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

General Manager - Tustin, CA

Tustin, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... animal care, safety, and customer experience. What You'll Do Pet First * Champion the health ... Manage labor, payroll, and expenses to maximize productivity and results. * Execute merchandising ...

General Manager - Tustin, CA

Tustin, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... animal care, safety, and customer experience. What You'll Do Pet First * Champion the health ... Manage labor, payroll, and expenses to maximize productivity and results. * Execute merchandising ...

Veterinary Assistant

Norco, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... management software. · Be knowledgeable with Word and Excel and know how to maintain accurate medical records. · Be able to emulate the practice's objective of exceeding patient care and client ...

Veterinary Assistant

Norco, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $23/hr

... management software. · Be knowledgeable with Word and Excel and know how to maintain accurate medical records. · Be able to emulate the practice's objective of exceeding patient care and client ...

Veterinary Assistant

Norco, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $23/hr

... management software. · Be knowledgeable with Word and Excel and know how to maintain accurate medical records. · Be able to emulate the practice's objective of exceeding patient care and client ...

Showing results 41-60

Animal Care Manager information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$25.2K

$40.4K

$48.9K

How much do animal care manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal care manager in Riverside, CA is $40,356.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,328.00 and $47,933.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an animal care manager do?

An Animal Care Manager oversees the daily operations and staff involved in the care of animals in facilities such as shelters, zoos, or veterinary clinics. They are responsible for ensuring that animals receive proper nutrition, medical attention, and enrichment. Their duties also include supervising animal care staff, maintaining records, enforcing safety and welfare standards, and sometimes participating in the hiring and training of new employees. Animal Care Managers play a key role in ensuring the well-being of animals and the efficient functioning of their facility.

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

To thrive as an Animal Care Manager, you need expertise in animal husbandry, health monitoring, and supervisory experience, often supported by a degree in animal science or a related field. Familiarity with animal management software, inventory tracking systems, and relevant certifications like Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) is highly valued. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set outstanding managers apart in coordinating staff and ensuring animal welfare. These abilities are crucial for maintaining high standards of care, efficient operations, and a safe environment for both animals and staff.

What are the most common challenges animal care managers face when overseeing a team?

Animal Care Managers often encounter challenges in balancing the needs of the animals with available resources and staff schedules. Managing a diverse team requires strong communication skills to ensure everyone follows protocols and maintains consistent standards of care. Additionally, responding to unexpected situations, such as animal health emergencies or facility issues, can require quick decision-making and adaptability. Building a supportive and collaborative environment helps address these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Animal Care Manager vs Animal Shelter Supervisor?

AspectAnimal Care ManagerAnimal Shelter Supervisor
CredentialsAnimal care certifications, experience in animal handlingAnimal care certifications, supervisory experience
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, rescue organizations, veterinary clinicsAnimal shelters, rescue facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, veterinary clinics, pet organizationsAnimal shelters, rescue agencies
Common Search IntentManaging animal care programs, overseeing staffSupervising shelter operations, staff management

The main difference is that an Animal Care Manager focuses on overseeing animal care programs and ensuring animal well-being, while an Animal Shelter Supervisor manages daily shelter operations and staff. Both roles require animal care experience, but the Animal Care Manager often has a broader scope related to program management.

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

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

Infographic showing various Animal Care Manager job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,356 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

General Manager - Tustin, CA

Petco

Tustin, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Petco rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 637 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

458th of 734 rated retailers


Job description

Want to help pets live their best lives?
We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.
Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and people.
  • Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.

  • Foster the Fun - Connect & Bond. Our Passion for pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through distinct experiences, products, and services.

  • Let's Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as One Petco team. We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.

About Petco:
We're proud to be "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years - from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood - the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we're here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.
As a General Manager, you bring this purpose to life by leading a high-performing Pet Care Center that puts pets first, inspires partners, delights customers, and delivers strong business results.
You are the owner of your business, accountable for people, performance, and process, and a role model for what great leadership looks like. With a passion for pets and people, you build engaged teams, drive profitable growth, and ensure the highest standards of animal care, safety, and customer experience.
What You'll Do
Pet First
  • Champion the health, safety, and humane care of all animals, ensuring Petco standards and policies are consistently met.
  • Create an environment where pets and pet parents feel welcomed, supported, and cared for.
  • Lead with integrity, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to doing what's right for pets.

