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Animal Rescue Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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

$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

$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 ...

City of Selma

Animal Services Technician

Selma, CA

$46K - $60K/yr

Maintain effective and productive working relationships with volunteers, animal rescue/welfare groups, other departments, and agencies to promote and increase animal adoptions. Feed and water animals ...

New

City of Selma, CA

Animal Services Technician

Selma, CA · On-site

$46K - $60K/yr

Maintain effective and productive working relationships with volunteers, animal rescue/welfare groups, other departments, and agencies to promote and increase animal adoptions. * Feed and water ...

New

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 ...

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 Jun 14, 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, relevant experience with animals, and strong compassion. Volunteering at shelters or rescue organizations can provide valuable skills, and some roles may require certifications in animal care or first aid.

What degree do I need for animal rescue?

Animal rescue jobs typically do not require a specific degree, but a background in animal science, biology, or related fields can be beneficial. Relevant skills include animal handling, first aid, and knowledge of animal behavior, and certifications such as pet first aid or CPR can enhance employability.

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.

Do animal rescues pay employees?

Animal rescue organizations may pay employees, especially those in full-time or specialized roles, but many positions are volunteer-based. Salaries can vary depending on the organization, location, and job responsibilities, with some rescues offering stipends or part-time wages. Certification in animal care or related skills can improve employment prospects and pay rates.

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 such as zoo directors or animal pharmacologists may also command higher salaries, especially with extensive experience and advanced certifications.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,209 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Animal Rescue & Control (ARC) Dispatcher

Peninsula Humane Society

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$22.66 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Dispatcher

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Union (Full Time)

Salary: $22.66 - $24.00 per hour, depending on experience

Excellent benefit package provided

Who We Are: Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) is a local, private, non-profit charitable organization dedicated to animal welfare. It is our mission is to build healthy relationships between people and animals. PHS/SPCA is truly an open admission shelter, not only accepting many pet animals who might be refused at other shelters, but also taking care of injured and orphaned native wildlife from San Francisco through San Mateo and the northern half of Santa Clara County. Our work means 6,300 lives saved each year. To learn more about us, visit www.phs-spca.org.

Who You Are: A firm believer in humane care and kind treatment of animals. You have excellent customer service, responding to inquires and requests in a positive, friendly and professional manner. You operate the dispatch system, answer calls, and requests for service in accordance with the policies and procedures of the organization. This position is represented by Union Local 856. Position must be performed on-site.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Receive, screen, dispatch, transfer, and/or monitor service requests from the public and other agencies in the appropriate order and priority level.
  • Maintain awareness of multiple staff members’ activities and locations while providing assistance as necessary to ensure adequate safety and completion of duties.
  • Provide exemplary customer service to members of our community and local agencies requesting our assistance. This may include problem solving during high stress situations on the phone and via email.
  • Process, file, proofread, submit, and maintain documents, including but not limited to mail, Animal Bite Reports, statistical reports, Dangerous/Vicious Animal case files, Public Safety Reports, and citations.
  • Review and correct completed Animal Bite Reports and submitting all final reports to San Mateo County.
  • Maintain a current list of all San Mateo County Dangerous Animal Permits and enter annual renewals with 100% accuracy.
  • Assist management with compiling statistical data and completing reports.
  • Monitor and respond as needed to public emails and voicemails.
  • Operate a two-way radio in a professional manner.
  • Answer questions and advise the public regarding animal welfare issues, state and local ordinances, rabies observation quarantines, wildlife concerns and behavior, and related issues.
  • Occasionally may be required to interact with the public at the shelter. This may include assisting in the completion of Animal Bite Reports.
  • Quickly assess and screen potential requests for service regarding domestic or wild animals, rescue situations, and/or other complex situations where our department involvement may be necessary.
  • Provide assistance to other departments as assigned or as necessary.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to ensure a positive public image, enhance the operation of the organization, and improve the quality of life for animals in our care and in our community.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Upon hire, must pass a background check.
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or six months to one-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Must have a flexible schedule, and the ability to work irregular hours, weekends, holidays and standby as needed.
  • Must be able to multitask at a high level and communicate effectively within a fast-paced work environment.
  • Individual must have a pleasant demeanor and be accustomed to working in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment.
  • Good oral and written communication skills.
  • Knowledge of Chameleon database software or become proficient within the first six months from hire date. Basic knowledge or become proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), computer keyboarding (30WPM), and data entry skills.

Excellent Benefits Package Available

  • Medical /Dental /Vision/Life/ Flex Spending
  • Sick, Vacation and Holiday pay
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • Retirement plan & employer matching

Available to all employees with pets:

  • Free vaccines, spay/neuter, microchipping, and two pet adoptions
  • Discounted euthanasia services/cremation, bloodwork, urinalysis, prescription food, and discounts at our retail stores.

For more information about our available job opportunities and how to apply, please visit our website at www.phs-spca.org/careers

The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. EOE/M/F/D/V/SO