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Working Animals Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Champaign County

Kennel Worker

Urbana, IL · On-site

$18.45 - $23.38/hr

Assists with euthanasia of animals. Qualifications * High school diploma or general education degree and six months of experience working with animals is desirable -or- equivalent combination of ...

Champaign County

Kennel Worker

Urbana, IL

$18.45 - $23.38/hr

Assists with euthanasia of animals. Qualifications * High school diploma or general education degree and six months of experience working with animals is desirable -or- equivalent combination of ...

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How much do working animals jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for working animals in the United States is $13.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.78 and $15.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Trainer working with working animals, and why are they important?

To excel as an animal trainer for working animals, you need a strong understanding of animal behavior, training techniques, and relevant animal care practices, often supported by a high school diploma or animal science coursework. Familiarity with positive reinforcement tools, clicker training systems, and animal handling equipment is typically required. Patience, clear communication, and observational skills are crucial soft skills that help build trust and ensure effective training. These competencies are vital for ensuring the safety, well-being, and optimal performance of working animals in professional settings.

What are some of the common challenges faced by professionals working with service or therapy animals, and how can these be managed?

Professionals who work with service or therapy animals often encounter challenges such as maintaining the animals’ training and behavior standards, ensuring their health and well-being, and fostering effective communication between the animal and handler. It’s also common to navigate public misconceptions and access issues when bringing animals into various environments. Managing these challenges involves ongoing education, regular health check-ups for the animals, and strong teamwork with both human and animal partners. Support from experienced colleagues and continuing professional development are also valuable in overcoming these daily obstacles.

What are working animals?

Working animals are animals that have been trained to perform specific tasks or services for humans. These roles can include herding livestock, pulling carts or plows, providing transportation, assisting people with disabilities, performing search and rescue, or even detecting drugs and explosives. Common examples include horses, dogs, donkeys, and oxen. Working animals have played a significant role in human societies throughout history and continue to be important in many industries and communities today.

What is the difference between Working Animals vs Search and Rescue Dogs?

AspectWorking AnimalsSearch and Rescue Dogs
Required CredentialsBasic training, certifications vary by taskAdvanced training, certifications in search and rescue techniques
Work EnvironmentFarms, farms, urban areas, specialized environmentsDisaster sites, wilderness, urban search zones
Employer & IndustryAgriculture, transportation, service industriesEmergency services, rescue organizations

Working Animals encompass a broad range of animals trained for various tasks across industries, while Search and Rescue Dogs are specifically trained to locate missing persons in disaster or wilderness scenarios. Both roles require specialized training, but Search and Rescue Dogs undergo more intensive certification processes and operate primarily in emergency environments. Understanding these differences helps clarify their unique functions and training requirements.

More about Working Animals jobs
What cities are hiring for Working Animals jobs? Cities with the most Working Animals job openings:
What states have the most Working Animals jobs? States with the most job openings for Working Animals jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Working Animals jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Working Animals jobs are:
Working Animals jobs near you
Infographic showing various Working Animals job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% As Needed, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,701 per year, or $13.8 per hour.

Kennel Worker

Champaign County

Urbana, IL • On-site

$18.45 - $23.38/hr

Part-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Champaign County/Kennel Worker (Animal Control)
Date Posted:
5/4/2026
Location:
210 S. Art Bartell (Animal Control)
Date Available:
ASAP
Closing Date:
07/06/2026
Job Title: Kennel Worker (Part-Time, Non-Exempt)
Department: Animal Control
Schedule: Weekends, Friday - Sunday
Summary
Responsible for intake of impounded animals, including the classifying, care, and handling of those animals.
Primary Responsibilities
Include but not limited to the following as other duties may be assigned.
  • Cleans and maintains kennel area of Animal Control Facility, in such a manner as to provide an odor free and low stress environment for the animals.
  • Feeds and provides daily care for all animals in the County's care.
  • Handles and controls animals impounded by Animal Control departments, including difficult to handle and potentially dangerous animals.
  • Reports to the Animal Control Director or veterinarian any potential health or behavioral problems involving the animals in the County's care.
  • Maintains records of animals impounded.
  • Light cleaning of offices - emptying trash, mopping of floors, and cleaning of restrooms.
  • Assists with euthanasia of animals.

Qualifications
  • High school diploma or general education degree and six months of experience working with animals is desirable -or- equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Requires thorough knowledge of animal handling skills, animal behavior, and animal care.

Compensation
  • The wage range is $18.45 - $23.38 per hour depending on qualifications.
  • Champaign County is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, health insurance, life insurance, and employer contributions to a defined-benefit retirement plan. Benefit details can be found on the Champaign County Jobs page

How To Apply
  • Submit an application online by visiting the Champaign County Open Positions page.
  • All questions and requests for accommodation should be directed to Chelsea Angelo by phone at 217-384-3798 or by email.

Applicants should note this is a Bargaining Unit position under the Agreement set by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Union contract.
EEO / AA / ADA

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