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Animal Humane Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LTD Global

Animal Control Officer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Position Overview Foster a humane attitude toward animal care and treatment through education and leading by example. Provide guidance and answer public inquiries on animal-related matters, including ...

LTD Global

Animal Control Officer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Position Overview Foster a humane attitude toward animal care and treatment through education and leading by example. Provide guidance and answer public inquiries on animal-related matters, including ...

Marin Humane Society

Animal Care Technician

Novato, CA · On-site

$21.04 - $23.38/hr

At Marin Humane, we don't just offer a job; we offer a community. Our team is defined by a ... What You'll Do As an Animal Care Technician, you'll play a hands-on role in helping animals thrive ...

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Animal Humane information

What is an animal humane worker?

Animal humane workers are professionals who care for and protect animals, often working in shelters, rescue organizations, or animal welfare agencies. Their duties may include feeding, cleaning, providing medical care, and helping animals find new homes. They also educate the public about responsible pet ownership and advocate for animal rights. These workers play a crucial role in ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of animals in their communities.

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

To thrive as an Animal Humane Officer, you need knowledge of animal care, animal welfare laws, and investigative techniques, typically supported by a relevant degree or certification in animal science or law enforcement. Familiarity with case management systems, animal handling equipment, and legal documentation tools is crucial. Compassion, strong communication, and conflict resolution skills help build trust with the public and ensure effective advocacy for animal welfare. These skills are vital for protecting animals, enforcing regulations, and promoting community safety.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working at an animal humane organization, and how can they prepare for them?

Staff at animal humane organizations often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as caring for abused or neglected animals and making difficult decisions about animal welfare. Additionally, they may deal with a fast-paced environment, balancing animal care with administrative tasks, and collaborating with volunteers and the public. To prepare, candidates should develop strong emotional resilience, communication skills, and a willingness to learn about animal behavior and welfare best practices. Embracing teamwork and ongoing professional development can also help staff thrive and make a positive impact.

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

AspectAnimal HumaneAnimal Care Technician
CredentialsVaries; often includes animal welfare certificationsTypically requires animal care certifications or related training
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, rescue centers, non-profit organizationsVeterinary clinics, shelters, research facilities
Employer & IndustryNon-profit animal welfare organizationsVeterinary hospitals, research labs, shelters
Common Search/ComparisonAnimal Humane vs Animal Care Technician

Animal Humane and Animal Care Technicians both work with animals in shelter or care settings. While Animal Humane roles often focus on animal welfare advocacy and shelter management, Animal Care Technicians typically provide direct medical and daily care in veterinary or research environments. The roles overlap in caring for animals, but their work settings and specific responsibilities differ.

What are popular job titles related to Animal Humane jobs in California?

For Animal Humane jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Humane jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Humane jobs in California are:

Animal Humane jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Humane job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Humane Officer, Sergeant

San Diego Humane Society

San Diego, CA • On-site

$32.21 - $39.46/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

San Diego Humane Society rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

San Diego Humane Society is hiring full-time Sergeants for our Humane Law Enforcement team!
We are anticipating that this position may become available in the near future and are beginning the hiring process now to build a pipeline of qualified candidates. While the opening is contingent on a position becoming available in the near future, we are proactively reviewing applications and interviewing candidates to ensure we can move quickly if the role officially opens. If you are interested in being considered for this position, please submit your application at this time.
How you'll impact our mission:
At San Diego Humane Society, we're united by our mission to Inspire Compassion. Humane Officer Sergeants impact the lives of more than 40,000 animals each year by leading Officers and patrolling designated areas to enforce state laws and local ordinances, ensure humane treatment of animals, issue citations, investigate complaints involving animal neglect and/or cruelty, and educate the public regarding proper animal care.
This role delivers service at the gold standard level in alignment with the SDHS Way, to meet the needs of animals and the people who love them by leading with compassion, finding creative solutions, providing personalized care and building connections. If you're passionate about making an impact in the animal welfare movement, we'd love to talk to you.
What's in it for you?
At SDHS, we're proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and commit to being a place where every person - staff, volunteer, and guest - can feel a sense of belonging. We support and invest in employees through conscious delivery of benefits and a workplace environment based on our Core Values.
As an employee you'll enjoy:
  • Competitive pay and paid time-off (including your Birthday Day Off!)
  • Comprehensive benefits package, training and well-being programs
  • 403(b) retirement plan with 5% match after 1 year
  • Free pet adoptions, pet vaccines and spay/neuter services
  • ...and so much more!

What you'll do:
  • Provide leadership to officers within their assigned campus, ensuring appropriate documentation and departmental procedures are followed for all cases
  • Be responsible for assisting with all aspects of selection, training, evaluating, and disciplining Humane Officers in cooperation with the Operations and Administrative Captain and Chief of HLE
  • Ability to perform all Officer duties and responsibilities including enforcement of animal-related ordinances in contracting jurisdictions as well as other contractual services
  • Humanely handle, capture, restrain, confine and/or transport domestic animals and wildlife using proper humane equipment, methods, and techniques
  • Investigate and enforce animal cruelty laws and all activities associated therewith
  • Take animals under protective custody as evidence in crimes
  • Issue Citations, prepare and execute search warrants and arrest warrants, prepare cases for filing criminal charges with City Attorney/District Attorney
  • Analyze situations and apply established procedures and good judgment to enforce animal related laws
  • Utilize tact, judgment and strategy in dealing with a wide variety of people, both friendly and hostile
  • Explain and demonstrate proper animal care to a diverse group of people in the public service arena

What we're looking for:
  • AA degree or equivalent experience required, preferably in Administration of Justice or related field of study.
  • Two (2) years of animal control, law enforcement or investigations experience required.
  • One (1) year of supervisor experience strongly preferred.
  • Training specified in subparagraph (D) and the basic training for a Level 2 Reserve Officer by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training or completed an approved police powers program (832 Penal Code) required.
  • Must also satisfy the requirements of Section 1029, 1030, and 1031 of the Government Code.
  • Must have a valid driver's license and be approved by SDHS insurance carrier to drive a company or personal vehicle for work purposes.

Location & Hours: Based at our San Diego Campus, with expected travel to all campuses and across San Diego County. This position works a 4/10 Alternative Work Schedule.
Pay: Starting range is between $32.21 - $39.46 per hour and is eligible for an hourly bilingual-Spanish premium.
The listed hiring range for this position depicts the target range of pay rates for candidates. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. Compensation for internal candidates may increase beyond the listed range based on performance over time.
For all candidates, the actual starting pay rate is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to your years of related education and experience, internal pay equity, and position location.
To learn more about our benefits and perks, click here.

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