
What We Offer
Competitive salary
Sign-on bonus opportunities
Flexible scheduling and work-life balance
CE allowance and professional development opportunities
Comprehensive benefits package
Supportive, collaborative hospital culture
Opportunities to grow in both traditional and integrative veterinary medicine
If you're looking for a place where you can grow professionally, practice excellent medicine, and work with a team that truly enjoys what they do, Northwest Animal Hospital would love to meet you!
Essential Responsibilities
  • Examine and treat companion animals to detect and determine the nature of disease or injuries.
  • Operate diagnostic equipment and collect diagnostic samples as well as interpret results.
  • Advise pet owners on preventative care and treatment options.
  • Perform surgery and prescribe medication as needed.
  • Provide counsel around pet end of life care.
  • Maintain patients' medical records.
  • Ensures compliance with veterinary ethics and relevant statues, policies, and procedures.

Requirements/Qualifications
  • DVM/VMD degree from an accredited AVMA institution.
  • Appropriate state licensure.
  • Eligibility to obtain DEA/BNDD.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrates professional and courteous presentation consistently with staff and clients.
  • Ability to lift patients and carry equipment up to 25 pounds; ability to lift patients or carry equipment over 25 pounds with assistance.

Benefits Offered
  • Unlimited personal time
  • Bonus incentives
  • Health insurance; dental insurance; vision insurance
  • Retirement benefits (401(k), Roth(k) with match)
  • CE and licensure reimbursement
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Managing career path development
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • DVM Referral Program
  • Mental Health Resources
  • Relocation assistance available

Pay Range
USD $120,000.00 - USD $150,000.00 /Yr.

Apply