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Animal Rescue Team Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 · On-site

$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 ...

Vetcor

Veterinarian - Merced, CA

Merced, CA · On-site

$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 ...

ROBINS NEST RESCUE

Grant Management Support

Ramona, CA · On-site

Volunteer Grant Management Support Robin's Nest Rescue is a nonprofit animal sanctuary and healing ... Communicate and collaborate with grant writer(s) and internal team members * Support organization ...

Pets In Need

Animal Care Technician

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$26/hr

... rescue and adoption efforts. This position will provide the daily care of animals in our care ... by the Medical Team. * Prepares and provides edible enrichment for animals, including but not ...

Peninsula Humane Society

Lead Veterinarian

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

... and specific animal population diseases. You're looking for an opportunity to lead a team of ... Rescue & Control, Humane Investigations and/or the District Attorney in the investigation and ...

HSSV

Animal Transport Associate

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Join a team that focuses on our key values of kindness, courage, and impact ! Overview The Animal ... Train transport volunteers to go on rescue runs or to help with providing other partner shelter ...

Peninsula Humane Society

Lead Veterinarian

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

... and specific animal population diseases. You're looking for an opportunity to lead a team of ... Rescue & Control, Humane Investigations and/or the District Attorney in the investigation and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAnimal Rescue Team JobsAnimal Rescue Team Jobs in California

Animal Rescue Team information

See California salary details

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How much do animal rescue team jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 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 is an animal rescue team?

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 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 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.

How do you become an animal rescue team member?

To become an animal rescue team member, individuals typically need a passion for animal welfare, relevant experience or training in animal care, and often certifications such as pet first aid or animal handling. Many organizations require background checks and physical ability to handle animals in various environments, and volunteers may start by participating in local rescue programs or shelters before advancing to team roles.

How to become part of an animal rescue team?

To join an animal rescue team, individuals typically need to volunteer or apply through local shelters or rescue organizations, often requiring a background check and training in animal care and handling. Relevant skills include compassion, teamwork, and knowledge of animal behavior, and some organizations may require certifications in pet first aid or rescue techniques.

What qualifications do you need to work at an animal rescue team?

Animal rescue team members typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience working with animals. Relevant skills include animal handling, first aid, and knowledge of animal behavior; certifications in pet CPR or animal care can be beneficial. Physical fitness and the ability to work in various weather conditions are also important.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,209 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Apply to work at PETA!

PETA Foundation

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Company Description

This position is posted by The Foundation to Support Animal Protection (FSAP) on behalf of PETA. FSAP provides general and administrative support services to PETA and other charitable animal protection organizations. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is the largest animal rights organization in the world. PETA works through public education, cruelty investigations, research, animal rescue, legislation, special events, celebrity involvement, and protest campaigns.

Job Description

Working at the world's largest animal rights organization is not for those looking for a typical office job. Think of a time where you were in a fast-paced environment and multiply that by ten and then throw in a good measure of passionate colleagues and supervisors all motivated by the same notion of animal liberation as you are! Now you have a slight peak into #PETAlife!
We have positions that speak to all different levels of experience and expertise. They range from covering the front desk, packaging literature for activists, assuring budgets remain on track, data is managed and PSA's are shot and edited, to meeting with executives - encouraging cruelty-free business conduct, and leading demonstrations across the country. We have positions for every interest, with the ultimate goal of providing our employees the opportunity to explore all departments of the organization and find their best practice in the fight for animal rights.
The above doesn't cover every opportunity or even department, but gives the gist of a career at PETA/PETA Foundation. 
If you feel that you have a background that will support a position at PETA and the drive to work relentlessly for animal liberation, chances are you will be a great fit for our organization, complete this brief application and we'll be in touch!

Qualifications

It takes a lot of dedicated people to end animal suffering! Both PETA and the PETA Foundation are looking for smart, compassionate, hard-working people to join our teams, and you might have just the skills we need!


Support for PETA's philosophy and the ability to professionally advocate PETA's positions on issues
Commitment to the objectives of the organization
Proven effective written and verbal communication skills
Proven ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines
Demonstrated excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills, tact, and diplomacy
Proven ability to maintain strict confidentiality at all times
Professional appearance and adherence to a vegan diet
Working in a fast-paced environment isn't for everybody, and the pressure will be heavy most of the time, so candidates must have great time-management skills
As with most entry-level positions, you will be responsible for a number of administrative tasks, you may also handle a large amount of confidential information - so spilling the beans on secrets won't be tolerated.


There will be times when you need to drive, so you must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid U.S. driver's license, a minimum of three years of driving experience, and a satisfactory driving record


Most of all, you must have the drive to help animals and support a team working for their liberation around the world

Additional Information

Our culture is very important to us; you can take a sneak peak at the #PETAlife here
All vegan offices have a vegan policy - that does NOT mean you're stuck with carrots and celery sticks - we are big believers in delicious food!

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