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Exotic Animal Rescue Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

We also regularly help rescue domestic chickens and ducks. Every year, Red Door rescues and finds ... Past experience with rabbits or other small, exotic mammals a plus Requirements * Insured car and a ...

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

We also regularly help rescue domestic chickens and ducks. Every year, Red Door rescues and finds ... Past experience with rabbits or other small, exotic mammals a plus Requirements * Insured car and a ...

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

We also regularly help rescue domestic chickens and ducks. Every year, Red Door rescues and finds ... exotic mammals a plus Qualifications Requirements Insured car and a valid driver's license Prior ...

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

We also regularly help rescue domestic chickens and ducks. Every year, Red Door rescues and finds ... exotic mammals a plus Qualifications Requirements Insured car and a valid driver's license Prior ...

Pine Bluff Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Morris, IL · On-site

Veterinarian Pine Bluff Animal Hospital is seeking a full-time veterinarian to join our team and ... We have developed strong partnerships with Great Dane breeders, handlers, and rescue groups. Dr.

Pine Bluff Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Morris, IL · On-site

Veterinarian - General Practice - Morris, Illinois Pine Bluff Animal Hospital: 7995 E Pine Bluff Rd ... We have developed strong partnerships with Great Dane breeders, handlers, and rescue groups. Dr.

Pine Bluff Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Morris, IL · On-site

Veterinarian - General Practice - Morris, Illinois Pine Bluff Animal Hospital: 7995 E Pine Bluff Rd ... We have developed strong partnerships with Great Dane breeders, handlers, and rescue groups. Dr.

VCA Seaside Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Morris, IL · On-site

$140 - $170/hr

Veterinarian - General Practice - Morris, Illinois Pine Bluff Animal Hospital: 7995 E Pine Bluff Rd ... We have developed strong partnerships with Great Dane breeders, handlers, and rescue groups. Dr.

New Frontier Animal Medical Center

Veterinarian

Morris, IL · On-site

$140 - $170/hr

Veterinarian - General Practice - Morris, Illinois Pine Bluff Animal Hospital: 7995 E Pine Bluff Rd ... We have developed strong partnerships with Great Dane breeders, handlers, and rescue groups. Dr.

Veterinary Practice Partners

Veterinarian

Morris, IL

Veterinarian - General Practice - Morris, Illinois Pine Bluff Animal Hospital: 7995 E Pine Bluff Rd ... We have developed strong partnerships with Great Dane breeders, handlers, and rescue groups. Dr.

Veterinary Practice Partners

Veterinarian

Morris, IL · On-site

Veterinarian - General Practice - Morris, Illinois Pine Bluff Animal Hospital: 7995 E Pine Bluff Rd ... We have developed strong partnerships with Great Dane breeders, handlers, and rescue groups. Dr.

NVA

Veterinary Technician

Collinsville, IL · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

About Us Northgate Small Animal Hospital provides high-quality medicine to dogs, cats, and exotics. We work with local rescues, including Speak! Rescue and Sanctuary St. Louis, giving back to our ...

NVA

Veterinary Technician, Lead

Glen Ellyn, IL · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

At Glen Ellyn Animal Hospital, we're looking for a Lead Technician to help guide our team, elevate ... Variety in Medicine We're a general practice that also sees exotics-especially rabbits-giving you ...

All JobsExotic Animal Rescue JobsExotic Animal Rescue Jobs in Illinois

Exotic Animal Rescue information

See Illinois salary details

$28.6K

$47.1K

$61.5K

How much do exotic animal rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for exotic animal rescue in Illinois is $47,077.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,700.00 and $55,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an exotic animal rescue?

An Exotic Animal Rescue job involves rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming exotic or non-domesticated animals in need. This can include reptiles, birds, small mammals, and even larger wildlife that have been abandoned, injured, or illegally kept as pets. Professionals in this field work with veterinarians, wildlife organizations, and law enforcement to provide medical care, proper housing, and behavioral rehabilitation. The goal is to ensure the animals' well-being and, when possible, reintroduce them to their natural habitats or find suitable sanctuaries or responsible homes.

What skills and qualifications are needed for exotic animal rescue?

Exotic Animal Rescue professionals require extensive knowledge of animal behavior, husbandry, and emergency care, often supported by degrees in zoology, veterinary science, or related fields. Certifications such as animal handling permits, first aid for wildlife, and training with animal transport and containment equipment are commonly needed. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help them adapt to unpredictable situations and coordinate with law enforcement or veterinary partners. These competencies are essential for ensuring animal welfare, safety, and effective rescue operations.

What are common challenges faced by exotic animal rescue professionals?

Exotic Animal Rescue professionals often encounter unpredictable or dangerous situations, such as handling frightened or aggressive animals and navigating challenging environments. They may also have to work odd hours, respond to emergencies on short notice, and manage the emotional aspects of animal distress and rehabilitation. Collaboration with veterinarians, law enforcement, and wildlife agencies is frequently required to ensure the safe and legal rescue of animals. Successfully overcoming these challenges demands resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to animal welfare, which can make the work deeply rewarding for those passionate about helping exotic species.

What are the most commonly searched types of Exotic Animal Rescue jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Exotic Animal Rescue jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Exotic Animal Rescue jobs in Illinois?

For Exotic Animal Rescue jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Exotic Animal Rescue jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Exotic Animal Rescue jobs in Illinois are:

Exotic Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exotic Animal Rescue job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,077 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Animal Care Steward

Red Door Animal Shelter

Chicago, IL • On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Since the Middle Ages, a red door has been the symbol of a safe haven. This is what Red Door Animal Shelter provides for the animals in its care.  Red Door's mission is to promote respect for all animals through education, shelter, rehabilitation, and adoption.  We provide a no-kill, cageless environment for animals in our care and provide permanent, loving residence for those few animals who don't find their forever homes.  We are one of only five no-kill, multi-species shelters in the country that admits rabbits as well as cats and dogs, spays/neuters them and places them up for adoption.  We also regularly help rescue domestic chickens and ducks.
Every year, Red Door rescues and finds homes for hundreds of abused and abandoned animals. Red Door is a 501(c)(3) organization. We receive no federal, state, county or city money. We are funded by private donations and grants from private foundations.

Red Door houses cats, rabbits, and our occasional chicken & duck friends on-site at the shelter.  All dogs are kept in foster homes off-site.

Job Description

An Animal Care Steward is responsible for the day-to-day care of the shelter animals and cleaning of the shelter, as defined by policies determined by the shelter's manager and Board of Directors. Main job responsibilites include cleaning animal areas, administering food and medications, and transporting animals to and from vet appointments.  All applicants must have an insured car and a valid driver's license.  Given that we are a small organization with limited resources, we expect all animal care stewards to be courteous, helpful and respectful to fellow staff, volunteers, and visitors; have attention to detail; the ability to learn and adjust to procedure changes quickly; and good communication skills

Qualifications

Job Functions

  • Clean animal areas - including bedding, food/water bowls, and litterboxes
  • Feed animals
  • Administer medications
  • Drive animals to and from vet appointments
  • Unload and organize food and supply deliveries
  • Laundry
  • Keep the shelter clean and organized
  • Clearly communicate questions and concerns to shelter management
  • Past experience with rabbits or other small, exotic mammals a plus

Requirements

  • Insured car and a valid driver's license
  • Prior experience working with animals in a professional setting
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs
  • Live within reasonable driving distance
Additional Information

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Red Door Animal Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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