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Anti Cruelty Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Anti-Cruelty

MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Chicago, IL · On-site

$175K/yr

THE ANTI-CRUELTY JOB TITLE: Medical Director DEPARTMENT: Veterinary Services REPORTS TO: Director of Clinic Services STATUS: Exempt POSITION SUMMARY The Medical Director provides strategic and ...

Anti-Cruelty

MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Chicago, IL · On-site

$175K/yr

THE ANTI-CRUELTY JOB TITLE: Medical Director DEPARTMENT: Veterinary Services REPORTS TO: Director of Clinic Services STATUS: Exempt POSITION SUMMARY The Medical Director provides strategic and ...

Anti-Cruelty

ANIMAL CARE ASSOCIATE

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $20/hr

ANTI-CRUELTY JOB TITLE:Animal Care Associate DEPARTMENT:Operations REPORTS TO:Operations Manager, Shelter Care STATUS:Non-Exempt GENERAL SUMMARY Under the direct supervision of the Operations Manager ...

Anti-Cruelty

ANIMAL CARE ASSOCIATE

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $20/hr

ANTI-CRUELTY JOB TITLE:Animal Care Associate DEPARTMENT:Operations REPORTS TO:Operations Manager, Shelter Care STATUS:Non-Exempt GENERAL SUMMARY Under the direct supervision of the Operations Manager ...

Anti-Cruelty

VETERINARY ASSISTANT II

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Train and mentor Veterinary Assistant I staff on Anti-Cruelty protocols and workflow * Reinforce best practices in anesthesia, patient handling, and efficiency * Support a culture of safety, teamwork ...

VCA Seaside Animal Hospital

Medical Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$180 - $250/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Medical Director provides strategic and medical leadership for all veterinary programs at Anti-Cruelty, ensuring exceptional medical care for shelter animals while advancing ...

Jefferson Parish

HUMANE OFFICER (6612)

Gretna, LA · On-site

$37K/yr

Enforces all animal control and anti-cruelty ordinances and statutes. Conduct daily patrols throughout the Parish. Responds to animal related emergencies. Impounds at-large dogs, cats, or other small ...

Jefferson Parish, LA

HUMANE OFFICER (6612)

Gretna, LA · On-site

$37K/yr

Enforces all animal control and anti-cruelty ordinances and statutes. Conduct daily patrols throughout the Parish. Responds to animal related emergencies. Impounds at-large dogs, cats, or other small ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Associate Veterinarian

Chicago, IL · On-site

$77K/yr

We regularly work with pet adopters from PAWS Chicago, Anti-Cruelty Society, and the Animal Care League in Oak Park, and we're easily accessible via CTA and Metra. Students and new graduates are ...

Farm Sanctuary

Caregiver, Environment

Watkins Glen, NY · On-site

$20/hr

Proactively centers racial equity at Farm Sanctuary in all work contributes to an anti-racist ... animals from cruelty, and we are committed to creating a culture of respect, civility, and ...

All JobsAnti Cruelty Jobs

Anti Cruelty information

See salary details

$11K

$291.6K

$400K

How much do anti cruelty jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for anti cruelty in the United States is $291,565.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $250,000.00 and $394,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an anti cruelty investigator?

To thrive as an Anti-Cruelty Investigator, you need a background in animal science, law enforcement, or a related field, often supported by relevant certifications or training in animal welfare. Familiarity with case management systems, evidence collection procedures, and state/local animal cruelty statutes is typically required. Strong observational skills, compassion, effective communication, and resilience are essential soft skills for engaging with both animals and the public. These skills ensure the humane treatment of animals, successful investigations, and effective legal outcomes in animal cruelty cases.

What is an anti cruelty worker?

Anti Cruelty workers are professionals or volunteers dedicated to preventing and addressing cruelty towards animals. They may work for animal welfare organizations, law enforcement agencies, or shelters, investigating reports of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment. Their responsibilities often include rescuing animals in distress, educating the public about animal welfare laws, and working to ensure the humane treatment of all animals. Anti Cruelty workers play a critical role in enforcing animal protection laws and advocating for the rights and well-being of animals in their communities.

