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Animal Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Animal Friends of the Valleys

Animal Control Officer

Wildomar, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Animal Control Officer Who we are: Animal Friends of the Valleys (AFV) is the leading animal ... May assist Police Officers on high risk operations including dynamic and tactical entries, searches ...

City of Rialto, CA

Animal Control Officer I/II

Rialto, CA · On-site

$24.30 - $32.56/hr

Receive lost and found animal reports; assist visitors in locating missing pets. * Assist in enforcing City animal control laws; explain ordinance relating to keeping and caring for animals; issue ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Orange, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. * Assist with opening and closing procedures as assigned. * Perform additional duties and special projects as needed to support ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Moreno Valley, CA

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Share product and animal care knowledge to help customers make informed decisions using Petco's selling strategy. * Assist with additional duties as needed to support business needs. People ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Chino, CA

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. * Assist with opening and closing procedures as assigned. * Perform additional duties and special projects as needed to support ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Chino, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. * Assist with opening and closing procedures as assigned. * Perform additional duties and special projects as needed to support ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Share product and animal care knowledge to help customers make informed decisions using Petco's selling strategy. * Assist with additional duties as needed to support business needs. People ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Riverside, CA · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. * Assist with opening and closing procedures as assigned. * Perform additional duties and special projects as needed to support ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Riverside, CA

$16 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. * Assist with opening and closing procedures as assigned. * Perform additional duties and special projects as needed to support ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Riverside, CA

$16 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. * Assist with opening and closing procedures as assigned. * Perform additional duties and special projects as needed to support ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Riverside, CA · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. * Assist with opening and closing procedures as assigned. * Perform additional duties and special projects as needed to support ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Orange, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. * Assist with opening and closing procedures as assigned. * Perform additional duties and special projects as needed to support ...

City of Rialto

Animal Control Officer I/II

Rialto, CA

$26.82 - $35.95/hr

Receive lost and found animal reports; assist visitors in locating missing pets. Assist in enforcing City animal control laws; explain ordinance relating to keeping and caring for animals; issue ...

City of Rialto, CA

Animal Control Officer I/II

Rialto, CA · On-site

$25.03 - $33.54/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Receive lost and found animal reports; assist visitors in locating missing pets. * Assist in enforcing City animal control laws; explain ordinance relating to keeping and caring for animals; issue ...

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All JobsAnimal JobsAnimal Assistant JobsAnimal Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

Animal Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

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How much do animal assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal assistant in Riverside, CA is $14.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.67 and $15.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do animal assistants do?

Animal assistants support veterinarians, pet owners, or animal care facilities by feeding, cleaning, and providing basic care for animals. They may also help with grooming, monitoring animal health, and handling animals safely, often working in kennels, shelters, or clinics. Basic knowledge of animal behavior and safety procedures is important for this role.

What is the difference between Animal Assistant vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAnimal AssistantVeterinary Technician
CredentialsNone required or basic certificationsLicensed or certified, often requiring an associate degree
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, pet clinics, grooming facilitiesVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research labs
Job DutiesAssist with animal care, cleaning, feeding, basic handlingPerform medical tests, assist in surgeries, administer medications
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal shelters, pet stores, grooming salonsVeterinary practices, animal hospitals, research institutions

Animal Assistants typically focus on basic animal care and support roles, often with minimal formal credentials. Veterinary Technicians have more advanced responsibilities, including medical procedures, requiring certifications or licenses. Both roles work closely with animals but differ significantly in training, duties, and work settings.

What is an animal assistant?

Animal Assistants are professionals who help care for animals in a variety of settings, such as veterinary clinics, animal shelters, pet boarding facilities, and research labs. Their duties typically include feeding, grooming, exercising, and monitoring animals, as well as cleaning enclosures and assisting veterinarians or other animal care specialists. They play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of animals, and may also interact with pet owners and assist with administrative tasks. To become an Animal Assistant, a love for animals, attention to detail, and good communication skills are essential.

What do you need to be an animal assistant?

