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Animal Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

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 ...

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

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 ...

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

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 ...

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

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 ...

Lambs Farm

Animal Keeper

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$17/hr

SummaryWe are seeking an Animal Keeper to oversee the care of nearly 300 animals. This role involves ensuring animal welfare, working with participants with developmental disabilities, interacting ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Lake Zurich, IL · On-site

As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the health, care, and presentation of our live animals while driving sales, customer experience, and ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Lake Zurich, IL · On-site

As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the health, care, and presentation of our live animals while driving sales, customer experience, and ...

McHenry County

Animal Control Officer

Crystal Lake, IL · On-site

$23.73 - $27.41/hr

Animal Control Animal Control Officer I II III - Full Time JOB SUMMARY: Enforcing the animal control ordinance and educating the public on responsible pet ownership. Team oriented environment.

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

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All JobsAnimal JobsAnimal Jobs in Elgin, IL

Animal information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$9

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$27

How much do animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal in Elgin, IL is $20.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.12 and $24.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are animal jobs?

Animal jobs refer to occupations that involve working directly or indirectly with animals. These roles can include veterinarians, animal trainers, zookeepers, animal shelter workers, wildlife biologists, and pet groomers, among others. People in animal jobs may care for, study, train, or protect different species of animals in various environments. These careers often require a passion for animal welfare and may involve both physical and emotional demands. Some positions may also require specialized education or certifications.

What are some common challenges faced by animal caretakers in a shelter environment?

Animal caretakers in shelters often face challenges such as managing a high volume of animals, addressing diverse medical and behavioral needs, and coping with emotionally demanding situations like animal surrenders or adoptions. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as caretakers frequently collaborate with veterinarians, volunteers, and adoption counselors to ensure the well-being of each animal. Additionally, maintaining cleanliness and safety standards in a fast-paced environment can be physically demanding but is crucial for disease prevention and animal comfort.

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

To thrive as an Animal Caretaker, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and handling techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with animal management software, feeding protocols, and cleaning equipment is typically required. Compassion, patience, and strong observational skills help caretakers respond effectively to animal needs and recognize health issues early. These skills ensure animal well-being, safe environments, and effective daily operations in shelters, zoos, or veterinary facilities.

What careers work with animals?

There are a number of exciting careers in which you work with animals on a daily basis. Some of the more well-known careers are zoologist and veterinary doctor. As a zoologist, you can work with a wide variety of wild animals in a zoo setting. While zoos are the most common setting, there are a wide variety of research settings in which you can work as well. As a veterinarian, you take care of domestic animals in a pet hospital or vet clinic. You can also work with farm animals. Some lesser known career options are marine biologist, animal trainer, pet groomer, and dog warden. There are also careers for people that would be interested in breeding animals such as dogs and cats.

What is the difference between Animal vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAnimalVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsNone or basic animal handling certificationsLicensed or certified, often requiring an associate degree
Work EnvironmentZoos, farms, pet stores, research labsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, clinics
Industry UsageAnimal care, research, educationMedical support in veterinary settings
Common Search IntentAnimal care roles, animal handling jobsVet tech jobs, veterinary support roles

Animal roles focus on general care, handling, and management of animals across various environments. Veterinary technicians specialize in supporting veterinarians with medical procedures, diagnostics, and patient care in clinical settings. While both work with animals, veterinary technicians require specific certifications and work primarily in veterinary practices, whereas animal roles are broader and include diverse environments.

What careers can I have with animals?

Careers with animals include roles such as veterinarian, zookeeper, animal trainer, wildlife rehabilitator, and pet groomer. These jobs often require specific training, certifications, or degrees, and may involve working in environments like clinics, zoos, shelters, or outdoor settings.

What careers do you work with animals?

Careers working with animals include roles such as veterinarian, animal trainer, zookeeper, wildlife rehabilitator, and pet groomer. These jobs often require specific training, certifications, or degrees, and involve working in environments like clinics, zoos, shelters, or outdoor settings.
More about Animal jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Animal jobs?

Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Animal job openings:

Animal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,280 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Animal Care Steward

Red Door Animal Shelter

Chicago, IL

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 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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