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Animal Internships Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

VCA Animal Hospitals

Rotating Intern

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$80K/yr

The Internship is designed to provide an intensive one-year experience in management of small animal clinical cases under Staff DVM supervision. The training program will utilize Staff doctors of VCA ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Rotating Intern

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$80K/yr

The Internship is designed to provide an intensive one-year experience in management of small animal clinical cases under Staff DVM supervision. The training program will utilize Staff doctors of ...

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How much do animal internships jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal internships in California is $20.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $24.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal internship?

An animal internship is a temporary position that provides hands-on experience working with animals in various settings, such as zoos, shelters, veterinary clinics, or research facilities. Interns may assist with animal care, rehabilitation, research, or educational programs under the supervision of professionals. These internships help individuals gain practical skills, build resumes, and explore career paths in animal-related fields.

What does an animal intern do?

As an animal intern, you can expect to be actively involved in daily care routines, such as feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and providing enrichment activities. You may assist with basic medical care under supervision and help maintain animal records. Interns often work closely with veterinarians, animal caregivers, and other staff, gaining hands-on experience in a collaborative team setting. This role offers valuable insights into animal behavior and care practices, making it an excellent stepping stone for careers in animal science, veterinary medicine, or wildlife conservation.

What skills and qualifications are needed for an animal internship?

To thrive in an Animal Internship, you typically need a passion for animal care, basic animal handling knowledge, and usually a high school diploma or enrollment in a related college program. Experience with animal management software or familiarity with tools used in animal care facilities, such as feeding logs and cleaning equipment, can be beneficial. Strong communication, teamwork, and attention to detail are highly valued soft skills in this role. These abilities are important because they ensure the safety and well-being of animals and foster effective collaboration in animal care environments.

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

The most popular types of Animal Internships jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Animal Internships jobs?

Cities in California with the most Animal Internships job openings:

Animal Internships jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Internships job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,209 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Animal Keeper, Temporary, Full-Time, Primates

SFZOO

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$31.07 - $37.63/hr

Full-time, Temporary

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Full-Time Temporary Animal Keeper - PrimatesSan Francisco Zoological SocietyThis position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement. Salary Range: $31.07 - $37.63 Per hour Classification: Full-Time Temporary Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)Position Summary:An Animal Keeper, working under the general supervision of Zoo management, has direct responsibility for the care, welfare, and safety of assigned animals and their habitats or exhibits. Additionally, Animal Keepers further the Society's mission by engaging with and providing information to Zoo visitors.Essential Duties & Responsibilities:An Animal Keeper performs all aspects of animal care, including the upkeep of exhibits, minor repairs, public speaking, and volunteer coordination. Specific duties include:1. Habitat Maintenance: Cleans and maintains enclosures, cages, stalls, moats, barns, pools, yards, roads, and related areas. Removes animal excrement and food remnants; rakes, sweeps, and hoses down areas as necessary.2. Animal Observation & Health: Observes animal behavior on a day-to-day and long-term basis. Notes and reports unusual behavior, signs of illness/injury, appetite changes, breeding cycles, or social incompatibility to supervisors or the animal hospital. Assists in administering medication or treatments as directed.3. Public Engagement & Safety: Answers questions and provides information to the visiting public. Observes visitors to prevent malicious acts or harm to animals, property, or the public. Assists with crowd control when animals are loose or being moved.4. Animal Handling: Assists in the crating, uncrating, catching, restraining, and transferring of animals between locations.5. Exhibit Design & Repair: Designs and builds displays within existing enclosures. Assists with landscaping care and performs minor or emergency repairs to Zoo equipment and facilities.6. Guest Relations: Interacts with Zoo visitors and staff courteously and professionally at all times.7. Driving: Drives vehicles on or off Zoo grounds for off-site animal care, transporting animals, or handling emergencies.8. Dietary Management: Maintains knowledge of animal dietary needs. Facilitates food consumption and occasionally assists with food preparation near exhibits. Maintains food storage in compliance with state, local, federal, and AZA requirements.9. Collaboration: Partners with other Zoo departments to maintain top-tier animal care and attends internal training sessions as needed.10. Other Duties: Performs additional duties related to the care of Zoo animals as directed by management.Job Requirements & QualificationsEducation & Experience Education: High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED). Experience: One (1) year of paid experience working with ranch, farm, or exotic animals.
  • Note: A degree from an institution offering specialized animal management programs with a hands-on component, or a relevant animal-focused internship, may meet this qualification.
Skills & Abilities: Communication: Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups. Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Problem Solving: Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Specialized Safety: For certain species or dangerous animals, additional requirements may be necessary for safety.Certificates & Licenses: A valid Driver's License.Desired Qualifications: Bilingual candidates are highly encouraged to apply.Physical Demands & Work EnvironmentPhysical Demands: Regularly required to stand and walk. Frequently required to reach with hands/arms, talk, and hear. Occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 80 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.Work Environment: Regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. Frequently exposed to potentially hazardous, dangerous, or sick animals. Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts. May involve exposure to serious accidents, injuries, or highly disagreeable conditions (such as handling raw sewage and other refuse). Noise level is usually moderate.

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