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Live In Animal Caretaker Jobs in Springfield, IL

Animal Care Specialist

Springfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ... Efficiently order live animals, supplies, and related merchandise in partnership with the sales ...

Animal Care Specialist

Springfield, IL

$15 - $19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Efficiently order live animals, supplies, and related merchandise in partnership with the sales ... Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. * Assist with opening and ...

Live-In Certified Nurse Aide

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Live-In Certified Nurse Aide - $400 Bonus Available* * Pay Rate: $16-$20/hour * Differential pay ... Caregiver Assistance Program for employees maintaining 35-40 hours a week * Caregiver mentor ...

Be Seen First

Must live in the Springfield area * Background Check: Ability to pass a comprehensive background check, drug screen and motor vehicle check * Transportation: Valid driver's license and a reliable ...

Veterinarian

Springfield, IL

$110K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

White Oaks West Animal Hospital is a well-established, multi-doctor companion animal practice ... Our hospital features digital dental radiography, ultrasound, therapeutic laser, in-house ...

Caregiver

Rochester, IL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

By providing consistent and quality care, our caregiving team ensures our residents live meaningful ... Engages residents in meaningful conversation, socialization, and activity while providing personal ...

Caregiver

Springfield, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

By providing consistent and quality care, our caregiving team ensures our residents live meaningful ... Engages residents in meaningful conversation, socialization, and activity while providing personal ...

Groomer

Springfield, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups ...

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups ...

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... In 1999, we foundedPetco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups ...

Groomer

Springfield, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... In 1999, we foundedPetco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups ...

Veterinarian

Springfield, IL · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

White Oaks West Animal Hospital is a well-established, multi-doctor companion animal practice ... Our hospital features digital dental radiography, ultrasound, therapeutic laser, in-house ...

Sales Specialist

Springfield, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups ...

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... In 1999, we foundedPetco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups ...

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Live In Animal Caretaker information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$8

$17

$22

How much do live in animal caretaker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for live in animal caretaker in Springfield, IL is $17.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $19.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a live in animal caretaker?

A Live In Animal Caretaker is responsible for the daily care and well-being of animals while residing on-site. Duties typically include feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring health, administering medication, and providing enrichment. This role is common in sanctuaries, farms, kennels, or wildlife rehabilitation centers. Living on-site allows for constant monitoring and immediate response to animal needs. The position often includes housing as part of the compensation.

What does a typical daily routine look like for a live in animal caretaker?

A typical day for a Live In Animal Caretaker involves feeding the animals, administering any necessary medications, cleaning enclosures or living areas, and providing exercise or enrichment activities. You may also be responsible for monitoring animals for signs of illness, grooming, and reporting updates to pet owners or supervising veterinarians. Many caretakers perform light household duties related to the animals, such as washing bedding or maintaining supplies. While routines can vary depending on the number and type of animals, consistency and attention to detail are important to ensure each pet’s well-being and a smooth-running household.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a live in animal caretaker position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Live In Animal Caretaker, you need hands-on animal care experience, knowledge of species-specific needs, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with feeding schedules, medication administration, and basic animal health monitoring tools is highly valued, and some positions may require pet first aid certification. Strong soft skills such as responsibility, patience, and clear communication are essential, especially when interacting with pet owners and handling animals with varying temperaments. These abilities ensure the well-being of the animals, build trust with owners, and foster a safe and harmonious living environment.

How much money does a live in animal caretaker make a year?

A live-in animal caretaker typically earns between $20,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the responsibilities involved. Some positions may include room and board, which can affect overall compensation. Additional skills such as pet first aid or specialized training can also influence salary levels.

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

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

What job categories do people searching Live In Animal Caretaker jobs in Springfield, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Live In Animal Caretaker jobs in Springfield, IL are:

What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Live In Animal Caretaker jobs?

Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Live In Animal Caretaker job openings:

Infographic showing various Live In Animal Caretaker job openings in Springfield, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,478 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Animal Care Specialist

Petco

Springfield, IL • On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Petco rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 637 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

459th of 734 rated retailers


Job description

Want to help pets live their best lives?
We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.
Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and people.
  • Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.

  • Foster the Fun - Connect & Bond. Our Passion for pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through distinct experiences, products, and services.

  • Let's Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as One Petco team. We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.

