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Animal Rescue Jobs in Los Angeles, CA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Description/Duties and Responsibilities The City of Santa Clarita is currently recruiting for a part-time, temporary, seasonal (PTS) Animal Keeper in the Parks division of the Neighborhood Services ...

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Animal Rescue information

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How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Los Angeles, CA is $22.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.65 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 Los Angeles, CA?

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

What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Los Angeles, CA?

For Animal Rescue jobs in Los Angeles, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Los Angeles, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Los Angeles, CA are:

What cities near Los Angeles, CA are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs?

Cities near Los Angeles, CA with the most Animal Rescue job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Los Angeles, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,176 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Animal Adoptions Associate - FULL TIME

Pasadena Humane

Pasadena, CA โ€ข On-site

$20.06 - $23.07/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

PASADENA HUMANE is a non-profit animal welfare organization looking for passionate professionals to join our team. 

 

JOIN US & MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

 

THE MISSION

To lead the way toward a compassionate and caring community for all animals.

OUR VALUES

LEARNING: We commit to best practice and professional development through continuous education.

INTEGRITY: We value honest and transparent communication and decision making using evidence based practices.

COLLABORATION:  We value teamwork in our organization and partnerships with our community to deliver exceptional service.

KINDNESS: We show compassion, care, respect and empathy to all animals and humans without prejudice or discrimination.

JOB TITLE Care Associate – Adoptions

FLSA: Non-Exempt

FT/PT: Full-Time

SCHEDULE: 5 days week, including weekends. 

SUMMARY      

The Care Associate plays a key role in connecting adoptable animals with loving homes by engaging with prospective adopters, facilitating meet-and-greets, and providing thorough education on responsible pet ownership. This role offers exceptional customer service, answers inquiries across multiple communication channels, and guides clients through Pasadena Humane programs and services. 

The Placement Associate collaborates closely with behavior and health teams to identify and communicate animal care needs, ensuring the highest standards of welfare. They also support volunteers, assist in placement-related programs, and maintain accurate documentation to help keep animals successfully in homes.  

Upholding Pasadena Humane’s mission, this position fosters positive relationships with the community while promoting a safe and compassionate environment for people and animals alike. 

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE:

  • Conduct conversations with members of the public who have an interest in adopting a pet. Help adopters find a good match for their families.  
  • Provide education and information about animals available for adoption to encourage responsible pet ownership and share information about Pasadena Humane programs. 
  • Provide clients with information, as appropriate and known, about animals in our population, including behavior, age, breed, sex, and medical history.  
  • Discuss animal behavior and training with adopters. 
  • Answer questions and provide educational information using a high level of customer service techniques to assist customers with pet ownership needs and to guide them to Pasadena Humane programs and services. 
  • Facilitate meet and greets with animals with potential adopters
  • Respond to email, phone, web, or in-person inquiries regarding placement programs. 
  • Assist with the transfer, foster, off-site and mobile programs as needed and assigned. 
  • Identify animal care, behavior, and health needs. Document and report to the appropriate department. Work with the health department to ensure the highest standards of day-to-day care.  
  • Assist volunteers in the placement program.
  • Educate the public on animal welfare and animal care best practices. 
  • Follow up with clients regarding adoption requests. 
  • Ensure a positive, educational approach to customer service with a goal of educating the public and keeping animals in homes as appropriate. Promote positive relations with the general public, volunteers and staff while promoting Pasadena Humane’s programs, policies and philosophies. 
  • Address customer complaints. 
  • Uphold Pasadena Humane’s mission and contribute to building a culture of philanthropy.   
  • Ensure a safe working environment and actively participate in Pasadena Humane’s safety programs. 
  • Participate as needed in special department projects.   
  • Performs other duties as assigned. 

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • High school diploma (or GED/proficiency certificate).  
  • Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment.  
  • 1 year experience working in any of the following strongly preferred: animal shelter, animal rescue, veterinary medicine, animal grooming, pet stores. 
  • Experience working with the public and individual diverse in age, culture, and in varied settings.
  • Excellent interpersonal communication (both written and verbal) skills.
  • Must have a strong knowledge of animal health and behavior including knowledge of dog, cat, rabbit, and other pet breed characteristics, temperament, training, and handling.
  • Strong customer service and skills.  Ability to provide excellent service in a fast-paced environment serving clients with differing needs and emotional states.
  • Bilingual a plus (Armenian, Spanish, Mandarin, and/or Cantonese). 
  • Creative problem solver. 
  • Proficient in computer applications including Microsoft 365 and email. Experience with Chameleon, Kustomer, and/or VolunteerMatters a plus.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds 
  • Bilingual a plus (Armenian, Spanish, Mandarin, and/or Cantonese).  
  • Must be able to model Pasadena Humane’s Core Values of Learning, Integrity Collaboration and Kindness.  
    • Must interact positively with supervisor, management, coworkers, volunteers, and the public to promote a team effort and maintain a positive and professional approach.  
    • Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.  
    • Must provide positive, proactive customer service  
    • Must have a positive attitude and a sense of humor 

WORK SCHEDULE 

Must come to work regularly and on time. Must be available able to work early hours according to the needs of the department schedule. Must be available to work weekends and holidays.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Fast-paced environment. Employees are exposed to numerous animals (living and deceased), including those with uncertain dispositions. They are required to act in a safe and responsible manner. 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and/or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Pasadena Humane is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy not to engage in discrimination against any individual, or harassment of any person seeking employment with our organization on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, genetic information or status as a covered veteran including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices, including recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer, merit increase, salary, training and development, demotion, and separation. This policy is intended to be consistent with the provisions of applicable State and Federal laws. Federal law requires proof of citizenship or "alien right-to-work" status. Pasadena Humane maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing.