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Local Animal Rescue Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Veterinarian

Montgomery, IL · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... local shelters and rescue organizations to help animals in need by providing complimentary first-time exams for newly adopted pets. Our valued rescue partners include Anderson Animal Shelter, Aurora ...

Veterinarian

Montgomery, IL · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... local shelters and rescue organizations to help animals in need by providing complimentary first-time exams for newly adopted pets. Our valued rescue partners include Anderson Animal Shelter, Aurora ...

Veterinarian

Montgomery, IL · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... local shelters and rescue organizations to help animals in need by providing complimentary first-time exams for newly adopted pets. Our valued rescue partners include Anderson Animal Shelter, Aurora ...

Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

Collinsville, IL · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... with local rescue organizations, including Speak! Rescue and Sanctuary St. Louis, to support ... Northgate Small Animal Hospital 1497 Vandalia Street Collinsville, IL 62234 Hospital website:

Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

Collinsville, IL · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... with local rescue organizations, including Speak! Rescue and Sanctuary St. Louis, to support ... Northgate Small Animal Hospital 1497 Vandalia Street Collinsville, IL 62234 Hospital website:

Veterinarian

Carpentersville, IL · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Join a friendly two-doctor small animal practice where the vibe is relaxed, the team sticks around ... We partner with a local rescue, too. Our practice is growing fast, and we're expanding our facility ...

Veterinarian

Carpentersville, IL · On-site

$120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Join a friendly two-doctor small animal practice where the vibe is relaxed, the team sticks around ... We partner with a local rescue, too. Our practice is growing fast, and we're expanding our facility ...

Veterinary Technician, Lead

Glen Ellyn, IL · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

At Glen Ellyn Animal Hospital, we're looking for a Lead Technician to help guide our team, elevate ... Community-Focused Culture We stay connected to our community through local rescue partnerships and ...

Veterinary Technician

Collinsville, IL · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Assistant Store Team Leader - Westmont

Westmont, IL · On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... local pug rescue coordinator and offer to host the next adoption event * join the conversation when ... Adhering to operational policies and procedures (cleanliness, animal care, safety and security ...

Assistant Store Team Leader - Westmont

Westmont, IL

$16 - $19.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... local pug rescue coordinator and offer to host the next adoption event * join the conversation when ... Adhering to operational policies and procedures (cleanliness, animal care, safety and security ...

Showing results 21-40

Local Animal Rescue information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$20

$27

How much do local animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for local animal rescue in Illinois is $20.40, 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 local animal rescue?

Local animal rescues are organizations or groups dedicated to saving, rehabilitating, and rehoming stray, abandoned, or abused animals within a specific community or region. They often work with shelters, foster volunteers, and veterinarians to provide medical care, foster homes, and adoption services. Unlike large national organizations, local rescues focus on the needs of animals in their immediate area, helping to reduce overpopulation and improve animal welfare at the community level.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive in a local animal rescue role?

To thrive in a Local Animal Rescue role, you need a solid understanding of animal care, handling techniques, and basic veterinary knowledge, often supported by relevant training or certifications in animal welfare. Familiarity with animal shelter management software, animal first aid, and rescue equipment is typically required. Compassion, resilience, and strong communication skills help you work effectively with animals, the public, and fellow team members. These abilities are crucial for ensuring animal safety, facilitating successful adoptions, and maintaining positive community relations.

What are the most common challenges faced by team members in a local animal rescue organization?

Team members in local animal rescue organizations often encounter challenges such as managing the emotional aspects of caring for neglected or abused animals, handling unpredictable situations during rescues, and balancing a high workload with limited resources. Collaboration with veterinarians, volunteers, and local authorities is crucial to ensure animal welfare and successful rehoming. Additionally, adapting to fast-changing priorities and maintaining effective communication within the team are key to providing the best possible care for animals in need.

What is the difference between Local Animal Rescue vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectLocal Animal RescueAnimal Shelter Worker
CredentialsMay require animal care certifications, CPR, first aidOften requires similar certifications, experience in animal handling
Work EnvironmentVaries from outdoor rescues to shelter settings, often on-callPrimarily shelter facilities, consistent indoor environment
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, rescue groups, community organizationsMunicipal shelters, private shelters, animal welfare organizations
Search & Comparison IntentRescue operations, emergency response, volunteer opportunitiesShelter operations, daily animal care, adoption processes

Both roles involve caring for animals, but Local Animal Rescue focuses on emergency and outdoor rescues, while Animal Shelter Workers primarily handle daily shelter operations. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right fit based on environment and responsibilities.

How to get started in a local animal rescue?

To start in a local animal rescue, research organizations in your area and volunteer to gain experience. Many rescues require basic skills such as animal handling, first aid, and knowledge of local regulations, and may ask for background checks or training certifications. Volunteering provides practical experience and helps build connections within the rescue community.