About Petco:
We're proud to be "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years - from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood - the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we're here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.
As a Companion Animal Specialist, you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC).
You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding customer experience by combining deep animal-care knowledge with strong operational discipline. This role is ideal for someone passionate about animal welfare who enjoys teaching others and contributing to a collaborative team environment.
What You'll Do
Pet First
  • Ensure the health, safety, and proper care of all companion animals and aquatic life in accordance with Petco standards, policies, and procedures.
  • Complete and verify required animal care tasks, including hourly animal health checks, wellness documentation, maintenance logs, and incident reports.
  • Ensure proper handling, documentation, and care of relinquished and adoption animals.
  • Serve as the primary resource for animal care education for customers and PCC partners.
  • Adhere to and promote all safety, animal welfare, and loss prevention procedures.

Foster the Fun
  • Deliver knowledgeable, compassionate, and solution-focused service to customers.
  • Actively support customer interactions using Petco's selling model.
  • Promote a culture of teamwork, inclusion, and collaboration across the PCC.
  • Mentor and educate partners on animal care standards, maintenance routines, and best practices.
  • Maintain professional, clean, and well-presented animal habitats and aquatic areas.

Let's Go!
  • Support the achievement of department sales, margin, and shrink goals.
  • Ensure merchandise is stocked, priced, and displayed to Petco standards, with a primary focus on companion animals and aquatics.
  • Efficiently order live animals, supplies, and related merchandise in partnership with the sales team to support inventory integrity and business goals.
  • Analyze inventory data and identify opportunities to improve in-stock levels, shrink, and operational efficiency.
  • Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts.
  • Assist with opening and closing procedures as assigned.
  • Perform additional duties and special projects as needed to support Pet Care Center operations.

Key Responsibilities
Animal Care & Maintenance
  • Verify all animal care and maintenance tasks are completed according to established schedules.
  • Perform routine housekeeping duties, including cleaning habitats and tanks, sweeping and mopping floors, dusting, and facing merchandise.
  • Ensure compliance with all regulatory, operational, and safety standards.

Customer Experience & Sales Support
  • Process register transactions accurately and efficiently.
  • Evaluate customer needs and escalate concerns to the Leader on Duty when appropriate.
  • Support Omni-channel and in-store initiatives through consistent execution and customer engagement.

What Success Looks Like
  • Animals are healthy, safe, and cared for to Petco's highest standards.
  • Customers trust the team's expertise and return for guidance and solutions.
  • Animal habitats and aquatic areas are clean, compliant, and visually appealing.
  • Inventory and merchandising support sales while minimizing shrink.
  • Partners feel supported and informed through shared animal-care knowledge.

What You Bring
Experience & Skills
  • Minimum of 1 year of experience working with or caring for companion animals and aquatic life.
  • Strong knowledge of animal care, husbandry, and maintenance practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to educate others and communicate effectively.
  • Strong customer service mindset with an aptitude for selling behaviors.
  • Basic business, math, and inventory management skills.
  • Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
  • High school diploma or GED preferred.
  • Completion and ongoing maintenance of the Petco Animal Care Certification Program required.

Essential Functions & Work Environment
This role is performed in a Pet Care Center retail environment and requires active engagement on the sales floor.
  • The role requires frequent standing and walking, as well as bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting.
  • Ability to safely lift and move merchandise, supplies, or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Regular engagement with customers on the sales floor, including providing customer assistance and performing cashiering and point-of-sale transactions.
  • Must be able to work in proximity to animals, including exposure to animal dander, odors, noises, and cleaning chemicals.
  • Flexible availability to support Pet Care Center operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.
Why You'll Love It Here
  • Purpose-driven work that makes a difference for pets and people.
  • A welcoming, inclusive team environment.
  • Opportunities to learn, grow, and explore career paths.
  • A fun, fast-paced role where no two days are the same.

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.
The pay ranges outlined below are presented in accordance with state-specific regulations. These ranges may differ in other areas and could be subject to variation based on regulatory minimum wage requirements. Actual pay rates will depend on factors such as position, location, level of experience, and applicable state or local minimum wage laws. If the regulatory minimum wage exceeds the minimum indicated in the pay range below, the regulatory minimum wage will be the minimum rate applied.
$13.00 - $22.00
Starting Rate:
$16.00
Hourly or Salary Range will be reflected above. For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO -see https://careers.petco.com/us/en/key-benefits
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