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Animal Friends Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Operator

Wildomar, CA ยท On-site

$18/hr

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 ...

... friends. Are you passionate about taking care of animals? Do you want to work a job that lets you ... Our team of professional animal lovers is dedicated to providing excellent customer service to ...

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Animal Friends information

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$9

$21

$27

How much do animal friends jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal friends in the United States is $21.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Animal Friends?

Animal Friends typically refers to organizations, charities, or groups dedicated to the welfare and protection of animals. These groups often focus on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals, as well as promoting responsible pet ownership and advocating for animal rights. Staff and volunteers at Animal Friends may work directly with animals, organize adoption events, provide veterinary care, or educate the public about animal welfare issues. Their goal is to ensure animals are treated humanely and find loving homes.

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

AspectAnimal FriendsAnimal Care Technician
Required CredentialsVaries by employer, often no formal certification requiredTypically requires a certification or degree in animal science or veterinary technology
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, rescue organizations, pet adoption eventsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, shelters
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal welfare organizations, pet adoption agenciesVeterinary practices, animal hospitals
Common Search & ComparisonAnimal Friends vs Animal Care Technician

Animal Friends generally refers to organizations or individuals involved in animal rescue and welfare, often with minimal formal credentials. In contrast, Animal Care Technicians are trained professionals working in veterinary settings, requiring certifications or degrees. While both roles focus on animal well-being, Animal Friends typically operate in rescue and adoption contexts, whereas Animal Care Technicians work in medical environments providing hands-on care and treatment.

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

To thrive as an Animal Caretaker, you need knowledge of animal behavior, handling and care, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant certifications in animal care. Familiarity with animal management software, feeding schedules, and basic veterinary tools is typically required. Compassion, patience, and strong observational skills help you connect with animals and notice health or behavioral changes early. These skills are critical for ensuring the well-being of animals and maintaining a safe, healthy environment.

What are common challenges faced by Animal Friends team members when working with diverse animal species?

Team members at Animal Friends often work with a variety of animal species, each with unique needs and behaviors. A key challenge is adapting care routines and communication styles to ensure the well-being of every animal, from dogs and cats to more exotic pets. Staff must also collaborate closely to monitor animal health, manage stress, and address behavioral issues, which requires strong teamwork and continuous learning. Overcoming these challenges is rewarding, as it leads to improved welfare for the animals and a supportive, knowledgeable work environment.
More about Animal Friends jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Friends jobs? Cities with the most Animal Friends job openings:
What states have the most Animal Friends jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Friends jobs include:
Infographic showing various Animal Friends job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,783 per year, or $21 per hour.
Animal Care Intake Manager

Animal Care Intake Manager

Animal Friends of the Valleys

Wildomar, CA โ€ข On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Who weโ€™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 youโ€™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 youโ€™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 lifeโ€™s challenges, including counseling and coaching services; assistance with legal, financial and career questions; and so much more!