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Animal Rescue Jobs in Carlsbad, CA (NOW HIRING)

Salk Institute

Animal Health Tech I

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

Animal Health Tech I The Animal Health Tech I position is responsible for routine processing of clean and soiled cages and accessories, maintenance and general janitorial duties in animal facilities ...

Salk

Animal Health Tech I

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

The Animal Health Tech I position is responsible for routine processing of clean and soiled cages and accessories, maintenance and general janitorial duties in animal facilities, equipment ...

Scripps Research

Animal Technician IV - 06486

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

To be considered this opening you must submit an application through the TSRI career page at Requisition 06486 Assist the Animal Resources, Supervisor with the daily operation of an animal facility ...

Scripps Research

ANIMAL TECHNICIAN I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Animal Technician I RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: * Transfer animals from dirty to clean caging, ensuring provision of appropriate feed, water, and bedding, and promptly notify appropriate personnel ...

Salk Inc

Animal Health Tech I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

The Animal Health Tech I position is responsible for routine processing of clean and soiled cages and accessories, maintenance and general janitorial duties in animal facilities, equipment ...

Scripps Research

ANIMAL TECHNICIAN I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Animal Technician I RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: * Transfer animals from dirty to clean caging, ensuring provision of appropriate feed, water, and bedding, and promptly notify appropriate personnel ...

Scripps Research

ANIMAL TECHNICIAN I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Animal Technician I RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: * Transfer animals from dirty to clean caging, ensuring provision of appropriate feed, water, and bedding, and promptly notify appropriate personnel ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Carlsbad, CA

Animal Rescue information

See Carlsbad, CA salary details

$10

$21

$28

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Carlsbad, CA is $21.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.93 and $25.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become an animal rescuer?

To become an animal rescuer, you typically need to gain experience with animals through volunteering or working at shelters, and develop skills in handling and caring for animals. Some positions may require certifications in animal first aid or rescue techniques, and a compassionate attitude is essential for success 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 are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Carlsbad, CA? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Carlsbad, CA are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Carlsbad, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Carlsbad, CA are:
What cities near Carlsbad, CA are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Carlsbad, CA with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Carlsbad, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,418 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Animal Care Associate

San Diego Humane Society

Oceanside, CA • On-site

$20 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

San Diego Humane Society rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

San Diego Humane Society is hiring Animal Care Associates for our Oceanside Animal Care team!
How you'll impact our mission:
At San Diego Humane Society, we're united by our mission to Inspire Compassion. The ideal candidate will be responsible for providing daily care and enrichment for our shelter animals, including feeding, cleaning, disinfecting, grooming, vaccinating, medicating, and possibly performing euthanasia.
This role delivers service at the gold standard level in alignment with the SDHS Way, to meet the needs of animals and the people who love them by leading with compassion, finding creative solutions, providing personalized care and building connections.
This role delivers service at the gold standard level in alignment with the SDHS Way, to meet the needs of animals and the people who love them by leading with compassion, finding creative solutions, providing personalized care and building connections. If you're passionate about making an impact in the animal welfare movement, we'd love to talk to you.
What's in it for you?
At SDHS, we're proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and commit to being a place where every person - staff, volunteer, and guest - can feel a sense of belonging. We support and invest in employees through conscious delivery of benefits and a workplace environment based on our Core Values.
As an employee you'll enjoy:
  • Competitive pay and paid time-off (including your Birthday Day Off!)
  • Comprehensive benefits package, training and well-being programs
  • 403(b) retirement plan with 5% match after 1 year
  • Free pet adoptions, pet vaccines and spay/neuter services
  • ...and so much more!

What you'll do:
  • Complete daily husbandry routines, including appropriate feeding and exercise, maintaining assigned area in a clean, organized and professional manner.
  • Monitor the health of shelter animals; follow established procedures if symptoms of illness arise based on the degree of illness or injury. Administer daily medications, vaccinations and other treatments as appropriate.
  • Monitor animals daily and record details of diet, physical condition, elimination and behavior.
  • Provide kennel enrichment, training, and socializing of animals in conjunction with Behavior & Training, as time permits. Perform dog introductions and facilitate dog play groups with multiple dogs, following current protocols.

What we're looking for:
  • High school graduate or equivalent required.
  • One (1) year experience working with animals in a shelter, kennel, vet clinic or volunteer environment preferred.
  • Working knowledge of animal breeds, general care, and behavior related information preferred.

Location & Hours: Based at our Oceanside Campus. Full-time positions work 40 hours a week. Part-Time positions work 28 hours a week.
At any given time, we may also be hiring for Animal Care Associates (Intercampus Floater) who support both the Oceanside Campus and the Escondido Campus as their secondary location. Employees in these positions alternate between locations based on staffing needs and may be eligible for mileage reimbursement when commuting to their secondary location.
Pay: Starting range is between $20.00 - $22.25 per hour. The actual hourly rate is determined by your related education and experience.
The listed hiring range for this position depicts the target range of pay rates for candidates. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. Compensation for internal candidates may increase beyond the listed range based on performance over time. For all candidates, the actual starting pay rate is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to your years of related education and experience, internal pay equity, and position location.
To learn more about our benefits and perks, click here.
Career Growth through Job Levels: Animal Care offers three job levels as you grow within your role. Growth is based on time worked in your SDHS Animal Care role and meeting other training and performance requirements - everyone can advance once they meet the requirements! Advancing levels is recognized through a title change and pay increase.

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