ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Rescue Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of Norco

Animal Control Officer

Norco, CA

$51K - $64K/yr

Must attend training in Animal Control, Advance Animal Control Investigation, Certified Animal Control Officer Training (CACO), First Aid, CPR, Large Animal Rescue, Euthanasia, and Citation/Report ...

Peninsula Humane Society

Staff Veterinarian

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Perform animal necropsies and write reports for Animal Rescue & Control as needed. * On occasion, serve as the after-hours contact for emergencies. Give advice by phone or text to Animal Rescue ...

LTD Global

Dispatcher

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

... Animal Rescue & Control services by managing incoming calls, coordinating service requests, and monitoring field staff activities. This position requires strong communication skills, multitasking ...

LTD Global

Dispatcher

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Position Summary The Dispatcher plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of Animal Rescue & Control services by managing incoming calls, coordinating service requests, and monitoring field ...

W3Global Inc.

Associate Veterinarian

Irvine, CA · On-site

$175K - $235K/yr

Additional Opportunities The practice partners with numerous animal rescue organizations, providing care to a large number of rescued dogs and cats. This creates a rewarding and uniquely diverse ...

LTD Global

Animal Control Officer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, it provides a wide range of services, including animal adoption, wildlife rescue, veterinary care, humane education, and enforcement of animal-related laws. The ...

LTD Global

Animal Control Officer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, it provides a wide range of services, including animal adoption, wildlife rescue, veterinary care, humane education, and enforcement of animal-related laws. The ...

LTD GLOBAL, LLC

Be Seen First

Animal Control Officer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, it provides a wide range of services, including animal adoption, wildlife rescue, veterinary care, humane education, and enforcement of animal-related laws. The ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Associate Veterinarian

Tracy, CA · On-site

$100K - $180K/yr

Deeply rooted in the Tracy community as proud sponsors of youth sports and animal rescue groups. * Active members of the Tracy Chamber of Commerce, supporting local initiatives. * Students and new ...

PETA Foundation

Apply to work at PETA!

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

PETA works through public education, cruelty investigations, research, animal rescue, legislation, special events, celebrity involvement, and protest campaigns. Working at the world's largest animal ...

PETA Foundation

Apply to work at PETA!

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

PETA works through public education, cruelty investigations, research, animal rescue, legislation, special events, celebrity involvement, and protest campaigns. Working at the world's largest animal ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in California

Animal Rescue information

See California salary details

$9

$20

$27

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue 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.

How do you become an animal rescue worker?

To become an animal rescue worker, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant experience volunteering or working with animals. Many organizations prefer candidates with knowledge of animal behavior, basic veterinary skills, and certifications such as pet first aid or animal handling courses.

Can you make a living running an animal rescue?

Animal rescue work is often volunteer-based or low-paid, with many rescuers relying on donations, grants, and personal funds. While some organizations offer salaries or stipends, making a full-time living typically requires additional income sources or running a larger, well-funded operation. Skills in fundraising, grant writing, and management can improve financial stability in this field.

What is animal rescue?

Animal rescue refers to the process of saving animals from dangerous, abusive, or neglectful situations and providing them with shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation. Animal rescue organizations work to protect stray, abandoned, or mistreated animals, often finding them foster or permanent homes. The main goal is to ensure the well-being and safety of animals, promoting responsible pet ownership and preventing cruelty. Rescued animals may include pets like dogs and cats, as well as wildlife in distress. Volunteers and professionals collaborate to give these animals a second chance at life.

What are some common challenges faced by animal rescue professionals, and how can they effectively address them?

Animal rescue professionals often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as witnessing animal neglect or working with traumatized animals. They may also face physical demands, unpredictable schedules, and the need to make quick decisions in high-stress environments. Building emotional resilience, practicing self-care, and collaborating closely with veterinary staff, volunteers, and local authorities can help manage these challenges. Additionally, ongoing training and open communication within the team are essential for maintaining a supportive work environment and ensuring the best outcomes for rescued animals.

