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Animal Jobs in Park Ridge, IL (NOW HIRING)

Animal Health Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24 - $27.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Performs daily rounds under the direct supervision of the clinical veterinarians or Animal Health Techincian, Leads to triage new animal health reports and monitor ongoing clinical cases.

Animal Health Technician

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

The duties may include, but are not limited to: • Creates, organizes, and ensures completeness of animal import records. • Monitors and manages import request and animal release workflow and ...

Animal Care Technician II

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Animal Care Technician II provides exemplary animal care and adheres to all department and AbbVie regulatory expectations. Provides animal husbandry and oversight in support of the AbbVie drug ...

Showing results 21-40

Animal information

See Park Ridge, IL salary details

$9

$20

$27

How much do animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal 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 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.

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

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

What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for Animal jobs?

Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most Animal job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal job openings in Park Ridge, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,082 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Animal Health Technician

Northwestern University

Chicago, IL • On-site

$24 - $27.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Northwestern University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Apply for Job Job ID 53324
Location Chicago, Illinois
Add to Favorite Jobs Email this Job

Department: Ctr for Comparative Medicine
Salary/Grade: NEX/13

Job Summary:

Performs daily health monitoring, clinical care, surgical support and enrichment for laboratory animals.

Specific Responsibilities:

Clinical Rounds

  • Performs daily rounds under the direct supervision of the clinical veterinarians or Animal Health Techincian, Leads to triage new animal health reports and monitor ongoing clinical cases. Communicates with veterinary staff and laboratory personnel to notify and update regarding the status of clinical cases. Performs physical examinations and treatments as deemed necessary by the clinical veterinarians.

Surgical Support

  • Assists the clinical veterinarians or other qualified individuals with surgical procedures. Prepares sterile instrument packs and prepares surgical suite animals for asceptic surgery. Under the direction of the clinical veterinarians, AHT Sr or Lead, administers anesthetic agents, intravenous fluids and monitors anesthesia and post surgical recovery.

Environmental Enrichment

  • Provides environmental and social enrichment to the laboratory animals. Maintains and monitors various reports and records including animal health records, activity reports and enrichment logs.

Colony Health/Sentinel Program

  • Assists with the rodent colony health monitoring program (Sentinel Program) and incoming rodent quarantine program. Responsibilities include scheduling of quarterly and quarantine sentinel shipments with the diagnostic laboratory, ordering of replacement sentinels and review of the testing results.

Drugs, Supplies and Testing

  • Dispenses non-controlled drugs and supplies from the CCM pharmacy to laboratory personnel. Performs periodic inventories of drugs, supplies, assay kits and instruments. Prepares and submits animals or specimens (blood, tissue, feces) for testing at diagnostic laboratories as determined necessary by the clinical veterinarians.

Teaching/Training

  • Participates in the training of animal care staff, laboratory personnel and interns in proper animal restraint, barrier technique and asepsis. Participates in various staff meetings, staff training and continuing professional education.

Regulatory

  • Maintains and monitors various reports and records including animal health records, activity reports and enrichment logs. Remains current with all regulations pertaining to laboratory animals including the Guide, Animal Welfare Act, etc. Becomes familiar with relevant Animal Study Protocols and meets with investigators and laboratory personnel to discuss research needs and animal health concerns.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

  • Successful completion of a college level curriculum in veterinary technology requiring a minimum of two years of full time academic study in a program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association or completion of a 4 year degree in animal science, biology, veterinary science, zoology or related field.
  • One year of experience as a veterinary assistant or technician in a veterinary medical facility, research facility or diagnostic laboratory or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience where the required knowledge, skills and abilities are acquired.
  • Must be able to type and have working knowledge of spreadsheet, word processing and e-mail software.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

  • Current state board licensure in veterinary technology in at least one state.
  • Experience in animal research.
  • Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science at the ALAT level.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $24.00-$27.75 per hour. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.


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