ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Z&A Management

Animal Keeper - Full Time

Folsom, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

As an Animal Keeper, you'll play a hands-on role in animal care while helping guests experience the wonder of the natural world up close. Whether you're preparing habitats, observing animal behavior ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Modesto, CA · On-site

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Bell Gardens, CA · On-site

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Santa Clarita, CA

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

San Francisco, CA

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Lakewood, CA

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Bell Gardens, CA · On-site

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

South Gate, CA

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Buena Park, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Posted today

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Auburn, CA · On-site

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Redondo Beach, CA

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal Helper JobsAnimal Helper Jobs in California

Animal Helper information

See California salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do animal helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal helper in California is $17.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal helper?

Animal helpers are individuals who assist with the care, handling, and well-being of animals in various settings, such as animal shelters, veterinary clinics, zoos, or wildlife rehabilitation centers. Their duties often include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and helping with enrichment activities. Animal helpers play a crucial role in ensuring animals are comfortable, safe, and healthy, and may also assist with adoptions or educational outreach. This job requires compassion, patience, and a genuine love for animals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal helper?

To thrive as an Animal Helper, you need a basic understanding of animal care, behavior, and handling, often supplemented by a high school diploma or relevant coursework. Familiarity with animal restraint tools, feeding systems, and record-keeping software is typically required. Patience, compassion, and strong communication skills are crucial for effectively working with both animals and people. These skills ensure the safety, well-being, and proper care of animals while supporting smooth collaboration with colleagues and pet owners.

What are common challenges faced by animal helpers when working in shelters or rescue organizations?

Animal Helpers in shelters or rescue organizations often encounter challenges such as managing the emotional stress of caring for abused or neglected animals, handling a high volume of animals with varying needs, and ensuring proper sanitation and safety. Additionally, they may need to coordinate with veterinarians, trainers, and volunteers, which requires strong communication and teamwork skills. Adaptability and compassion are essential for balancing animal welfare with organizational protocols and resource limitations.

What is the difference between Animal Helper vs Animal Care Assistant?

AspectAnimal HelperAnimal Care Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, rescue centers, pet storesVeterinary clinics, animal shelters, pet care facilities
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in shelters and rescue organizationsWidely used in veterinary clinics and animal care facilities
Search & Comparison IntentPeople looking for entry-level animal support rolesIndividuals seeking more specialized animal care positions

Animal Helper roles typically involve assisting with basic animal care tasks in shelters or rescue centers, often requiring minimal formal certification. Animal Care Assistants usually work in veterinary clinics or more structured environments, often with certifications or training. Both roles support animal well-being but differ in work setting and responsibilities.

What kind of jobs help animals?

Animal Helper is a job that involves caring for and assisting animals in shelters, veterinary clinics, zoos, or wildlife rehabilitation centers. These roles often require knowledge of animal behavior, basic medical skills, and compassion, with some positions needing certifications or training in animal care. Such jobs typically involve hands-on work, including feeding, cleaning, and monitoring animals' health and well-being.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in California?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Animal Helper jobs?

Cities in California with the most Animal Helper job openings:

Animal Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Helper job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,833 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Animal Care Specialist

Animal Friends of the Valleys

Wildomar, CA • On-site

$17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

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 provide 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 you’re looking for!
Who we’re looking for:
Animal Care Specialist
What you will be doing:
  • Lots of interaction with dogs, cats, some bunnies and the occasional exotic pet
  • Responsibility for ensuring that all our animal residents are well cared for, properly fed, have exercise time and are in a safe, clean environment
  • Training in proper cleaning and sanitation methods, and daily cleaning of kennels and facility areas to maintain safe, clean environments
  • Improve your customer service skills by answering client questions and assisting them as they seek to find the perfect pet to bring them to their forever home
What you’ll need:
  • Some animal handling and care experience preferred; particularly with dogs and cats.
  • Ability to clean, lift, bend, walk and handle animals, supplies and equipment
What can we offer you?
  • $17.00 per hour
  • Full-time.
  • Be part of an amazing team that loves and cares for the animals that need them.
  • Opportunities for additional training
  • Uniform Allowance (Scrubs)
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, insurance benefits available.
  • Colonial Insurance
  • 403B Retirement Savings (Think 401K for non-profits.)
  • Extensive Employee Discount Program to help you save money on a wide variety of products and services.
  • Employee Assistance Program to help you through life’s challenges, including counseling and coaching services; assistance with legal, financial and career questions; and so much more!

Apply