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Animal Rescue Team Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We Care Animal Rescue

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Animal Care Specialist - Animal Rescue Shelter

Napa, CA · On-site

$18/hr

Collaborative team member; provides assistance when needed Experience and Skills: * Must Love Animals! * Passionate for the mission and goals of We Care Animal Rescue * Must be able to prepare and ...

Peninsula Humane Society

Staff Veterinarian

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

As part of the Veterinary team, monitor health of the shelter population and work collaboratively ... Give advice by phone or text to Animal Rescue & Control, the NPVEC and PHS staff. * Perform ...

W3Global Inc.

Associate Veterinarian

Irvine, CA

$175K - $235K/yr

Collaborating with veterinary technicians, assistants, and other team members to deliver high ... Additional Opportunities The practice partners with numerous animal rescue organizations, providing ...

PETA Foundation

Apply to work at PETA!

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

PETA works through public education, cruelty investigations, research, animal rescue, legislation ... team working for their liberation around the world Additional Information Our culture is very ...

Vetcor

Veterinarian - Merced, CA

Merced, CA

$170K - $200K/yr

VAH is actively involved in local outreach and animal rescue initiatives, and we provide low-cost ... We have a positive, well-being-focused culture and a supportive, collaborative team. Join us and ...

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Animal Rescue Team information

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How much do animal rescue team jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue team 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 are Animal Rescue Teams?

Animal Rescue Teams are groups of trained professionals and volunteers who respond to emergencies involving animals in distress. Their work includes rescuing animals from natural disasters, accidents, abuse, or neglect, and providing immediate care and shelter. These teams often collaborate with local authorities, veterinarians, and animal shelters to ensure the safety and well-being of animals. Their goal is to save lives, relieve suffering, and promote humane treatment of animals in crisis situations.

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

To thrive as an Animal Rescue Team member, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and crisis response—often supported by relevant certifications or experience in animal handling. Familiarity with animal transport equipment, humane traps, and incident management systems like ICS is typically required. Compassion, teamwork, and resilience are vital soft skills for handling stressful situations and collaborating with diverse stakeholders. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring animal welfare, safety, and effective rescue operations during emergencies.

What is the difference between Animal Rescue Team vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectAnimal Rescue TeamAnimal Shelter Worker
CertificationsFirst aid, animal handling, rescue certificationsAnimal care, shelter management certifications
Work EnvironmentField rescues, outdoor settings, emergency situationsIndoor shelter facilities, daily animal care
Employer & IndustryRescue organizations, NGOs, emergency servicesAnimal shelters, municipal facilities
Search & Comparison IntentRescue operations, emergency animal aidAnimal care, shelter operations

Animal Rescue Teams focus on emergency rescue and field operations to save animals in distress, often working outdoors and in urgent situations. Animal Shelter Workers primarily manage daily care and sheltering of animals within facilities. While both roles involve animal care, their work environments and specific responsibilities differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by members of an Animal Rescue Team, and how can these be managed on the job?

Members of an Animal Rescue Team often encounter fast-paced and emotionally demanding situations, such as rescuing injured or distressed animals in unpredictable environments. Challenges include managing stressful scenarios, making quick decisions, and ensuring both personal and animal safety. To manage these challenges, team members rely on thorough training, strong communication with colleagues, and strict adherence to protocols. Building resilience and participating in debriefings after tough rescues also help maintain well-being and effectiveness on the job.
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue Team jobs in California? For Animal Rescue Team jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue Team jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue Team jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Animal Rescue Team jobs? Cities in California with the most Animal Rescue Team job openings:
Animal Rescue Team jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue Team job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,209 per year, or $20.8 per hour.
Animal Care Specialist - Animal Rescue Shelter

Animal Care Specialist - Animal Rescue Shelter

We Care Animal Rescue

Napa, CA • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 9 days ago

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Job description

Do you love animals? We Care Animal Rescue is looking for compassionate animal lovers for our Animal Care Specialists. As an Animal Care Specialist, you are key members of the Shelter since you’ll ensure the animals are healthy by providing needed care and medications.

We Care Animal Rescue is a private non-profit organization established in 1982. Our shelter serves as a refuge for homeless animals in the Napa Valley. We foster and promote the general welfare of animals by caring for these animals, finding them homes, tending to the medically and behaviorally challenged, and educating the public on animal welfare. Their care, comfort and well-being are our top priority. We are funded entirely by private donations and fundraising efforts. Learn more about us at: www.wecareanimalrescue.org

Compensation: $18.00 per hour.

Schedule and Hours: This is a full time; permanent position

Responsibilities:

Animal Care:

  • Reviews medication list and detailed notes
  • Checks charts for special care notes and incorporates them in daily schedule
  • Prepares medicine and administers to animals
  • Performs injectable medications to animals
  • Administers subcutaneous fluids
  • Triages sick or injured animals
  • Sets up food for animals in and outside of the facility; checks animals for general health and behavior while animals are eating
  • Handles animals properly, humanely, and with compassion
  • Ensures the cleanliness of the interior and exterior animal enclosures

Safety:

  • Able to read animal body language
  • Complies to high standards of safety throughout the organization
  • Maintains files and records

Other Duties:

  • Provides courteous, prompt and responsive service to visitors, volunteers and general public
  • Assists in training volunteers
  • Collaborative team member; provides assistance when needed

Experience and Skills:

  • Must Love Animals!
  • Passionate for the mission and goals of We Care Animal Rescue
  • Must be able to prepare and administer medications to animals
  • Able to perform injectable medications to animals
  • Must be able to administer subcutaneous fluids
  • Experience with triaging sick or injured animals
  • Minimum of six months’ experience working with animals, either personally or professionally
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
  • Able to work flexible days and hours, including evening shifts, weekends and holidays
  • Able to read animal body language; understands how to work with fearful or aggressive animals
  • Ability to stay focused, professional and calm in a fast paced, emotionally-charged environment
  • Demonstrates accuracy, thoroughness, neatness and dependability to produce work within acceptable standards
  • Experience and compassion for domestic animals
  • Good customer service skills
  • Able to manage multiple tasks in a busy environment; able to adjust to changing deadlines and priorities
  • Able to work independently and as a member of a team
  • Good oral and written communication skills
  • Possession of a current, valid California drivers’ license and with a clean safety record; carry auto insurance
  • Able to pull and/or push items weighing up to 20 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds

To Apply:

Please email your resume and a cover letter addressing why you are a great fit for this role; please put "Animal Care Specialist" in the subject line.