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Animal Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Associate Veterinarian

Lincoln, IL · 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

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

Veterinarian

Springfield, IL · 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 ...

Veterinary CSR

Lincoln, IL

$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 ...

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Animal information

See Springfield, IL salary details

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How much do animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal 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 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 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 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 kind of jobs work with animals?

Jobs that work with animals include roles such as veterinarian, animal trainer, zookeeper, pet groomer, wildlife rehabilitator, and veterinary technician. These positions often require specific training, certifications, or degrees, and involve working in environments like clinics, zoos, shelters, or outdoor settings.

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Springfield, IL? The most popular types of Animal jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Animal jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Animal job openings:

Store Team Member (Cashier, Stocker, Animal Care)

Pet Supplies Plus

Springfield, IL

$15 - $16/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 3 days ago


Pet Supplies Plus rating

5.1

Company rating: 5.1 out of 10

Based on 381 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

576th of 713 rated retailers


Job description

Did you know bearded dragons grow up to 2 feet long? Or that the average life span for an umbrella cockatoo is 50 years? Our team members are pet lovers and like to know it all!


As a Store Team Member at Pet Supplies Plus, you’re pawsitively passionate about people and their pets. Providing exceptional, neighborly service at every opportunity during your workday, you will

  • stop to help a neighbor select the perfect toy for a terrier that likes to chew
  • review and compare the ingredient labels of several food brands for a concerned cat parent
  • fit a squirming dachshund with the perfect harness
  • educate a sixth grader on bird ownership
  • stock shelves and ring up neighbors’ purchases
  • feed all the furry pets and make sure their cages are spiffy

…all while engaging with our neighbors and smiling in the face of puppy breath. Are you awesome? No, you are more than that. You’re PAWsome!

A Pet Supplies Plus Store Team Member will likely do it all, but may specialize in any of the following areas:

Cashier

  • Processing neighbors’ purchases with trustworthy accuracy and efficiency.
  • Providing Preferred Pet Club membership information to ensure neighbors don’t miss any outstanding offers.

Stocker

  • Safely unloading our delivery trucks using the proper equipment.
  • Stocking shelves to ensure Fido always gets his favorite chew toy and treats.
  • Carrying bags of kibble, cat litter, aquariums and other purchases out to neighbors’ cars.

Pet Care

  • Providing care for pets in our store, which may include cleaning habitats, feeding and handling the animals.
  • Answering neighbor’s questions on animal care to help them find or maintain the perfect pet.

The Store Team Member position can be physically demanding, requiring heavy lifting (40-65 lbs.) and standing for long periods of time. We support learning through our interactive Pet Degree pay-for-knowledge programs. PAWsome Store Team Member candidates will:

  • Support each other by acting as back-up when extra help is needed.
  • Be knowledgeable about animals and our products in order to provide outstanding neighborly service.
  • Be flexible to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
  • Candidates must pass a drug screening (in applicable states) and be 16 years or older.

Why Us:

  • Employee Discounts
  • Flexible Schedules
  • Pay Increases & Pet Care Training Programs
  • Promotion From Within Culture
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Plans (Full-Time)
  • Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts (Full-Time)

Pet Supplies Plus is focused on making it easier to get better products for your pet. With 770+ locations in 44 states, the stores have a streamlined design making it easy to navigate a wide assortment of natural foods, hard goods and pet services. Friendly, knowledgeable staff get to know each pet and their owner by name and provide playful store experiences to remind them just how fun it is to own a pet. Pet Supplies Plus stores are large enough to house an incredible variety of food and equipment, yet small enough to still feel neighborly.
Pet Supplies Plus is ranked No. 31 overall in Entrepreneur Magazine's 2026 Franchise 500® list and is the Top Full-Service Pet Supplies Franchise for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate and system size. For more information, please visit www.petsuppliesplus.com. 

EOE STATEMENT

We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the company complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. 


USD $15.00/Hr.
USD $16.00/Hr.

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