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Animal Care Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care Services

Animal Care Attendant

Norco, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $18.25/hr

... · Assist with bathing, brushing, laundry, stocking supplies, and general facility upkeep as ... animal care notes to the team. · Maintain accurate records related to feeding, medication ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Riverside, CA · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. * Assist with opening and ... Verify all animal care and maintenance tasks are completed according to established schedules.

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Chino, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. * Assist with opening and ... Verify all animal care and maintenance tasks are completed according to established schedules.

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Riverside, CA

$16 - $20.75/hr

Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. * Assist with opening and ... Verify all animal care and maintenance tasks are completed according to established schedules.

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Riverside, CA

$16 - $20.75/hr

Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. * Assist with opening and ... Verify all animal care and maintenance tasks are completed according to established schedules.

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Riverside, CA · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. * Assist with opening and ... Verify all animal care and maintenance tasks are completed according to established schedules.

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Corona, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. * Assist with opening and ... Verify all animal care and maintenance tasks are completed according to established schedules.

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

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 Supervisor

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

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 ...

City of Irvine

Animal Care Attendant - PT

Irvine, CA

$23.19 - $30.47/hr

Candidates will assist with adoption counseling, behavioral assessments of shelter animals, and ... Irvine Animal Care Center; Administration and Business Services; and Library Services and Arts. The ...

City of Irvine, CA

ANIMAL CARE ATTENDANT - PT

Irvine, CA · On-site

$23.19 - $30.47/hr

Candidates will assist with adoption counseling, behavioral assessments of shelter animals, and ... in our care, promote great qualities to potential adopters, and facilitate animal/animal ...

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Animal Care Assistant information

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How much do animal care assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal care assistant in Riverside, CA is $18.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal care assistant?

Animal care assistants are professionals who support the daily care and well-being of animals in settings like veterinary clinics, animal shelters, zoos, and research facilities. Their duties typically include feeding, grooming, exercising animals, cleaning enclosures, and monitoring animal health and behavior. They may also assist veterinarians or other staff with medical procedures and record-keeping. Compassion, attention to detail, and good communication skills are important traits for this role.

What does an animal care assistant do?

Animal care assistant help feed and care for one or more animals. In this role, you may provide obedience training for a pet, groom animals, or assist other caregivers as necessary. Many animal care assistants specialize in specific areas, such as farm animals, marine mammals, or horses. This is not a veterinary position, though some animal care assistants work with vets to provide additional services to clients and customers. Many of the specific job duties of this position depend on the employer. For example, animal care assistants who work at zoos may be responsible for feeding animals or cleaning habitats, while animal care assistants at pet stores may help clean and groom animals daily in preparation for adoption.

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

To thrive as an Animal Care Assistant, you need a basic understanding of animal health, handling, and husbandry, often supported by a high school diploma or animal care certification. Familiarity with animal management software, cleaning equipment, and medical or grooming tools is typically required. Compassion, reliability, and strong communication skills help build trust with animals and collaborate effectively with veterinary staff. These skills ensure the well-being of animals, maintain a safe environment, and support the smooth operation of animal care facilities.

What are some common challenges animal care assistants face in their daily work, and how can they be addressed?

Animal Care Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing a high workload, handling stressed or uncooperative animals, and maintaining strict hygiene standards. These can be addressed by developing strong time-management and observation skills, following established safety protocols, and seeking guidance from more experienced staff. Building rapport with animals and learning to recognize signs of stress can also help create a safer and more comfortable environment for both pets and staff. Teamwork and clear communication with veterinarians and other assistants are essential for overcoming these daily challenges.

What is the difference between Animal Care Assistant vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAnimal Care AssistantVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in veterinary technology; certification required
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, kennels, pet stores, clinicsVeterinary clinics, hospitals, animal clinics
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal care facilities, shelters, pet storesVeterinary practices, animal hospitals
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level animal care rolesExploring technical veterinary roles and certifications

Animal Care Assistants typically perform basic animal handling, feeding, and cleaning tasks in shelters or pet stores, often with minimal formal education. Veterinary Technicians have more advanced responsibilities, including assisting veterinarians with medical procedures, requiring specialized training and certification. Both roles are essential in animal care, but Veterinary Technicians have a broader scope of medical duties and higher qualifications.

More about Animal Care Assistant jobs

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Animal Care Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Animal Care Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

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

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

Animal Care Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Care Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,024 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Animal Care Attendant

Norco, CA • On-site

Animal Care Services
1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Animal Care Servicesexternal

$16.90 - $18.25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Employee discounts
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Training & development
  • Wellness resources
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

SALARY $16.90 - $18.25
SCHEDULE: Part-time. May include weekdays, evenings, weekends, holidays, or on-call shifts depending on business needs.
 
POSITION SUMMARY
At Animal Care Services, we believe exceptional pet care begins with an exceptional team. The Animal Care Attendant is responsible for providing compassionate, reliable daily care for dogs and cats in our boarding department.  This role supports animal health, comfort, sanitation, safety, and client service.  The Animal Care Attendant reports to the Boarding Supervisor.
 
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
·         Provide daily care for animals, including feeding, fresh water, exercise, enrichment, and basic comfort needs.
·         Clean, disinfect, and maintain kennels, cages, runs, litter areas, bedding, support areas, and common animal care spaces according to sanitation and disease-prevention protocols.
·         Observe animals for changes in appetite, behavior, elimination, mobility, comfort, or signs of illness or injury, and promptly report concerns to the appropriate supervisor or veterinary team member.
·         Safely handle, leash, restrain, and transport animals of varying sizes, breeds, species, and temperaments using calm, humane techniques.
·         Administer medications only as directed and accurately document completion when required.
·         Assist with bathing, brushing, laundry, stocking supplies, and general facility upkeep as assigned.
·         Support animal intake, discharge, boarding, daycare, or appointment flow by preparing housing areas and communicating relevant animal care notes to the team.
·         Maintain accurate records related to feeding, medication, behavior, cleaning, and animal health observations.
·         Communicate professionally and compassionately with clients, coworkers, and supervisors.
·         Follow all safety, sanitation, biosecurity, and animal handling policies.
·         Perform other duties as assigned to support animal care and facility operations.
QUALIFICATIONS
·         High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
·         Previous experience in animal care, veterinary support, boarding, daycare, shelter, grooming, rescue, or pet care preferred but not required.
·         Comfortable working with dogs, cats, and other animals in a hands-on environment.
·         Ability to follow written and verbal instructions carefully and consistently.
·         Strong attention to detail, reliability, time management, and teamwork skills.
·         Ability to remain calm and professional around animals that may be stressed, fearful, energetic, or medically fragile.
·         Commitment to humane animal care, cleanliness, safety, and client service.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
·         Must be able to stand, walk, bend, reach, and work on feet for extended periods.
·         Must be able to safely handle animals of varying sizes, temperaments, and medical conditions.
·         May be exposed to animal dander, odors, noise, bites, scratches, infectious disease, cleaning agents, medications.
·         Must follow all safety, sanitation, and personal protective equipment protocols.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
We are an equal opportunity employer and value a respectful, inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, business needs, and the ability to perform the essential functions of the role.