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Animal Rescue Volunteer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

San Bernardino County

Animal Keeper I

San Bernardino, CA

$19.41 - $28.18/hr

Six (6) months of full-time equivalent paid or volunteer experience involving the care, handling ... Animal shelter or rescue organization. Stable, ranch, farm, kennel, or similar animal-care setting.

All JobsAnimal Rescue Volunteer JobsAnimal Rescue Volunteer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Animal Rescue Volunteer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$8

$19

$35

How much do animal rescue volunteer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue volunteer in Riverside, CA is $19.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $21.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal rescue volunteer?

Animal rescue volunteers are individuals who dedicate their time and effort to help save, care for, and rehabilitate animals in need. They often work with shelters, rescue organizations, or wildlife rehabilitation centers to assist with tasks such as feeding, cleaning, socializing animals, transporting them, and sometimes assisting with adoption events. Volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of animals and supporting the organizations’ missions. Their efforts help give animals a second chance at finding loving, permanent homes.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an animal rescue volunteer?

To thrive as an Animal Rescue Volunteer, you need a basic understanding of animal care, handling techniques, and a genuine passion for animal welfare, though formal qualifications are often not required. Familiarity with animal shelter management systems, intake protocols, and sometimes animal first aid training can be helpful. Strong communication, teamwork, and emotional resilience are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of animals, effective collaboration with staff, and providing compassionate care during often stressful situations.

What challenges do animal rescue volunteers face and how can they be managed?

Animal rescue volunteers often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as caring for injured or neglected animals and witnessing difficult cases of abuse or abandonment. Managing these challenges involves practicing self-care, seeking support from fellow volunteers or supervisors, and focusing on the positive impact of your efforts. Team collaboration and regular training can also help volunteers handle stressful scenarios more effectively and ensure the well-being of both the animals and themselves.

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

AspectAnimal Rescue VolunteerAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsNone mandatory; some experience or training preferredHigh school diploma; training provided on-site
Work EnvironmentOutdoor rescue sites, emergency situationsIndoor shelter facilities, daily care
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, rescue organizationsAnimal shelters, humane societies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Animal Rescue Volunteers primarily assist in outdoor rescue efforts and emergency situations, often with minimal formal credentials. Animal Shelter Workers typically work within shelter facilities, providing daily care and support, often with basic training. Both roles are vital in animal welfare but differ mainly in work environment and scope of responsibilities.

Can I volunteer at a local dog shelter?

Animal rescue volunteers can often assist at local dog shelters by helping with animal care, cleaning, and socialization. Most shelters require volunteers to complete an application and training, and some may have age or time commitment requirements.

How do you become an animal rescue volunteer?

To become an animal rescue volunteer, you typically need to contact local shelters or rescue organizations to learn about their volunteer programs. Most require volunteers to be at least 18 years old, complete an application, and attend an orientation or training session. Volunteers may assist with animal care, adoption events, or administrative tasks, and some organizations may require background checks or specific skills.

What skills do you need to volunteer as an animal rescue volunteer?

Animal rescue volunteers need strong compassion, patience, and the ability to handle animals safely. Basic knowledge of animal behavior, good communication skills, and physical stamina are also important. Some roles may require training or certifications in animal care or first aid.

Where can I volunteer to work with animals near me?

Animal rescue volunteers can find opportunities at local shelters, humane societies, and wildlife rehabilitation centers. These organizations often seek volunteers for tasks such as caring for animals, cleaning enclosures, and assisting with adoption events, and may require basic training or orientation before starting.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Animal Rescue Volunteer job openings:

Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue Volunteer job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 31% Full Time, and 69% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,527 per year, or $20 per hour.

Animal Caretaker

City of Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Rancho Cucamonga, CA • On-site

$19.83 - $26.74/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Salary: $19.83 - $26.74 Hourly
Location : Animal Care and Adoption Center - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Job Type: Part Time
Job Number: 2526-34M
Department: Animal Care/Adoption Center
Division: Animal Center Care
Opening Date: 06/16/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
WHY JOIN #TEAMRC
The Animal Services Department is seeking an Animal Caretaker to join our team! Our mission is to create PAWsitive impact by enriching the lives of animals and people. We accomplish this by caring for thousands of animals (domestic and wildlife) annually and working to reunite them with their owners, rehome them, or transfer them to rescue and rehabilitation organizations. We also play an important role in assisting the public with their animal-related concerns. When you join TeamRC, you can expect to be working in a fast-paced environment with a dedicated and committed team of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to protect and serve the animals and people in our community.
You will make a difference!
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING HERE AT TEAM RC
Animal Caretakers play a key role in daily shelter operations by cleaning and disinfecting animal housing areas, performing housekeeping tasks such as laundry and dishes, assisting with meet-and-greets and adoptions, and supporting enrichment and behavior programs. Animal Caretakers also assist the public with animal related questions and support other divisions at the Animal Center as needed.
This position might be perfect for you if:
  • This position might be perfect for you if:
    • You excel in a team environment.
    • You are a matchmaker and like finding people their perfect pet.
    • You have excellent customer service and communication skills.
    • You strive for excellence and have a can-do attitude.
    • You function best in a fast-paced environment where multitasking is the norm.
    • You are compassionate and empathetic for people and their pets.
    • You are comfortable safely handling all animals, from the biggest dog to the smallest mouse, including wildlife.

