1

Animal Attendant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

Our team is looking for Kennel Attendants! We're looking for passionate and reliable animal lovers to join our growing team! Location: 3203 S. Harbor Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92704. Schedule: Part-time or ...

Be Seen First

Our team is looking for Kennel Attendants! We're looking for passionate and reliable animal lovers to join our growing team! Location: 3203 S. Harbor Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92704. Schedule: Part-time or ...

Daycare Attendant

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

DAYCARE ATTENDANT A very busy and popular full-service pet care facility seeks a reliable ... We are a unique and modern environment with a great team of compassionate, animal-loving, customer ...

Daycare Attendant

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

DAYCARE ATTENDANT A very busy and popular full-service pet care facility seeks a reliable ... We are a unique and modern environment with a great team of compassionate, animal-loving, customer ...

Boarding Attendant

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

We are a unique and modern environment with a great team of compassionate, animal-loving, customer ... Boarding Attendants are also responsible for providing fresh water and owner-directed meals and ...

Boarding Attendant

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

We are a unique and modern environment with a great team of compassionate, animal-loving, customer ... Boarding Attendants are also responsible for providing fresh water and owner-directed meals and ...

We are a unique and modern environment with a great team of compassionate, animal-loving, customer ... Boarding Attendants are also responsible for providing fresh water and owner-directed meals and ...

We are a unique and modern environment with a great team of compassionate, animal-loving, customer ... Boarding Attendants are also responsible for providing fresh water and owner-directed meals and ...

Kennel Assistant

Tustin, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Kennel Attendant works under the direction and supervision of veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians, consistent with AVMA guidelines for animal care support staff. ESSENTIAL ...

Kennel Assistant

Tustin, CA

$18 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Kennel Attendant works under the direction and supervision of veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians, consistent with AVMA guidelines for animal care support staff. ESSENTIAL ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Animal Attendant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$11.5K

$38.2K

$63.1K

How much do animal attendant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal attendant in Riverside, CA is $38,202.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,900.00 and $41,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal attendant?

Animal attendants are professionals responsible for the daily care and well-being of animals in facilities such as shelters, kennels, zoos, or veterinary clinics. Their duties often include feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, providing enrichment, and assisting with basic grooming. They play a vital role in ensuring animals are healthy, safe, and comfortable while under human care.

What does an animal attendant do?

Animal attendants provide food, water, and other essential care for a pet or wild animal. In this role, you may provide obedience training, support other animal caregivers, or provide personal attention for animals that need a lot of human interaction. Many of the job duties of this position depend on the employer. For example, animal shelter attendants may help match adoptive families with rescue animals, while animal care attendants at a veterinary office may focus on helping to treat sick animals. Animal attendants sometimes work in teams and may specialize in certain types of animals, especially at facilities that have an unusually wide variety of animals who need care, such as zoos.

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

To thrive as an Animal Attendant, you need knowledge of animal care, handling, and basic health assessment, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant animal care certifications. Familiarity with animal management software, cleaning equipment, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong attention to detail, patience, and effective communication skills help ensure the well-being of animals and smooth interactions with colleagues and pet owners. These competencies are vital for maintaining animal health, safety, and a positive environment in animal care facilities.

What are some common challenges animal attendants face when working with a variety of animals each day?

Animal Attendants often encounter challenges such as managing animals with different temperaments, handling unpredictable behaviors, and ensuring each animal’s unique dietary and medical needs are met. Working with a diverse group of animals also requires attentiveness to signs of stress or illness, which can vary greatly between species. Effective communication with veterinarians, supervisors, and fellow attendants is essential to coordinate care and maintain a safe, supportive environment for both animals and staff.

What is the difference between Animal Attendant vs Animal Care Technician?

AspectAnimal AttendantAnimal Care Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; some roles may require certification or training
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, pet stores, kennelsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, shelters
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in pet care and shelter facilitiesCommon in veterinary and animal healthcare settings
Job ResponsibilitiesFeeding, cleaning, basic animal careAssisting veterinarians, administering treatments, monitoring animals

Animal Attendants typically focus on basic animal care tasks in shelters or pet stores, while Animal Care Technicians often work in veterinary settings, performing more advanced care and assisting professionals. Both roles require a love for animals but differ in responsibilities and work environments.

What are the duties of an animal attendant?

An animal attendant is responsible for feeding, watering, and providing basic care to animals, as well as cleaning enclosures and monitoring their health and behavior. They may also assist with grooming, exercise, and ensuring a safe environment, often working in shelters, zoos, or veterinary settings. Good observation skills and knowledge of animal needs are important for this role.

What job categories do people searching Animal Attendant jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Attendant jobs in Riverside, CA are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Animal Attendant job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, and 65% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,202 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Animal Care Intake Manager

Animal Friends of the Valleys

Wildomar, CA • On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Who we’re looking for:
Animal Care Intake Manager
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!
What you will be doing:
  • Directly supervise assigned Animal Care staff, including the Health Check Department in coordination with Animal Care Center Manager
  • Daily oversight of kennel operations to include intake, animal care, feeding and cleaning of kennels and animal shelter enclosures
  • Scheduling, training, hiring, performance reviews, conflict resolution and other managerial duties for assigned staff
  • Lots of interaction with dogs, cats, and some bunnies
  • Ensuring all staff provide maximum standard of care to all animals in the Shelter
  • Alerts the Executive Director, Operations Manager and staff to potential population crisis, disease epidemics, or other factors that may affect the health and welfare of the animals under AFV care
  • Maintain current knowledge of the Shelter animal population and status
  • Assume kennel attendant tasks including cleaning, sanitation and client service as needed
What you’ll need:
  • REQUIRED: One of the following documented certifications: Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Technician or Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)
  • Strong experience and knowledge in conducting health exams for incoming animals
  • Ability to make decisions regarding the care and welfare of animals
  • Minimum of 2 years of managerial experience in an animal care / veterinary organization
  • Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships and teamwork both within the Animal Care staff and with other departments
  • Current certification to conduct animal euthanasia, or completion of certification to conduct animal euthanasia within 3 months from date of selection
  • A love of admin and paperwork - or strong administrative and clerical management skills
  • Ability to clean, lift, bend, walk and handle animals, supplies and equipment
  • Ability to maintain the confidential information of clients
  • Ability to remain calm and efficiently lead under fast-paced, high-stress work periods
  • Excellent, courteous customer service demeanor and skills with AFV staff and clients
What can we offer you?
- $22.00 - $26.00 per hour
- Training courses and continuing education
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, insurance benefits available.
- Colonial Voluntary Insurance
- 403B Retirement Savings (Think 401K for non-profits.)
- Uniform / Scrubs Allowance
- 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!