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Animal Rescue Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Kennel Attendant

Lincoln, IL ยท On-site

$15 - $15.50/hr

Maintain accurate records of animal care and activities. * Follow all safety protocols and procedures to ensure the well-being of animals and staff. Skills & Qualifications * Previous experience as a ...

Veterinary Assistant

Springfield, IL ยท On-site

$16 - $23/hr

Company Description The Animal Emergency Clinic of Springfield provides emergency and critical care services when they are needed most. Our clinic is proudly supported by the Springfield veterinary ...

Veterinary Assistant

Springfield, IL ยท On-site

$16 - $23/hr

Company Description The Animal Emergency Clinic of Springfield provides emergency and critical care services when they are needed most. Our clinic is proudly supported by the Springfield veterinary ...

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Veterinary Receptionist

Springfield, IL ยท On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Company Description ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF SPRINGFIELD, LLC Email: ahos@petlover.com Is a full service privately owned veterinary hospital located within Petsmart at 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, Springfield ...

Veterinary CSR

Lincoln, IL ยท On-site

$16.50 - $17.50/hr

The ideal candidate will be the first point of contact for our clients, providing exceptional customer service while supporting the veterinary staff in delivering high-quality care to our animal ...

Maintain accurate records of animal care and activities. * Follow all safety protocols and procedures to ensure the well-being of animals and staff. Skills amp; Qualifications * Previous experience ...

Veterinarian

Springfield, IL ยท On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

White Oaks West Animal Hospital is a well-established, multi-doctor companion animal practice committed to providing exceptional veterinary care to the pets and families of Springfield, Illinois. Our ...

Associate Veterinarian

Lincoln, IL ยท On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Advise animal owners about general care, medical conditions, and treatments * Prescribe medication * Work closely in collaboration with team members to provide high quality care Qualifications

Associate Veterinarian

Lincoln, IL ยท On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Advise animal owners about general care, medical conditions, and treatments * Prescribe medication * Work closely in collaboration with team members to provide high quality care Qualifications

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Animal Rescue information

See Springfield, IL salary details

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How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Springfield, IL is $20.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $24.76 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 are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Springfield, IL? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Springfield, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Springfield, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,393 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Certified Veterinary Technician

Certified Veterinary Technician

Alliance Animal Health

Springfield, IL โ€ข On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 hours ago


Job description

Company Description

The Animal Emergency Clinic of Springfield provides emergency and critical care services when they are needed most. Our clinic is proudly supported by the Springfield veterinary community and is operational during hours when most regular veterinary practices are closed.ย We are open 24/7 to attend to emergencies as quickly and efficiently as possible.

As a veterinarian-owned clinic supported by thirteen local veterinary hospitals, we are committed to collaborative, high-quality medicine. You can trust that our highly trained team delivers the best and most up-to-date emergency care possible for every patient that walks through our doors.

Check out more about us by clickingย here!

Job Description

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

Animal restraint, triage of incoming patients, collection and analysis of lab samples, diagnostic imaging, management and nursing care of medical and hospitalized cases with varying degrees of stability, administration of medications, effective communication of treatment plans with clients, surgical preparation and assistance, and anesthetic management.

Must be able to withstand unpleasant odors and noises. May be exposed to bites, scratches, animal waste and potentially contagious diseases.

Whether you're looking to just be a master of your role or trying to grow into that next career move, you'll have opportunities through a variety of virtual and hands on, interactive training and continuing development.

Qualifications

We're Looking For:

  • A Certified Veterinary Technician with an active license required, 1+ year professional experience preferred but not required.
  • Consistent punctuality and reliability in adherence to scheduled shifts.
  • Availability to work weekends.
  • Excellent client communication and medical record management skills.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of veterinary procedures, preventative care, and hospital operations.
  • Expertise in safe and low-stress animal restraint techniques.
  • Proficiency in various sample collection methods, including blood, urine, fecal, and skin specimens.
  • Experience in radiographic positioning and image capture.
  • Experience in anesthesia administration and surgical monitoring.
  • Commitment to professional ethics and continuous learning.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with exposure to animal-related hazards.

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of technical expertise and unwavering commitment to animal welfare in a dynamic veterinary setting.

Additional Information

Pay Range: $24 - $28/hr depending on level of experience. Shift differential is available!

We offer our staff:

  • Comprehensive Benefits (health, dental, vision, liability, 401k & 401K matching program, life & supplemental insurance, HSA, & FSA)ย 
  • Employee Assistance Programย 
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Time for ALL Employeesย 
  • Paid Bereavement Programย 
  • Paid Parental Leave Program ย 
  • Competitive Compensation ย 
  • Continuing Education Allowance (applies to licensed/registered/certified roles)
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program Available to any AVMA Accredited Veterinary Technology Program
  • Career Development Opportunitiesย 
  • Referral Bonus Program for most positions!ย 
  • Additional Benefits May Also Be Availableย (i.e. Personal Pet Discounts, Holiday Pay, Uniform Allowance, Bonuses etc.)ย 

Hiring eligibility may be contingent to a candidate authorizing and completing a satisfactory background check.ย 

*Note - some benefits may only be available to or vary slightly for full time employment status vs part time status.

For additional details including our full equal opportunity statement, texting/outreach communication authorization, physical requirements of the job and more, please visit:ย https://allianceanimal.com/additionaljobdescriptiondetails/