Must have the ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays, and on-call basis.
You'll be responsible for:
  • Cleaning and disinfecting cages and interacting with a variety of animals including domestic, exotic, and wildlife.
  • General housekeeping; washing dishes and laundry; maintaining a clean and orderly work environment; keeping the facilities and equipment in good working order.
  • Assisting members of the public with general inquiries and finding lost and found pets (cue those customer service skills).
  • Answering phone calls and assisting the administrative staff with updating records, cashier services and processing licenses, stray animals and adoptions.
  • The meet and greet process and helping customers select and adopt pets (one of the most exciting parts!).
  • Communicating medical and behavior needs of specific animals to potential adopters.
  • Safely handling a variety of breeds and species of animals with various temperaments and needs.
  • Participating in animal enrichment and socialization programs.
  • Interacting with our rockstar volunteers.
  • Maintaining animal inventory and supply inventory.
  • Assisting with euthanasia.

For more information, please visit the job description here.
ARE YOU QUALIFIED
Education and/or Experience:
Equivalent to graduation from high school. Six months of recent experience working with domestic animals in a veterinary hospital, clinical setting, or animal services facility, is desirable.
License or Certificate:Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C or Class 3 California driver's license, and have a satisfactory driving record.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Various breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic animals; basic characteristics of animal behavior; care techniques; customer service techniques; procedures related to kennel cleaning and maintenance of facilities; record keeping procedures; occupational hazards and safe work practices related to animal care; safe driving principles and practices;
Operate cleaning equipment and other tools used in the maintenance of kennels; operate a vehicle observing legal driving practices; operate a cash register; administer injections and medications to all types of animals; operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs; handle animals in a safe and efficient manner; learn, understand, and interpret rules and regulations governing the impounding and release of animals; recognize normal and abnormal animal behavior; prepare and maintain accurate and complete records; meet and deal tactfully and effectively with the public; respond to requests and inquiries for information regarding animal services; work independently in the absence of supervision; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish, maintain and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
WHERE DO YOU GO FROM HERE
APPLICATION PROCESS
All applicants are required to apply online at . This recruitment will run until all available vacancies have been filled
Applications must be complete and demonstrate that the minimum qualifications are met. All statements made on the application are subject to investigation and verification. Resumes may be attached to completed application form as supplemental information and will not be accepted in lieu of an official application form. Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates who best match the needs of the City will be invited to compete further in the examination process. All candidates will be notified of their application status by email throughout the recruitment process. Candidates invited to compete in the examination process, who successfully pass the examination process, will be place on an eligibility list. The candidate on the eligibility list who most closely meets the requirements of the City may be selected to receive a final offer. The City may conclude that none of the candidates, even those who meet the minimum qualifications, are appropriate for the position.
Successful candidates shall be required to:
  • Pass a reference and background verification. References will not be contacted until a mutual interest has been established, and
  • Provide proof of a valid California driver's license and be insurable; and
  • Pass a pre-employment medical exam
If hired, candidate will be required to complete a verification form designated by Immigration and Naturalization Service to certify that they are eligible for employment in the United States of America and furnish proof certifying legal authorization to work in the United States.
The City of Rancho Cucamonga Participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. In accordance, the City will provide the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For additional information regarding E-Verify, the Federal Government's online employment eligibility verification system, please visit www.uscis.gov.
DisclaimersThe City of Rancho Cucamonga is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. In addition, the City of Rancho Cucamonga abides by a nepotism policy which may preclude you from being hired if the City employs a relative. The City of Rancho Cucamonga makes reasonable accommodations for disabled persons, considering each situation on an individual basis. Please make direct requests for accommodation to Human Resources. For information on Employee Rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act, please click . There is a no smoking policy in effect in all City Offices and vehicles. Finally, please note that the provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract expressed or implied and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. Questions regarding this recruitment may be directed to Human Resources at Careers@CityofRC.us. Applicants may wish to visit the City's official website at for more information.
No benefits
01
How many years of professional animal handling experience do you have?
02
Are you available to work weekends?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Please tell us about any experience you have performing pet adoption counseling.
Required Question

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