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Animal Caregiver

Animal Care League
Oak Park, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 4/2/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/1/2026

Job Title: Animal Caregiver

Reports To: Senior Animal Care Coordinator

Works Closely with: Intake Team, Adoption Team, and Volunteer & Foster Team, Clinic

Designation: Part-time/ Non-exempt, Animal Operations

Ability to Work Remotely: No

Job Summary

Animal Caregivers work hard to ensure that our animals receive the upper standard of care while they are with us. This is a fast paced job with primary responsibilities including daily cleaning and disinfecting of kennels, general cleaning duties for our facility, feeding animals, administering medications, and animal handling. Candidates must enjoy cleaning and properly caring for animals, as well as possess a strong work ethic, good attention to detail, and the ability to multitask. Good time management and organization skills are a must! Since our animals require love and care 365 days per year, this position requires early morning/late night/weekend and holiday availability.

Job Responsibilities & Duties

(included but are not limited to)

Core Competencies

  • Exceptional animal care and husbandry skills, ensuring the health and well-being of all animals in the shelter.
  • Passionate about animal welfare and committed to upholding the highest standards of care.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and the public.
  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills to track and maintain animal records accurately.
  • Knowledgeable in animal behavior, handling, and enrichment practices or willingness to learn.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a solutions-oriented mindset.

Animal Care & Husbandry

  • Provide daily care to shelter animals, including feeding, cleaning, and monitoring their health and behavior.
  • Perform routine cleaning and sanitation of kennels, cages, and common areas to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.
  • Administer medications and treatments as directed by veterinary staff.
  • Observe and report changes in animal behavior or health concerns to the appropriate personnel.
  • Assist with the intake and processing of animals, including vaccinations, de-worming, and micro-chipping.
  • Ensure all animals have access to appropriate enrichment and exercise opportunities.
  • Work with volunteers to provide necessary training and support.

Medical & Behavioral Support

  • Work closely with veterinary staff to assist in medical treatments and examinations as needed.
  • Assist with animal behavior assessments and provide input on training or behavioral modification plans.
  • Support post-surgical recovery by monitoring animals and following post-operative care instructions.
  • Follow all safety protocols and guidelines to ensure a secure environment for animals, staff, and visitors.
  • Perform other duties and assist other teams as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

  • Candidates must have the ability to bend, stand for long periods of time, and lift 50 pounds.
  • High School Diploma or higher education required.
  • Minimum of 1 year working in an animal shelter or handling animals is strongly preferred.
  • Available to work mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

  • Ability to lift and transport items weighing up to 65 pounds.
  • Ability to handle animals effectively and humanely.
  • Have a high level of manual dexterity, the ability to bend and squat, and the ability to stand and sit for significant periods of time.
  • Be comfortable working with animals who may be stressed or who have experienced trauma.
  • Ability to maintain composure and emotional maturity in a high stress environment
  • Exposure to disinfectant solutions, zoonotic diseases, and loud noises.
  • Subject to animal bites and scratches.

This is an on-site position with an hourly range of $15.00-$15.50 depending on experience.

Candidates who do not have the basic requirements may not be considered.

For consideration, please send Resume and Cover Letter to Alayna at operationsdirector@animalcareleague.org.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $15.00 - $15.50 per hour

Benefits:

  • Employee discount

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15 - $16

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