Foster the Fun
  • Build and lead an inclusive, energized team that embodies the Petco brand and delivers exceptional service.
  • Attract, hire, train, coach, and develop diverse talent across all roles within the Pet Care Center.
  • Create a positive, collaborative culture where partners feel engaged, supported, and empowered to grow.
  • Lead by example - coaching in the moment, celebrating wins, and making work meaningful and fun.

Let's Go!
  • Own the business: drive sales growth, profitability, and operational excellence.
  • Analyze financial and operational results, identify opportunities, and take decisive action to improve performance.
  • Manage labor, payroll, and expenses to maximize productivity and results.
  • Execute merchandising, inventory, and operational processes to brand and safety standards.
  • Represent Petco in the community by leading local events, adoption initiatives, and partnerships that strengthen our impact.

Key Responsibilities
People Leadership
  • Develop a strong leadership bench and succession plan.
  • Lead performance management, coaching, and accountability for all partners.
  • Promote continuous learning, growth, and career development.
  • Foster a culture of teamwork, inclusion, and shared ownership.

Business Performance
  • Meet or exceed sales, profitability, and operational goals.
  • Leverage Petco tools, programs, and insights to grow the business.
  • Review and act on reporting, audits, and Pet Care Center visits.

Operational Excellence
  • Ensure safe opening and closing procedures and adherence to security protocols.
  • Maintain store appearance, cleanliness, and safety standards.
  • Protect pets, partners, and merchandise through strong loss prevention and inventory controls.
  • Complete required administrative, payroll, and inventory tasks accurately and on time.

What Success Looks Like
  • A safe, healthy environment where pets thrive.
  • An engaged, high-performing team with strong retention and development.
  • Loyal customers who trust your team and return again and again.
  • A profitable, well-run Pet Care Center that reflects Petco's values in action.

What You Bring
Experience & Skills
  • 3+ years of management experience (retail leadership preferred).
  • Strong people leadership, coaching, and talent development skills.
  • Solid business, financial, and operational acumen.
  • Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
  • A genuine passion for pets and customer service.

Education
  • High school diploma or GED preferred.
  • Completion of Petco leadership development programs may be required for internal candidates.

Essential Functions & Work Environment
This role is primarily performed in a Pet Care Center retail environment. The General Manager is expected to be regularly present on the sales floor, leading by example and engaging with partners, customers, and pets.
  • Majority of work is conducted indoors; however, occasional duties may require leaving the Pet Care Center for tasks such as bank deposits, merchandise transport, or community events.
  • The role requires frequent standing and walking, as well as bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting.
  • Ability to safely lift and move merchandise, supplies, or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Regular engagement with customers on the sales floor, including providing customer assistance and performing cashiering and point-of-sale transactions.
  • Must be able to work in proximity to animals, including exposure to animal dander, odors, noises, and cleaning chemicals.
  • Flexible availability to support Pet Care Center operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • This is a full-time position. Eligibility for full-time status is based on average hours worked, as defined by company policy and applicable law.
  • A limited amount of travel may be required for training, meetings, or community engagement.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.
Why You'll Love It Here
  • Purpose-driven work that makes a real difference.
  • Growth opportunities through development programs and career pathways.
  • A culture that values authenticity, inclusion, and teamwork.
  • The chance to lead, own, and shape your business - every day.

#LI-NNI
Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.
The pay ranges outlined below are presented in accordance with state-specific regulations. These ranges may differ in other areas and could be subject to variation based on regulatory minimum wage requirements. Actual pay rates will depend on factors such as position, location, level of experience, and applicable state or local minimum wage laws. If the regulatory minimum wage exceeds the minimum indicated in the pay range below, the regulatory minimum wage will be the minimum rate applied.
$36.00 - $59.50
Hourly or Salary Range will be reflected above. For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO -see https://careers.petco.com/us/en/key-benefits
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