What do I need to work at a local animal rescue?

To work at a local animal rescue, you typically need a genuine interest in animal welfare, good communication skills, and the ability to handle animals safely. Many positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, and some roles may benefit from prior experience with animals or volunteer work. Depending on the role, certifications such as pet first aid or animal handling training can be advantageous.

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

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

Infographic showing various Local Animal Rescue job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 54% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,426 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

$120K - $130K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Veterinary Practice Partners rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 176 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

Veterinarian - Orchard Road Animal Hospital |Address: 1175 Orchard Rd, Montgomery, IL 60538
Orchard Road Animal Hospital is growing, and we are looking to add another full-time veterinarian to our beautiful, AAHA-accredited practice in Montgomery, Illinois.
What to Expect:
  • Salary: $120K-$130,000 (ProSal - total earning potential $125,000-$175,000, no negative accrual)
  • Sign-on Bonus / Relocation assistance
  • Schedule: Full-time and part-time options

Why You'll Love Working Here:
  • Work-Life Balance: Flexible scheduling options, closed on Sundays and major holidays (no late nights or on-call duties required)
  • Excellent tech-to-doctor ratio
  • Supportive Team Culture: At Orchard Road, we believe that great medicine starts with a great team. Our culture is built on collaboration, appreciation, and fun - and we're proud of the strong bonds that make our workplace feel like family. From themed celebrations and community events to daily laughter in the treatment area, our team truly enjoys coming to work every day.
  • Practice High Quality Medicine: We uphold the highest standards of veterinary care by adhering to the most current standards of care and offering comprehensive wellness services tailored to each patient.
  • Ongoing Professional Development: We emphasize continuous learning, with case-based learning, regular collaborative meetings. New grad? No problem! Our current doctor team is strong and knowledgeable; with over 88 combined years of experience, they are ready to provide mentorship, collaboration on cases, and daily rounds.
  • Community Involvement: We take pride in giving back to the community that has supported us for nearly three decades. Our team partners with local shelters and rescue organizations to help animals in need by providing complimentary first-time exams for newly adopted pets. Our valued rescue partners include Anderson Animal Shelter, Aurora Animal Control, and Rover Rescue of Illinois.
  • Benefits / Perks: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, Retirement plan with a 3.5% employer 401(k) match, Generous paid time off plus paid CE days, Annual CE allowance, All licensing and membership fees covered, including state licensing costs; DEA, AVMA PLIT, & Membership dues (AVMA, VIN, etc.), Uniform allowance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Discounts on veterinary services + more!

About Us: For nearly 30 years, we've proudly served the Montgomery and Aurora communities with exceptional medical care and outstanding client service. We've been AAHA Accredited since 2001, and many of our clients have trusted us with generations of their pets.
Hospital Highlights:
  • 5-doctor practice
  • State-of-the-Art Facility: Our large, modern hospital features eight updated exam rooms, a fully equipped surgical suite with a surgical laser, digital radiography, ultrasound (including a small wireless probe), and an in-house IDEXX laboratory. We also utilize HappyDoc AI for efficient SOAP note documentation and operate with Impromed's paperless practice management system for streamlined workflows.
  • Separate Cat Clinic with its own exam rooms, isolation and hospitalization wards, treatment, and surgical suite (check it out here). We're proud to care exclusively for cats in our newly renovated, AAHA-accredited feline-only clinic-located just to the right of the main entrance at Orchard Road Animal Hospital in Montgomery, IL. Dr. Flieg, driven by her passion for feline wellness, has led the transformation of our former boarding space into a dedicated sanctuary for cats-now known as The Cat Clinic at Orchard Road Animal Hospital. This unique cat-only facility is designed to offer top-tier veterinary care with your cat's comfort and emotional well-being in mind.

Hours of Operation:
  • Mon, Fri: 8:00am - 6:00pm
  • Tues, Weds, Thurs: 8:00am - 8:00pm
  • Sat: 8:00am - 12:00pm

Our Mission: At Orchard Road Animal Hospital, we are a team-driven hospital built on trust, respect, and collaboration. We foster meaningful relationships, uphold our promises, and strive for excellence in everything we do-providing compassionate, high-quality care for pets and their families.
Montgomery, IL: Located just 45 minutes from the bustling downtown Chicago and scenic Starved Rock, Montgomery, Illinois, offers the best of both worlds - suburban comfort and easy access to outdoor adventure, live music and family-friendly activities. Whether you're into hiking, local breweries, or weekend festivals, this area has something for everyone!
Requirements:
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) from an accredited institution
  • Valid veterinary license in the state of Illinois

Apply today if you're ready to take the next step in your veterinary career. We'd love to hear from you!
Learn more: Website | Facebook | Instagram
We are dedicated to celebrating diversity and fostering inclusion within our hospital and community.
#DVMPREM

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