To become an animal assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic knowledge of animal care, and strong communication skills. Experience with animals, relevant certifications such as pet first aid, and the ability to work in a team are also beneficial.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Assistant, you need a basic understanding of animal care, handling, and health, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant coursework. Familiarity with animal restraint techniques, cleaning protocols, and sometimes specialized software for record-keeping is typically required. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you provide quality care and work effectively with both animals and their owners. These skills ensure the safety, health, and well-being of animals while maintaining efficient operations in veterinary or animal care settings.

What are some common challenges animal assistants face in their daily work, and how can they prepare for them?

Animal Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing the stress and unpredictability of working with a variety of animals, handling physically demanding tasks, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. They may also need to communicate effectively with veterinarians, pet owners, or other staff members, which requires patience and strong interpersonal skills. To prepare, candidates should develop resilience, maintain physical fitness, and seek training in animal behavior and handling techniques, as well as familiarize themselves with the specific procedures of their workplace.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Animal Assistant jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Animal Assistant job openings:

Animal Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,820 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

Animal Control Officer

Animal Friends of the Valleys

Wildomar, CA • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Who we’re looking for:
Animal Control Officer
Who we are:
Animal Friends of the Valleys (AFV) is the leading animal shelter for the cities of Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Canyon Lake and Wildomar, and small parts of Riverside County. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit providing top-quality animal welfare and animal control services for our client cities. If you are looking for a way to make a difference and not just a job, AFV is exactly what you’re looking for!
Summary of Duties:
Performs tasks related to the enforcement of animal control laws within the Cities of Canyon Lake, Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, Temecula, Wildomar and Menifee. Educates the community about stray or vicious animals and related diseases; captures, impounds, relocates, and when necessary, disposes of animals; and maintains records. Investigates animal complaints from members of the community. Issues citations for violation of City Code(s), or applicable state law. Prepares reports as appropriate and testifies in court as directed.
Essential Functions:
  • Patrols designated service area streets, roads and parks in an AFV vehicle; searches for stray or abandoned animals; captures and confines animals using appropriate procedures.
  • Contacts dog owners by house to house canvass to locate unlicensed or unvaccinated dogs (and cats where applicable).
  • Patrols for stray, vicious, injured, dangerous, unwanted or improperly controlled animals and responds to community member complaints regarding same.
  • Responds to emergency calls, such as cruelty to animal complaints, animal bites, control of poisonous or dangerous animals, and stray animals.
  • Investigates reports or complaints of dogs, cats or other animals creating nuisances; uses tactical communication style to de-escalate situations and mediation techniques to reconcile complaints.
  • Testifies in court as directed.
  • Prioritizes calls using effective time management methods.
  • Issues citations, administrative citations and court citations for violations of animal control and licensing ordinances as necessary.
  • Writes incident reports, gathers evidence, prepares and presents cases at administrative hearings and/or appears in court as a witness as necessary
  • In field conditions, may euthanize severely injured animals in a safe and humane manner as required.
  • May make warrant and warrantless arrests related to penal code 830.9; search and seizure, issue warning, dangerous animal statement, citations, interview victims, complainants and witnesses.
  • May assist Police Officers on high risk operations including dynamic and tactical entries, searches, and in serving arrest warrants, when vicious dogs may be present.
  • Able to use tranquilizer pistol and rifle as a last alternative
  • Answers emergency calls concerning person(s) bitten by animals.
  • Impounds and quarantines potentially rabid animals in strict confinement, checks the animal at intervals during the quarantine period, and releases the animal at the end of the quarantine period.
  • Issues citations for the quarantine.
  • Picks up and transports sick and injured animals to a veterinarian.
  • Picks up dead animals and disposes of properly.
  • Performs chemical restraint procedures as necessary.
  • Cleans and maintains the animal control vehicle and cages utilized to detain the animals.