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

To thrive as an Animal Rescue Worker, you need knowledge of animal handling, first aid, and welfare, often supported by relevant certifications or experience with animals. Familiarity with animal control software, rescue equipment, and sometimes animal transport vehicles is typically required. Compassion, resilience, and strong communication skills are vital for building trust with animals and collaborating with the public and rescue organizations. These skills ensure the safety, effective care, and successful rehoming of animals in challenging and often urgent situations.

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

AspectAnimal RescueAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal handling or rescue techniquesHigh school diploma; training in animal care and shelter operations
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor rescues, emergency situationsIndoor shelter facilities, animal care areas
Employer & Industry UsageRescue organizations, non-profits, government agenciesShelters, humane societies, animal control agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Animal Rescue involves actively seeking out and rescuing animals in distress, often in outdoor or emergency settings. Animal Shelter Workers primarily care for animals within shelter facilities, focusing on daily care and adoption processes. Both roles require animal handling skills and work within animal welfare organizations, but their work environments and specific duties differ significantly.

What is the highest paid job working with animals?

The highest paid jobs working with animals typically include veterinary surgeons and specialized animal researchers, with veterinarians earning a median annual salary of around $100,000 or more. Advanced roles often require a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and specialized certifications, and they involve working in clinics, research facilities, or zoos.

Is rescuing animals a career?

Animal rescue can be a career involving roles such as animal shelter workers, rescue technicians, or wildlife rehabilitators. These positions often require knowledge of animal care, relevant certifications, and physical ability to handle animals in various environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in California? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in California? For Animal Rescue jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities in California with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, and 57% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,209 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Volunteer Board Member - Emergency Operations / Rescue Strategy

Chester's Corner Rescue Foundation

San Jose, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Are you passionate about animal welfare and ready to make a meaningful impact on a nonprofit animal rescue? We want to hear from you!

We are currently looking for a Volunteer Board Member with a focus on Emergency Operations and Rescue Strategy to join the leadership team at Chester’s Corner Rescue Foundation.

About Us:

Chester’s Corner Rescue Foundation is a dedicated nonprofit organization specializing in animal rescue and rehabilitation. Our mission is to provide abandoned animals with medical care, emotional support, and a path toward finding loving, permanent homes. Every effort we make is driven by compassion and a commitment to the welfare of animals in need.

How You Will Contribute:

Responsibilities:

  • Assess urgent rescue and placement cases and provide actionable recommendations.
  • Collaborate with the leadership team to implement rapid-response operational strategies.
  • Advise on immediate animal welfare and safety needs.
  • Make informed votes on high-stakes decisions impacting animals and organizational operations.
  • Support the development of processes and protocols for emergency and time-sensitive situations.
  • Provide guidance to other board members and volunteers on operational priorities during crises.

Immediate Ownership:

Manages high-level emergency and rescue strategy oversight, ensuring quick, informed operational decisions.

Required Qualifications:

  • Proven experience in animal welfare, rescue operations, or emergency response management. Extensive experience preferred.
  • Strong professional communication skills (email and virtual meetings).
  • Ability to assess situations quickly, provide leadership, and make sound operational decisions.
  • Prior board or nonprofit leadership experience in a 501(c)(3) or similar organization a plus.
  • Must reside in California.
  • Must be willing to support long-term growth toward a paid staff structure.

Commitment Details:

  • This is a volunteer board position.
  • Expected to participate in weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly board meetings initially, transitioning to quarterly meetings as the board and operations stabilize.
  • This role can be performed remotely; attendance at virtual board meetings is required.
  • Support long-term growth toward a paid staff structure.

How to Apply:

Please send an email to board@chesterscorner.org with your resume and a short introduction of yourself and why you are interested in joining Chester’s Corner Rescue Foundation as a board member. Please be sure to put the title “Volunteer Board Member – Emergency Operations / Rescue Strategy” in the subject line of your email.

Additional Notes:

This is a volunteer role; no compensation will be provided.

Apply