What are common challenges faced by professionals working in anti cruelty roles, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in anti-cruelty roles often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as investigating cases of animal abuse or neglect. Managing compassion fatigue and maintaining objectivity are common challenges. Support from colleagues, access to counseling resources, and ongoing training in both investigative techniques and self-care strategies are vital for long-term effectiveness. Team collaboration is also essential, as cases often require cooperation with law enforcement, veterinarians, and social services. Developing resilience and strong communication skills can help professionals navigate these demanding aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Anti Cruelty vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectAnti CrueltyAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsAnimal welfare certifications, training in cruelty preventionBasic animal care training, sometimes certifications
Work EnvironmentInvestigations, advocacy, legal settingsAnimal shelters, rescue facilities
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, government agencies focused on cruelty preventionShelters, rescue organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in cruelty preventionAnimal care and shelter work

Anti Cruelty professionals focus on investigating cruelty cases, advocating for animal rights, and working with legal systems. Animal Shelter Workers primarily care for animals, facilitate adoptions, and maintain shelter operations. While both roles aim to improve animal welfare, Anti Cruelty roles are more investigative and advocacy-oriented, whereas Shelter Workers focus on daily animal care and shelter management.

More about Anti Cruelty jobs
What cities are hiring for Anti Cruelty jobs? Cities with the most Anti Cruelty job openings:
What states have the most Anti Cruelty jobs? States with the most job openings for Anti Cruelty jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Anti Cruelty jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Anti Cruelty jobs are:
Anti Cruelty jobs near you
Infographic showing various Anti Cruelty job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $291,565 per year, or $140.2 per hour.

HIGH-QUALITY, HIGH-VOLUME SPAY/NEUTER VETERIN

Anti-Cruelty

Chicago, IL • On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

THE ANTI-CRUELTYJOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: High-Quality, High-Volume Spay/Neuter Veterinarian
DEPARTMENT: Clinic Operations
REPORTS TO: Medical Director
STATUS: Exempt

GENERAL SUMMARY

The High-Quality, High-Volume Spay/Neuter Veterinarian is responsible for providing safe, efficient and compassionate surgical care within Anti-Cruelty’s community spay/neuter and shelter medicine programs.

This position serves as a primary surgeon in Anti-Cruelty’s high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter program and plays a critical role in expanding access to affordable veterinary care, reducing animal overpopulation and ensuring that shelter animals are prepared for placement without unnecessary delays.

The veterinarian performs spay/neuter procedures using efficient, evidence-based surgical techniques while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety, pain management, anesthesia and postoperative care. The veterinarian works in close partnership with veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, clinic leadership and shelter operations staff to maintain effective patient flow and continually improve surgical capacity, quality and outcomes.

Although the primary responsibility of this position is high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter surgery, the veterinarian may also support other mission-aligned veterinary services based on organizational needs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSHigh-Quality, High-Volume Surgery
  • Perform high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter surgeries on dogs and cats, including pediatric, adult, community cat and shelter patients.
  • Routinely complete approximately 30 spay/neuter surgeries during a fully staffed clinic day, with the ability to reach 35 or more depending on patient mix, staffing, training, clinic conditions and organizational need.
  • Conduct preoperative physical examinations and determine each patient’s suitability for anesthesia and surgery.
  • Modify anesthetic and surgical plans appropriately based on patient age, weight, health status and individual risk factors.
  • Perform surgical procedures using efficient, atraumatic and evidence-based techniques.
  • Recognize and respond appropriately to anesthetic complications, surgical complications and medical emergencies.
  • Ensure appropriate perioperative pain management, anesthetic monitoring and postoperative recovery.
  • Provide timely evaluation and treatment of postoperative concerns and complications.
  • Maintain accurate, complete and timely medical records.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, professional standards and organizational medical protocols.
  • Uphold the PETS Work Culture Agreement through Praise, Engagement, Trust, and Support.
Surgical Quality and Clinic Operations
  • Partner with clinic leadership and the surgical support team to create and maintain safe, consistent and efficient patient flow.
  • Participate in daily surgical rounds, case review and team communication.
  • Help identify operational barriers affecting surgical volume, patient safety, staff performance or clinic efficiency.
  • Support standardized protocols for patient selection, anesthesia, surgery, recovery, discharge and postoperative care.
  • Review surgical outcomes and participate in quality-assurance activities, including monitoring complication rates, mortality, anesthetic events, surgical efficiency and other key performance indicators.
  • Provide constructive feedback, coaching and hands-on mentorship to veterinary technicians, assistants, students and other team members.
  • Promote a learning environment in which staff members are encouraged to raise safety concerns, ask questions and improve their technical skills.
  • Assist with the evaluation and responsible implementation of new equipment, supplies, medications, techniques and workflow improvements.
  • Maintain appropriate standards of sanitation, infection control, controlled-substance security and surgical-suite organization.
  • Use organizational resources responsibly and support cost-effective medical and surgical practices without compromising patient care.
Leadership and Collaboration
  • Model Anti-Cruelty’s values and support a respectful, inclusive and accountable workplace.
  • Work collaboratively with veterinarians, clinic managers, veterinary support staff and operational leaders.
  • Communicate medical decisions clearly, respectfully and promptly.
  • Maintain professional composure and sound clinical judgment in a fast-paced environment.
  • Participate in staff meetings, trainings, continuing education and organizational initiatives.
  • Represent Anti-Cruelty professionally in interactions with clients, partners, volunteers, students and members of the public.
  • Perform other duties consistent with the position and organizational mission.
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Success in this position will be evaluated using a balanced set of quality, capacity and teamwork measures, which may include:

  • Surgical volume appropriate to patient mix, staffing and scheduled clinic hours.
  • Surgical and anesthetic complication rates.
  • Patient mortality and morbidity.
  • Adherence to medical and surgical protocols.
  • Medical-record accuracy and timeliness.
  • Effective use of clinic resources.
  • Contribution to team development and surgical workflow.
  • Support of shelter flow and reduction of surgery-related delays in placement.
  • Professional communication, collaboration and workplace conduct.

Surgical volume expectations will be evaluated in the context of patient complexity, staffing levels, equipment availability, training needs and other clinic conditions affecting safe surgical capacity.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or equivalent degree from an accredited veterinary school.
  • Current Illinois veterinary license, or ability to obtain Illinois licensure before employment.
  • Current DEA registration, or ability to obtain registration, if required for assigned duties.
  • Experience performing high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter surgery
  • Demonstrated competency in canine and feline ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy and orchiectomy required.
  • Experience performing pediatric spay/neuter procedures strongly preferred.
  • Shelter medicine, community medicine or nonprofit veterinary experience preferred.
  • Experience supervising, training or mentoring veterinary support staff preferred.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Excellent surgical technique and sound clinical judgment.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform surgery efficiently without compromising quality or patient safety.
  • Thorough knowledge of anesthesia, analgesia, aseptic technique, emergency response and postoperative care.
  • Ability to assess surgical risk and make appropriate decisions regarding patient acceptance, postponement or referral.
  • Ability to manage complications calmly and effectively.
  • Ability to work productively within a highly coordinated surgical team.
  • Ability to give and receive feedback professionally.
  • Commitment to accessible veterinary care, progressive animal sheltering and reducing barriers to spay/neuter services.
  • Strong communication, organizational and medical-recordkeeping skills.
  • Ability to balance individual patient needs with population-level responsibilities.
  • Commitment to continuing education and ongoing improvement in surgical skill and clinic operations.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Work is performed in veterinary clinic, surgical and animal shelter environments.
  • The position requires prolonged standing and repetitive use of hands and arms during surgical procedures.
  • Must be able to bend, reach, stoop and move safely within clinical and animal housing environments.
  • Must be able to lift and carry animals or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds independently and heavier animals with assistance.
  • May be exposed to animal waste, cleaning chemicals, zoonotic disease, anesthetic gases, medications, sharp instruments, loud noise and animals with unpredictable behavior.
  • Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment.
  • Schedule may include early mornings, evenings, weekends or holidays based on clinic and shelter needs.
  • No routine overnight on-call responsibilities are anticipated unless separately established by organizational policy.
  • Ability to work in an open-office environment.
  • Due to nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile or irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.
COMPENSATION

Anti-Cruelty offers a comprehensive benefits package, professional development support and the opportunity to build a high-impact surgical program serving shelter animals, community pets and families throughout Chicago.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The job description is a guide to the essential functions of the job, not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, qualifications, physical demands, and work environment conditions. Job descriptions are reviewed and revised to meet the changing needs of the organization at the sole discretion of management.

Anti-Cruelty is an equal opportunity employer.