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Live In Animal Sanctuary Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Store General Manager

Buffalo, IL · On-site

$52K - $85K/mo

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 ...

New

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 ...

New

Retail Sales Associate Part Time

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Together, we're building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection, and ... Recommends, informs, and sells merchandise, services and live pets. * Administers store owned pet ...

Retail Sales Associate Part Time

Forsyth, IL

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Together, we're building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection, and ... Recommends, informs, and sells merchandise, services and live pets. * Administers store owned pet ...

Retail Sales Associate Full Time

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Together, we're building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection, and ... Recommends, informs, and sells merchandise, services and live pets. * Administers store owned pet ...

Retail Sales Associate Part Time

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Together, we're building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection, and ... Recommends, informs, and sells merchandise, services and live pets. * Administers store owned pet ...

Retail Sales Associate Full Time

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Together, we're building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection, and ... Recommends, informs, and sells merchandise, services and live pets. * Administers store owned pet ...

Retail Sales Associate Full Time

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Together, we're building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection, and ... Recommends, informs, and sells merchandise, services and live pets. * Administers store owned pet ...

Retail Sales Associate Full Time

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Together, we're building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection, and ... Recommends, informs, and sells merchandise, services and live pets. * Administers store owned pet ...

Retail Sales Associate Full Time

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Together, we're building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection, and ... Recommends, informs, and sells merchandise, services and live pets. * Administers store owned pet ...

Retail Sales Associate Part Time

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Together, we're building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection, and ... Recommends, informs, and sells merchandise, services and live pets. * Administers store owned pet ...

Retail Sales Associate Part Time

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Together, we're building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection, and ... Recommends, informs, and sells merchandise, services and live pets. * Administers store owned pet ...

Retail Sales Associate Part Time

Forsyth, IL

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Together, we're building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection, and ... Recommends, informs, and sells merchandise, services and live pets. * Administers store owned pet ...

Together, we're building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection, and ... Recommends, informs, and sells merchandise, services and live pets. * Administers store owned pet ...

Retail Sales Associate Full Time

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Together, we're building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection, and ... Recommends, informs, and sells merchandise, services and live pets. * Administers store owned pet ...

Together, we're building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection, and ... Recommends, informs, and sells merchandise, services and live pets. * Administers store owned pet ...

Live In Animal Sanctuary information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$9

$20

$27

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

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for live in animal sanctuary in Decatur, IL is $20.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $24.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a live in animal sanctuary worker?

A Live In Animal Sanctuary worker is someone who resides at an animal sanctuary and is responsible for the daily care and well-being of the animals living there. Their duties can include feeding, cleaning enclosures, administering medications, monitoring animal behavior, and assisting with rescues or adoptions. Living on-site allows for around-the-clock care and immediate response to animal needs or emergencies. This role often requires a passion for animals, physical stamina, and a strong sense of responsibility. Some sanctuaries may also expect workers to help with education, outreach, or maintenance tasks.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for someone living and working at an animal sanctuary?

Daily responsibilities at a live-in animal sanctuary often include feeding and caring for the animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and assisting with veterinary care. You may also be involved in habitat maintenance, educational tours, or administrative tasks, depending on the sanctuary's size and needs. Collaboration with other staff and volunteers is common, and flexibility is essential as animal care needs can change unexpectedly. It's a physically demanding role that requires dedication and a genuine passion for animal welfare.

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

To thrive as a Live-In Animal Sanctuary Caretaker, you need experience in animal care, basic veterinary knowledge, and often a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with animal husbandry tools, feeding systems, and record-keeping software is typically required. Compassion, reliability, and strong problem-solving skills help you manage animal welfare and respond to emergencies. These skills ensure the well-being of animals and the smooth operation of the sanctuary environment.

What is the difference between Live In Animal Sanctuary vs Animal Caretaker?

AspectLive In Animal SanctuaryAnimal Caretaker
CredentialsBasic animal care knowledge, certifications varySimilar credentials, often includes animal handling certifications
Work EnvironmentResidential setting, on-site living with animalsVaries; can be residential or daily shifts, often in shelters or farms
Employer & IndustryAnimal sanctuaries, rescue organizations

Live In Animal Sanctuary roles involve residing on-site to care for animals in a sanctuary setting, often with a focus on rehabilitation and long-term care. Animal Caretakers may work in shelters, farms, or rescue centers, providing daily care without necessarily living on-site. While both roles require animal handling skills and certifications, the key difference lies in the residential aspect and the specific environment.

