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With Animals Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Kennel Attendant

Orland Park, IL ยท On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Engage in play activities and exercise with the animals * Maintain a clean and healthy environment Qualifications: * Previous experience in animal care or other related fields * Passion to help and ...

Be Seen First

Kennel Attendant

Orland Park, IL ยท On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Engage in play activities and exercise with the animals * Maintain a clean and healthy environment Qualifications: * Previous experience in animal care or other related fields * Passion to help and ...

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Prior experience working with animals in a professional setting * Ability to lift 50 lbs * Live within reasonable driving distance Additional Information NOTE: This is not intended to be all ...

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Prior experience working with animals in a professional setting * Ability to lift 50 lbs * Live within reasonable driving distance Additional Information NOTE: This is not intended to be all ...

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With Animals information

See Illinois salary details

$7

$13

$18

How much do with animals jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for with animals in Illinois is $13.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.39 and $14.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does it mean to work with animals?

Working 'with animals' refers to any job or career that involves direct interaction, care, or management of animals. This can include positions like veterinarians, animal trainers, zookeepers, animal shelter workers, wildlife rehabilitators, and pet groomers. People in these roles may be responsible for feeding, exercising, training, providing medical care, or ensuring the well-being of animals in various settings. These jobs often require a passion for animals, patience, and a willingness to work in varied environments. Many roles also benefit from specialized education or training related to animal care or behavior.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to work with animals?

To thrive in a role working with animals, you generally need foundational knowledge of animal behavior, care, and welfare, often supported by a relevant degree or certification such as veterinary technology, animal science, or animal care certification. Familiarity with animal handling equipment, medical record systems, and sometimes specialized software or diagnostic tools is typically required. Compassion, patience, strong observation skills, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure animal well-being, safety, and effective collaboration with colleagues and pet owners.

What are common challenges faced by professionals working with animals, and how can they be managed?

Professionals working with animals often encounter challenges such as handling unpredictable animal behavior, managing emotional stress from caring for sick or injured animals, and maintaining safety for themselves and the animals. Building strong observation skills, practicing patience, and following established safety protocols can help manage these situations. Additionally, collaborating with experienced colleagues and participating in ongoing training can provide valuable support and enhance job performance.

What is the difference between With Animals vs Dog Trainer?

AspectWith AnimalsDog Trainer
CertificationsVaries, often includes animal handling or care certificationsTypically requires dog training certifications (e.g., CPDT-KA)
Work EnvironmentZoos, shelters, farms, pet storesPrivate homes, training centers, shelters
Industry UsageBroader animal care and welfareSpecialized in dog behavior and obedience
Common Search IntentGeneral animal care rolesDog training and behavior modification

While both roles involve working with animals, With Animals is a broad term covering various animal care positions, whereas Dog Trainer focuses specifically on training and behavior management for dogs. The certifications, work environments, and industry usage differ, making each role unique in its scope and specialization.

What careers can I have with animals?

Careers with animals include roles such as veterinarian, zookeeper, animal trainer, wildlife rehabilitator, pet groomer, and veterinary technician. These jobs often require relevant education, certifications, and hands-on experience working with animals in settings like clinics, zoos, shelters, or farms.

What careers do you work with animals?

Careers working with animals include roles such as veterinarian, zookeeper, animal trainer, wildlife rehabilitator, and pet groomer. These jobs often require specific training, certifications, or degrees, and involve working in environments like clinics, zoos, shelters, or farms.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for With Animals jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most With Animals job openings:

Infographic showing various With Animals job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $27,812 per year, or $13.4 per hour.

Kennel Tech (Animal Care Tech)

Aquarium Adventure

Hoffman Estates, IL โ€ข On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description


Job Overview

We are looking for dependable, hard-working team members to join our store as Kennel Technicians. This role focuses on animal care, kennel sanitation, and maintaining a clean and healthy environment for our puppies.

Kennel Technicians work behind the scenes to ensure puppies receive proper daily care while keeping kennel areas clean, organized, and sanitary. This role is essential to maintaining the health, safety, and comfort of the animals in our care.

Successful candidates take pride in maintaining high animal care standards and understand that this position involves physical work, cleaning, and attention to detail, not simply interacting with animals.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working with animals, staying active, and helping maintain a professional and well-maintained animal care environment.

 

Responsibilities

  • Perform daily care routines for puppies including feeding, watering, and monitoring health and behavior
  • Thoroughly clean and sanitize kennel holding units and animal care areas
  • Maintain proper sanitation standards to ensure a healthy environment for all animals
  • Observe animals and report any health concerns to management
  • Assist with maintaining clean bedding, food supplies, and kennel equipment
  • Support the store team by ensuring animals are well cared for and kennel areas remain organized
  • Follow company procedures and animal care protocols at all times

 

Qualifications

  • Strong work ethic and willingness to perform cleaning and physical tasks
  • Ability to follow detailed procedures and maintain sanitation standards
  • Reliable, responsible, and team-oriented
  • Ability to stay organized and work efficiently
  • Previous experience in animal care is helpful but not required.

 

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and move throughout the day
  • Ability to work inside kennel holding units and perform detailed cleaning
  • Ability to lift and carry supplies such as food bags, bedding, and cleaning equipment
  • Comfortable working in an environment with animals and cleaning products