  • Prepares and maintains a variety of records and reports concerning animal control violations and transactions
  • Keeps detailed records of daily activities including times, miles, animal impounds, addresses and findings.
  • Operates, cleans and disinfect equipment and vehicle(s)
  • Oversees the maintenances of and maintains vehicle(s) and equipment in accordance with state regulations.
  • Sets up cages and provides water, food and a blanket to all impounded animals.
Other Duties:
  • Explains ordinances relating to the care and keeping of animals to the public; promotes and provides education to the public regarding the keeping and care of pets.
  • Maintains contact with citizens regarding animal control issues and problems and preserves good relationships with the general public; takes an active role in public education related to animal control issues.
  • Attends meetings and responds to related questions and complaints; provides public education regarding animal control.
  • Presents and maintains a positive and professional image of the police department; participates in community oriented policing.
  • Assists with training of new animal control staff as needed.
  • Performs related duties as assigned
Qualifications and Certifications and/or Education
  • Two years of experience in the care and handling of animals and/or two years of experience in some capacity of law enforcement.
  • Valid California Class “C” driver’s license
  • Possession or be able to possess a certificate for euthanasia.
  • Possession of a valid P.O.S.T. approved P.C. 832 Certificate prior to application recommended. Must obtain a certificate within 4 months of employment with AFV. Failure to obtain the required certificates will result in release employment.
In Addition to Qualifications and Certifications and/or Education:
Knowledge of:
  • Various breeds of dogs, cats, marine and other wild or domestic animals.
  • Various types of animal behavior.
  • Various provisions of penal code 830 related to animal control and penal code 832-arrest.
  • First aid and CPR procedures and practices.
Ability to:
  • Work independently, prioritize calls and respond appropriately to a variety of animal complaints.
  • Work effectively in stressful situations
  • Exercise good judgement and make sound decisions
  • Euthanize severely injured animals in emergencies.
  • Perform a variety of animal control activities such as animal handling, capturing, and confining.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; write defensible reports.
  • Write legibly
  • Prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.
  • Obtain information through interview and interrogation, deal fairly and courteously with the public.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative-working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Ability to Carry and Use of Law Enforcement Equipment as it Pertains to:
  • Collapsible ASP Baton under the protection of California Penal Code Section 22295 (regularly employed and compensated by a person engaged in any lawful business, while actually employed and engaged in protecting and preserving property or life within the scope of employment).
  • Handcuffs for matter and purposes of legal and lawful detention while police arrive.
  • Pepper Spray under the protection of California Penal Code Section 22820 (person has satisfactorily completed a course of instruction approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training in the use of tear gas).
_____________________________________________________________________
Benefits and Compensation:
- $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
- Health / Medical
- Life
- Dental
- Vision
- 403B Retirement Account (401K for Non-Profits)
- Colonial Voluntary Insurance
- Employee Discount Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Accrued Vacation
- Non-Exempt, Full-Time
Working Conditions:
Environmental Conditions:
  • Field environment; travel from site to site. Hot and cold temperatures; inclement weather.
Physical Conditions:
  • Essential and marginal functions may require gaining and maintaining control of large and often aggressive animals; lifting/carrying medium-heavy objects of up to 75 lbs. of weight, maintaining physical condition necessary for standing, squatting, twisting, running, stooping and walking for prolonged periods of time; operating motor vehicle and other equipment.
Work Attire:
  • Wear an AFV approved uniform and related equipment including badge, collapsible ASP baton; handcuffs and spray.
Work Assignment:
  • Subject to irregular work shifts including evening, weekend and holiday shift assignments.
Direct Reports: This is a non-supervisory role
What can we offer you?
- $18.00 to $20.00 per hour
- Training courses and continuing education
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, insurance benefits available.
- Colonial Voluntary Insurance
- Uniform Allowance - boots
- 403B Retirement Savings (Think 401K for non-profits.)
- Extensive Employee Discount Program to help you save money on a wide variety of products and services.
- Employee Assistance Program to help you through life’s challenges, including counseling and coaching services; assistance with legal, financial and career questions; and so much more!

Apply