What are popular job titles related to Live In Animal Sanctuary jobs in Decatur, IL?

For Live In Animal Sanctuary jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

The top searched job categories for Live In Animal Sanctuary jobs in Decatur, IL are:

What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Live In Animal Sanctuary jobs?

Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Live In Animal Sanctuary job openings:

Infographic showing various Live In Animal Sanctuary job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,468 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Store General Manager

Buffalo, IL • On-site

Petco
Retail • 10K+ employees

$52K - $85K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Petco rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 642 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

461st of 740 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 district 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 General Manager, you bring this purpose to life by leading a high-performing Pet Care Center that puts pets first, inspires partners, delights customers, and delivers strong business results.

You are the owner of your business, accountable for people, performance, and process, and a role model for what great leadership looks like. With a passion for pets and people, you build engaged teams, drive profitable growth, and ensure the highest standards of animal care, safety, and customer experience.

What You’ll Do

Pet First

  • Champion the health, safety, and humane care of all animals, ensuring Petco standards and policies are consistently met.
  • Create an environment where pets and pet parents feel welcomed, supported, and cared for.
  • Lead with integrity, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right for pets.

Foster the Fun

  • Build and lead an inclusive, energized team that embodies the Petco brand and delivers exceptional service.
  • Attract, hire, train, coach, and develop diverse talent across all roles within the Pet Care Center.
  • Create a positive, collaborative culture where partners feel engaged, supported, and empowered to grow.
  • Lead by example — coaching in the moment, celebrating wins, and making work meaningful and fun.

Let’s Go!

  • Own the business: drive sales growth, profitability, and operational excellence.
  • Analyze financial and operational results, identify opportunities, and take decisive action to improve performance.
  • Manage labor, payroll, and expenses to maximize productivity and results.
  • Execute merchandising, inventory, and operational processes to brand and safety standards.
  • Represent Petco in the community by leading local events, adoption initiatives, and partnerships that strengthen our impact.

Key Responsibilities

People Leadership

  • Develop a strong leadership bench and succession plan.
  • Lead performance management, coaching, and accountability for all partners.
  • Promote continuous learning, growth, and career development.
  • Foster a culture of teamwork, inclusion, and shared ownership.

Business Performance

  • Meet or exceed sales, profitability, and operational goals.
  • Leverage Petco tools, programs, and insights to grow the business.
  • Review and act on reporting, audits, and Pet Care Center visits.

Operational Excellence

  • Ensure safe opening and closing procedures and adherence to security protocols.
  • Maintain store appearance, cleanliness, and safety standards.
  • Protect pets, partners, and merchandise through strong loss prevention and inventory controls.
  • Complete required administrative, payroll, and inventory tasks accurately and on time.

What Success Looks Like

  • A safe, healthy environment where pets thrive.
  • An engaged, high-performing team with strong retention and development.
  • Loyal customers who trust your team and return again and again.
  • A profitable, well-run Pet Care Center that reflects Petco’s values in action.

What You Bring

Experience & Skills

  • 3+ years of management experience (retail leadership preferred).
  • Strong people leadership, coaching, and talent development skills.
  • Solid business, financial, and operational acumen.
  • Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
  • A genuine passion for pets and customer service.

Education

  • High school diploma or GED preferred.
  • Completion of Petco leadership development programs may be required for internal candidates.

Essential Functions & Work Environment

This role is primarily performed in a Pet Care Center retail environment. The General Manager is expected to be regularly present on the sales floor, leading by example and engaging with partners, customers, and pets.

  • Majority of work is conducted indoors; however, occasional duties may require leaving the Pet Care Center for tasks such as bank deposits, merchandise transport, or community events.
  • 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.
  • This is a full-time position. Eligibility for full-time status is based on average hours worked, as defined by company policy and applicable law.
  • A limited amount of travel may be required for training, meetings, or community engagement.

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 real difference.
  • Growth opportunities through development programs and career pathways.
  • A culture that values authenticity, inclusion, and teamwork.
  • The chance to lead, own, and shape your business — every day.

#LI-MV1

#PETCOGM

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.

Salary Range: $52,520.00 - $85,800.00

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

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.

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