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Entry Level Animal Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Palatine, IL · On-site

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Portage, IN · On-site

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Portage, IN

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Palatine, IL

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Romeoville, IL

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Homewood, IL · On-site

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Romeoville, IL · On-site

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Homewood, IL

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Sralab

Research Biologics Technologist 1

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05 - $29.62/hr

Using an entry level of skill, completes the following activities: * Molecular Biology and ... Animal: * Husbandry * Breeding & screening transgenic mice * Dissections * Blood collection

Loyola University Chicago

Grounds Worker I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22.27/hr

This is an entry level position and the employee will receive additional training and experience ... direct animal or patient contact? No Physical Demands Lifting, Carrying, Standing, Climbing ...

Krispy Kreme

Doughnut Server

Evergreen Park, IL · On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

This is an entry level opportunity with no previous experience required! All you need is the ... We are working on reducing food waste through donation efforts, animal feed, and composting ...

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All JobsAnimal JobsEntry Level Animal JobsEntry Level Animal Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Animal information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$17

$28

How much do entry level animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animal in Chicago, IL is $17.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $17.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level animal?

An Entry Level Animal job typically involves working with animals in roles that require little to no prior experience. These jobs may include positions such as animal care technician, kennel assistant, or veterinary assistant. Responsibilities often include feeding, cleaning, monitoring animal health, and assisting with basic care. Many positions provide on-the-job training, making them a great starting point for those interested in animal-related careers.

What are some typical daily tasks for an entry level animal care technician?

Entry Level Animal Care Technicians are typically responsible for feeding and watering animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and assisting more experienced staff with treatments or medication. You may also be expected to keep detailed logs of animal behavior, report any health concerns, and help maintain a clean and safe environment. Most roles require collaboration with veterinarians, animal handlers, and other technicians. This hands-on work provides a solid foundation in animal husbandry and offers a gateway to more advanced positions within the animal care or veterinary field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the entry level animal position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Animal Care Technician, you need a basic understanding of animal handling, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal care protocols, record-keeping systems, and, in some settings, certification in animal care or laboratory safety, can be beneficial. Compassion, patience, and strong communication skills help you stand out when interacting with animals and supporting team members. These skills are critical for ensuring animals' well-being, maintaining safety standards, and working effectively as part of a care team.

How do I start to work with animals?

To start working with animals as an entry-level animal worker, gain experience through volunteering or internships at shelters, farms, or veterinary clinics. Developing skills in animal handling, basic care, and safety procedures, along with obtaining relevant certifications like pet first aid, can improve job prospects. Entry-level roles often require patience, physical stamina, and a genuine interest in animal welfare.

How to start a career with animals?

To start a career as an entry-level animal worker, gain relevant experience through volunteering or internships at shelters, farms, or veterinary clinics. Obtain basic certifications such as animal first aid or handling courses, and develop skills in animal care, patience, and communication. Entry-level positions often require a high school diploma and a genuine interest in working with animals.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Entry Level Animal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Animal job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,725 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Animal Care Assistant- Entry Level (Weekends)

Naperville, IL • On-site

ShotVet
Veterinary Services • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about ShotVetexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

???? Animal Care Assistant (Weekend Mobile Clinic) – No Experience Needed!

???? Location: Naperville, IL (Traveling is required) 
???? Schedule: Friday–Sunday
???? Pay: Competitive Hourly Rate + Bonus Opportunities
???? Experience: No experience required – Paid training provided

Love animals? Start your career in veterinary care with ShotVet helping veterinarians provide affordable pet vaccine and wellness clinics for dogs and cats.

What You’ll Do

  • Assist veterinarians during pet vaccine clinics

  • Handle and comfort dogs and cats

  • Help with check-in, paperwork, and client support

  • Support clinic setup and breakdown

Requirements

  • Valid driver’s license required and HS Diploma or GED

  • Comfortable handling dogs and cats; Highly Preferred - existing knowledge in Preventative Wellness for pets

  • Able to lift up to 40 lbs

  • Reliable and team-oriented

Perfect For

  • Students interested in veterinary medicine

  • Future Veterinary Assistants / Vet Techs

  • Anyone looking for an entry level animal care job

  • Those who like to travel!

Apply today to gain hands-on experience helping pets stay healthy.

Apply