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Local Animal Rescue Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Pet Supplies Plus

Assistant Store Manager

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$20.15 - $24.15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • 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 ...

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All JobsLocal Animal Rescue JobsLocal Animal Rescue Jobs in Illinois

Local Animal Rescue information

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How much do local animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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:

Local Animal Rescue jobs near you
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.

Assistant Store Team Leader - Westmont

Pet Supplies Plus

Westmont, IL • On-site

$40K - $45K/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Pet Supplies Plus rating

5.1

Company rating: 5.1 out of 10

Based on 386 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

585th of 734 rated retailers

Job description

Assistant Store Team Leader

Is shopping with your 4-legged family member a tail waggin’ good time? Do you believe carry out isn’t just about pizza, it’s for bags of kibble to? If you’re the leader of the pack and enjoy providing products and services that enrich pets’ lives, then come work in our neighborhood!

As Assistant Store Team Leader at Pet Supplies Plus, you’re pawsitively passionate about people and their pets. Providing exceptional, neighborly service at every opportunity during your workday, you:

  • help your store team by example – including, but definitely not limited to, greeting a neighbor and their new puppy when they enter the store
  • recognize the local pug rescue coordinator and offer to host the next adoption event
  • join the conversation when you hear a team member assisting a neighbor in choosing between three very good natural dog food brands
  • Support STL in analyzing your store sales results and developing plans to maximize sales, neighbor engagement and productivity
  • create a fun, positive environment for the team and your neighbors; and a reputation for neighborly, knowledgeable, trustworthy, petcentric service in your neighborhood

…all while engaging with PSP neighbors and smiling in the face of puppy breath. Are you awesome? No, you’re more than that. You’re PAWsome.

Assistant Store Team Leader’s key responsibilities include:

  • Assisting in the operational management of the stores
  • Adhering to operational policies and procedures (cleanliness, animal care, safety and security) that ensure exceptional service is provided to our neighbors
  • Assisting in promoting team member engagement and morale by understanding individual motivation and needs, recognizing and rewarding successful performance, and helping them achieve career goals
  • Supports STL in maintaining a fully staffed team and recruiting and onboarding for all levels in the store
  • Cultivating a learning culture by providing exceptional onboarding and development opportunities, along with coaching and feedback to team members
  • Connecting with community organizations to partner on events and marketing opportunities.

PAWsome Assistant Store Team Leaders will have:

  • 2+ years of experience leading a retail team
  • 4-year college degree or equivalent work experience
  • Microsoft Office knowledge is a must, as well as good communication skills
  • The ability to operate all equipment – including a forklift – to run the store is important, as well as being able to climb ladders, bend, kneel, and lift up to 50 plus pounds
  • Candidates must be flexible to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
  • Have reliable transportation.
  • All candidates must pass the pre-employment background check and be 18 years of age or older.

Full-time Team Members will have access to a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Paid time off including Paid Time Off (PTO) and holidays
  • Company paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability options
  • 401(k) with a company match
  • Ongoing training and development


Pet Supplies Plus is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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