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Animal Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

CA · On-site

$50K/yr

To be referred for consideration for the Animal Health Technician (Mounted Patrol Inspector), candidates must meet the selective placement factor as described below. This is a minimum qualification ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

CA · On-site

$50K/yr

To be referred for consideration for the Animal Health Technician (Mounted Patrol Inspector), candidates must meet the selective placement factor as described below. This is a minimum qualification ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

CA · On-site

$50K/yr

To be referred for consideration for the Animal Health Technician (Mounted Patrol Inspector), candidates must meet the selective placement factor as described below. This is a minimum qualification ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

CA

$50K/yr

To be referred for consideration for the Animal Health Technician (Mounted Patrol Inspector), candidates must meet the selective placement factor as described below. This is a minimum qualification ...

City of Sacramento

Animal Care Technician

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$45K - $63K/yr

The Animal Care Technician processes intakes and outtakes; feeds and cares for impounded animals ... Visually conduct inspections or evaluations and monitor animals to identify and document potential ...

City of Santa Clarita

PTS Animal Keeper

Valencia, CA · On-site

$19.78/hr

... Animal Keeper in the Parks division of the Neighborhood Services department. This position will ... inspections May lead the work of volunteers Performs other duties as assigned Education and ...

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Animal Inspector information

See California salary details

$24.2K

$54.2K

$97.7K

How much do animal inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal inspector in California is $54,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $62,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an animal inspector do?

Animal Inspectors are professionals responsible for ensuring the health, welfare, and humane treatment of animals in various settings such as farms, animal shelters, and zoos. They inspect facilities to check that animals are being properly cared for and that all local, state, and federal regulations are being followed. Their duties may include examining animals for signs of illness or mistreatment, investigating complaints of abuse, and enforcing animal welfare laws. Animal Inspectors often work closely with veterinarians, law enforcement, and animal welfare organizations to protect animals and promote public health.

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

To thrive as an Animal Inspector, you need a background in animal science or a related field, knowledge of animal health regulations, and often state certification or licensure. Familiarity with inspection tools, animal health databases, and reporting systems is typically required. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure accurate assessments, regulatory compliance, and the protection of animal welfare and public health.

What are some common challenges faced by animal inspectors when conducting field inspections?

Animal Inspectors often encounter challenges such as uncooperative owners, animals in distress, and navigating various environments that may be hazardous or unsanitary. Balancing regulatory enforcement with educational outreach requires strong communication and diplomacy skills. Additionally, inspectors must stay updated on animal welfare laws and manage detailed documentation, making attention to detail and adaptability essential for success in this role.

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

AspectAnimal InspectorAnimal Control Officer
Required CredentialsOften requires state or local certification, knowledge of animal health and regulationsTypically requires certification, training in animal handling and local laws
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, inspection sites, animal facilitiesFieldwork, animal shelters, community outreach
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, health departmentsMunicipalities, animal shelters, law enforcement
Common Search & ComparisonAnimal Inspector vs Animal Control Officer

Animal Inspectors and Animal Control Officers both work in government settings related to animal welfare. While Animal Inspectors focus on health inspections, compliance, and regulations, Animal Control Officers handle live animal control, rescue, and community education. Both roles require certification and involve working with animals, but their daily tasks and work environments differ.

How to become an animal inspector?

To become an animal inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with knowledge of animal care and welfare. Many positions require relevant experience or education in veterinary science, biology, or animal science, and some jurisdictions may require certification or licensing. Strong observational skills and familiarity with animal handling and health regulations are also important.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Animal Inspector jobs?

Cities in California with the most Animal Inspector job openings:

Animal Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,220 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Animal Health Technician (Mounted Patrol Inspector)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

CA • On-site

$50K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Make unassisted horseback patrols through rough and remote terrain along the United States-Mexico border.

  • Track, rope, and subdue wild, fractious, and unpredictable livestock for inspection, apprehension, and treatment.

  • Independently perform activities related to livestock inspection, investigation, and monitoring in the assigned sector.

United States Department Of Agriculture rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

455th of 855 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

If selected as a Mounted Patrol Inspector (also known as a Tick Rider), you will make unassisted horseback patrols through rough and remote terrain in an assigned sector along the United States-Mexico border.
This Open Continuous Announcement allows acceptance of applications for 90 days with eligible applicants being referred as vacancies occur. The first cut-off for applications is June 15. Additional cut-off dates are projected for: July 13, 2026; August 10, 2026; September 2, 2026.Qualifications:Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the cut-off date following your application submission (see Additional Information for dates), including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: To be referred for consideration for the Animal Health Technician (Mounted Patrol Inspector), candidates must meet the selective placement factor as described below. This is a minimum qualification requirement. By confirming you meet the selective placement factor you are also acknowledging that you will provide enough detail in your resume to describe your experience performing the full range of activities described in the selective factor.

Applicants must have knowledge, skill and ability to ride horseback sufficient to track, rope, and subdue wild, and/or fractious, unpredictable livestock in rough and remote terrain for the purpose of inspecting, apprehending, and treating, stray, diseased, and/or distressed animals. This work is completed independently.


FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
  • Independently working with livestock in a feedlot, farm, or ranch setting, which included experience inspecting the premises for irregularities.
  • Interviewing livestock owners and other involved parties to obtain information for investigations and documents findings.
  • Reading and interpreting records and reports to determine applicable information and courses of action.
  • Monitor the activity of livestock to identify risk, inspects and detects problem areas.
OR
Successful completion of eighteen (18) semester hours of related graduate education obtained from an accredited college or university. Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health, animal nutrition, animal physiology, animal products, animal reproduction, animal science, animal toxicology, animal welfare, biological and agricultural engineering, beef cattle production, dairy herd management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management, feeding management, meat science, physiology of lactation, poultry science, ruminant nutrition, swine production, and wildlife and fisheries sciences
Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.
TRANSCRIPTS are required if:
  • You are qualifying for the position based on education.
  • You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.
  • This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-07 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:This position does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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