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

Animal Control Officer I/II

Rialto, CA ยท On-site

$26.82 - $35.95/hr

... care for and euthanize animals as appropriate; and to perform a variety of duties relative to ... Receive lost and found animal reports; assist visitors in locating missing pets. Assist in ...

Animal Control Officer I/II

Rialto, CA ยท On-site

$25.03 - $33.54/hr

... care for and euthanize animals as appropriate; and to perform a variety of duties relative to ... Receive lost and found animal reports; assist visitors in locating missing pets. * Assist in ...

Veterinary Assistant

Norco, CA ยท On-site

$16.90 - $23/hr

Because we are committed to providing exceptional veterinary care and outstanding client service ... QUALIFICATIONS Certified Veterinary Assistant (preferred) A minimum of 1-year experience (preferred ...

Veterinary Assistant

Norco, CA ยท On-site

$16.90 - $23/hr

Because we are committed to providing exceptional veterinary care and outstanding client service ... QUALIFICATIONS Certified Veterinary Assistant (preferred) A minimum of 1-year experience (preferred ...

Veterinary Assistant

Norco, CA ยท On-site

$16.90 - $23/hr

Because we are committed to providing exceptional veterinary care and outstanding client service ... QUALIFICATIONS Certified Veterinary Assistant (preferred) A minimum of 1-year experience (preferred ...

Showing results 21-40

Animal Care Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$9

$18

$31

How much do animal care assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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:
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 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,024 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Veterinarian, Department of Public Health

Alliance Resource Consulting

San Bernardino, CA โ€ข On-site

$153K - $220K/yr

Other

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Public Health Veterinarian

Located in the heart of Southern California, San Bernardino County thrives on the diversity of its communities that offer families affordable housing, excellent schools, and community resources, including libraries, parks, hospitals, and international airports. The County's prime location allows for easy access to Southern California's premier beaches, resort destinations, and major metropolitan centers. The County has a population of over two million residents and is comprised of 24 incorporated cities and towns.

As an employer, the County strives to provide its employees work-life balance, where one can enjoy all the amenities the County has to offer along with excellent career opportunities, a supportive work environment, and a competitive total compensation package.

The Animal Care Division is part of the Department of Public Health (DPH). The Animal Care Division operates two shelters located in Devore and the City of Big Bear Lake, supported by a team of 51 staff members, including animal control officers, kennel attendants, rescue coordinators, registered veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, enrichment specialists, office assistants, and supervisors. The new mobile veterinary clinic expands its reach by providing spay/neuter surgeries, low-cost vaccinations, and microchipping services to underserved communities across the County.

The Division seeks a Public Health Veterinarian who will join a highly regarded veterinary team in providing care for animals in San Bernardino County's animal shelters and clinics. The veterinarian will perform shelter medicine, high-volume spay/neuter procedures, and support community education efforts.

Requires possession of a license issued by the State of California to practice as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine; and one year of experience providing veterinary services.

Hiring Salary: $153,649 to $220,500