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Animal Control Officer Trainee Jobs in Riverside, CA

Pre-Service Police Officer

Rialto, CA · On-site

$84K - $113K/yr

... scene control and investigation activities. Patrols a designated area of the City to ensure ... Responds to general public service and crime victim calls, traffic hazards, stray animal reports ...

Pre-Service Police Officer

Rialto, CA · On-site

$84K - $113K/yr

... scene control and investigation activities. * Patrols a designated area of the City to ensure ... Responds to general public service and crime victim calls, traffic hazards, stray animal reports ...

... animal reports and related misdemeanors and felony incidents; deploys police dog to protect self ... Police methods and procedures including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control and investigation.

Police Officer Lateral

Rialto, CA · On-site

$7K - $9K/mo

... animal reports and related misdemeanors and felony incidents; deploys police dog to protect self ... Police methods and procedures including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control and investigation.

Dispatches, as necessary, police and animal control units in response to calls for service or requests from officers in the field; uses law enforcement terminology and cites Code sections by number ...

Police Dispatcher

Glendora, CA · On-site

$57K - $69K/yr

... animal control units in response to calls for service or requests from officers in the field; uses law enforcement terminology and cites Code sections by number; calls public and private agencies ...

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Animal Control Officer Trainee information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$29.7K

$50K

$73.6K

How much do animal control officer trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal control officer trainee in Riverside, CA is $49,986.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,200.00 and $56,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How hard is it to work for animal control?

Working as an Animal Control Officer Trainee can be physically demanding and requires handling animals that may be aggressive or frightened. The job often involves outdoor work in various weather conditions, strong communication skills, and sometimes emergency response situations, making it a challenging but rewarding role for those passionate about animal welfare.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Animal Control Officer Trainees typically do not earn $2000 a day; such high daily pay is usually associated with specialized roles like surgeons, corporate executives, or certain high-level consultants. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, or extensive experience. Most entry-level or trainee roles in animal control or similar fields pay significantly less per day.

What is the difference between Animal Control Officer Trainee vs Animal Control Officer?

AspectAnimal Control Officer TraineeAnimal Control Officer
Required CertificationsBasic animal handling and safety training, sometimes state-specific certificationsSame as trainee, plus experience and additional certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentSupervised, training-focused, fieldwork with animals and public interactionsIndependent fieldwork, enforcement, and animal rescue activities
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position in animal control departments, shelters, or municipal agenciesFull-time role with more responsibilities, often after completing trainee period

Animal Control Officer Trainee is an entry-level position designed to provide training and experience, while Animal Control Officer is a fully qualified role with greater responsibilities. Trainees typically work under supervision, gaining skills needed for the officer position. Both roles are essential in animal control services, with the trainee position serving as a stepping stone to becoming an officer.

What are Animal Control Officer Trainees?

Animal Control Officer Trainees are entry-level professionals who learn how to enforce animal-related laws and regulations, respond to animal emergencies, and educate the public about responsible pet ownership. They work under the supervision of experienced officers to gain hands-on experience with animal handling, investigation, and safety procedures. Their training prepares them for a full Animal Control Officer role, where they will protect both the community and animals from harm or neglect.

What are some common challenges faced by Animal Control Officer Trainees during their initial training period?

Animal Control Officer Trainees often encounter challenges such as becoming comfortable handling a wide variety of animals, some of which may be aggressive or frightened. Trainees must quickly learn local animal control laws, safe capture techniques, and proper use of equipment. Additionally, adapting to emotionally charged situations, like dealing with distressed pet owners or cases of animal cruelty, can be demanding. However, trainees are typically supported by experienced officers and receive on-the-job training to help them build confidence and competence in the field.

Can I work at an animal shelter without experience?

Animal Control Officer Trainee positions at shelters often do not require prior experience, as training is typically provided on the job. Basic knowledge of animal behavior, good communication skills, and a willingness to learn are important, and some shelters may prefer candidates with volunteer experience or related certifications. Entry-level roles focus on training new employees in handling animals and shelter procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Control Officer Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Control Officer Trainee, you need a basic understanding of animal behavior, safety procedures, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal restraint tools, incident reporting systems, and sometimes completion of relevant training or certification programs is beneficial. Strong communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills help in interacting with the public and handling stressful situations. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring public safety, humane animal treatment, and effective enforcement of animal regulations.

Where do animal control officers make the most money?

Animal control officers tend to earn higher salaries in regions with larger populations and higher costs of living, such as urban areas or states with higher average wages. Salary can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the size of the jurisdiction they serve.
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Animal Control Officer Trainee jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Animal Control Officer Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Control Officer Trainee job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,986 per year, or $24 per hour.
Public Health Veterinarian

Public Health Veterinarian

County of San Bernardino, CA

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

$159K - $229K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


San Bernardino County rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 76 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

332nd of 649 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary: $159,848.00 - $229,382.40 Annually
Location : San Bernardino, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 25-16405-01
Department: Animal Care
Opening Date: 07/30/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
The Job
Please use the link below to apply:
The Opportunity: The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health's Animal Care Division is seeking a Public Health Veterinarianto join its respected team in delivering medical care across the County's animal shelters and clinics. The Division operates two shelters-located in Devore and the City of Big Bear Lake-and is supported by a dedicated team of 51 staff, including animal control officers, veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, and other animal care professionals. The veterinarian will provide shelter medicine, high-volume spay/neuter procedures, and support community education, working both at fixed sites and through the new mobile veterinary clinic, which brings vital services-such as low-cost vaccinations, microchipping, and sterilizations-to underserved communities.
This is an ideal opportunity for a veterinarian passionate about improving animal health and public service. Adding to the excitement, the County is developing a state-of-the-art Animal Care Center, offering the selected candidate the chance to help shape and launch services at this modern facility and play a key role in defining the future of animal care in the region.
The Ideal Candidate: San Bernardino County is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Public Health Veterinarian to join our dynamic, award-winning team. This is a unique opportunity for a veterinarian passionate about community service, public health, and animal welfare. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a team environment and is motivated by positive outcomes. This role includes overseeing animal health, supporting public education, and building community partnerships, all while promoting responsible pet ownership and public safety. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact through service and innovation, we encourage you to apply.
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.
How to Apply: Please apply by 5pm August 25, 2025 at
For questions, inquiries or candidate recommendations, please contact: Sherrill Uyeda () or Syldy Tom () at (562) 901-0769.
Exempt Unit-Group C
San Bernardino County offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. These include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of other voluntary benefits. Programs and benefit amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.
Please review the appropriate * for more information
Refer to the appropriate MOU, contact the County's Employee Benefits and Services Division at (909) 387-5787 or visit the for more detailed information.
*Retirement benefits subject to change.

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