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Entry Level Animal Care Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Animal Care information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$10

$18

$26

How much do entry level animal care jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animal care in Springfield, IL is $18.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $20.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level animal care job?

Entry level animal care jobs involve assisting in the daily care and well-being of animals in settings such as shelters, veterinary clinics, zoos, or pet boarding facilities. Responsibilities typically include feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, providing enrichment, and sometimes assisting with basic grooming or medical tasks. These positions often require a genuine love for animals, attention to detail, and the ability to work physically demanding shifts. Entry level roles serve as a foundation for those interested in pursuing advanced careers in animal care or veterinary medicine.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an entry level animal care worker?

As an entry level animal care worker, your day-to-day tasks usually include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health and behavior, and assisting with basic grooming or exercise routines. You’ll likely work closely with senior staff, veterinarians, and sometimes interact with the public, especially if you’re in a shelter or zoo environment. Attention to detail and strong observation skills are important, as early detection of health issues is a key part of the role. The work can be physically demanding but highly rewarding for animal lovers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level animal care worker?

To thrive as an Entry Level Animal Care worker, you need basic animal handling skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with cleaning protocols, animal restraint equipment, and record-keeping systems is typically required. Compassion, patience, and strong teamwork skills help you build trust with animals and collaborate effectively with colleagues. These skills ensure the well-being of animals, maintain facility standards, and support a safe, supportive environment for both animals and staff.

What is the difference between Entry Level Animal Care vs Veterinary Assistant?

AspectEntry Level Animal CareVeterinary Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications optionalHigh school diploma; some certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, pet stores, kennelsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal care facilities, pet organizationsVeterinary practices, animal healthcare industry
Common Search & ComparisonEntry Level Animal Care vs Veterinary Assistant

Entry Level Animal Care roles focus on basic animal handling and care in shelters or pet stores, often requiring minimal certifications. Veterinary Assistants work in clinics, assisting veterinarians with medical tasks, and may need specific certifications. Both roles involve working closely with animals, but Veterinary Assistants typically have more medical responsibilities and work in clinical settings.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Animal Care jobs in Springfield, IL?

For Entry Level Animal Care jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Animal Care jobs in Springfield, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Animal Care jobs in Springfield, IL are:

What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Entry Level Animal Care jobs?

Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Entry Level Animal Care job openings:

Entry Level Animal Care jobs near you

Veterinary Hospital Attendant

Alliance Animal Health

Springfield, IL • On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Alliance Animal Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 52 rated veterinary

Job description

Company Description

**This is a part-time position with possible full-time opportunities***

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. 

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. We are open 24/7 to attend to emergencies as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Check out more about us by clicking here!

Job Description

This is a part-time entry-level position and we are looking for people who are excited and willing to learn! This job involves cleaning, laundry, bathing pets as needed, feeding pets, walking dogs, and medicating pets. You are responsible for restocking hospital supplies, helping with post-operative patients, assisting doctors and assistants with animal restraint and exams. You will be responsible for proper recordkeeping of medications, special foods, appetite, behavior and any issue that may arise while the animal is in our care. You will be trained to clean and sterilize surgical instruments. This position has expectations of early morning, evening, and weekend shifts.

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 are looking for a:

  • Compassionate, calm team player with a positive attitude.
  • Consistent punctuality and reliability in adherence to scheduled shifts.
  • Availability to work weekends.
  • Ability to use cleaning materials and equipment with skill and efficiency. 
  • Perform moderately heavy physical labor (large dogs, bags of litter, pet foods, etc).
  • Ability to attend to sick, scared and injured animals sympathetically and patiently. 
  • Ability to learn to administer medications and to recognize abnormal conditions.
  • Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
  • Maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of the job. 
Additional Information

**This is a part-time position with possible full-time opportunities***

Pay Range: $15 - $16/hr. depending on level of experience

We offer our staff:

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

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

*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: https://allianceanimal.com/additionaljobdescriptiondetails/

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

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