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Animal Rescue 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

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 ...

LTD Global

Animal 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 ...

LTD Global

Animal 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

Animal Dispatcher

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $24.25/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

Animal 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 ...

Pets In Need

Animal Behaviorist

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Animal Behaviorist FLSA STATUS: Exempt, Full-time REPORTS TO ... Behavior and Rescue Manager Summary Under the direction of the Behavior and Rescue Manager, the ...

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

Animal Protection Investigator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

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 Protection Investigator

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 ...

W3Global Inc.

Associate Veterinarian

Irvine, CA

$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 ...

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Animal Rescue information

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How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 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
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 3 days ago

New

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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.