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Animal Rescue Jobs in Ontario, CA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Animal Caretaker

Ontario, CA · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire Opening Date: 06/26/2026 Closing Date: Continuous FLSA: Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: ARCIE The Position Animal Caretaker (Full Time/Part Time) Annual Salary ...

The Position Animal Caretaker (Full Time/Part Time) Annual Salary Range: $44,000 - $59,000 Effective July 1, 2026 (3% Increase): $45,320 - $60,770 Placement within this range is dependent on ...

The Position Animal Services Officer Annual Salary Range: $66,950-82,400 Placement within this range is dependent on qualifications, experience, and ultimately established by the ARC Board of ...

Animal Services Officer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$66K - $82K/yr

Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire Opening Date: 07/20/2026 Closing Date: Continuous FLSA: Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: ARCIE The Position Animal Services Officer Annual Salary Range: $66,950 ...

Be Seen First

The Animal Hospital of Eagle Glen is seeking a part-time Veterinarian to join our compassionate, skilled team in Corona, California! If you're looking for a supportive, experienced staff and a well ...

For more detailed information, refer to the Animal Keeper I . Excellent Benefits To review job-specific benefits, refer to: Summary of Benefits Memoranda of Understanding (MOU ABOUT BIG BEAR ALPINE ...

Be Seen First

The Animal Hospital of Eagle Glen is seeking a part-time Veterinarian to join our compassionate, skilled team in Corona, California! If you're looking for a supportive, experienced staff and a well ...

Animal Services Officer

Upland, CA · On-site

$54K - $69K/yr

Upland Animal Shelter - 1275 San Bernardino Road, CA Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 2629 Department: Human Resources/Risk Management Opening Date: 07/09/2026 Closing Date: 7/27/2026 6:00 PM Pacific ...

Evaluates animal bites; arranges for proper identification and quarantining of animals; approves and monitors home quarantine of biting animals. Explains laws and regulations to the public relating ...

Animal Care Technician

Corona, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $22/hr

Are you passionate about animal welfare and ready to serve your community in a meaningful way? The Corona Police Department is seeking a dedicated Animal Care Technician to join our Animal Services ...

Are you passionate about animal welfare and ready to serve your community in a meaningful way. The Corona Police Department is seeking a dedicated Animal Care Technician to join our Animal Services ...

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Animal Rescue information

See Ontario, CA salary details

$10

$21

$28

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Ontario, CA is $21.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $25.43 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 Ontario, CA? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Ontario, CA are:
What cities near Ontario, CA are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Ontario, CA with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Ontario, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,546 per year, or $21.4 per hour.
Animal Control Officer

$51K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Description DEFINITIION Under general supervision, patrols streets and provides animal control and animal protection services for the City of Norco. Examples of Duties ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.

TYPICAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Responding and impounding stray animals; investigates reports of animal abuse, nuisances and related code enforcement issues and takes appropriate corrective action; explains ordinances to public; issues citations for violations of state and City animal control laws and ordinances; prepares and files citations in court; appears and testifies in court; maintains and updates records and files. Provides daily care for animals housed at the animal shelter, including feeding, monitoring health and behavior, and maintaining clean and safe kennel environments. Assists the public with animal adoptions, licensing, and responsible pet care education.

Performs humane euthanasia and proper disposition of animals in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and professional standards. Monitors rodeos, dog shows, and other animal-related special events to ensure compliance with animal welfare and public safety regulations. Conducts livestock inspections, participates in community outreach and educational events to promote animal adoptions and responsible pet ownership.

Performs other related duties as assigned. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS This is a general employee position in the Animal Services Division of the Community Operations Department. This position performs a variety of animal welfare duties CONTACTS AND RELATIONSHIP This position has the majority of its interaction with the public, veterinarians, volunteers, and other City employees.

Typical Qualifications QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES Experience: Two (2) years of experience working with domestic animals, wildlife, and livestock in an animal shelter, veterinary clinic, animal control agency, agricultural setting, or similar environment. Experience should include animal handling, care, and control; feeding and sanitation; safe restraint and transport; and responding to animal-related calls for service. Experience working directly with animals in a professional setting is required.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, training in the proper use of animal handling and control equipment is required, including catch poles, control poles, humane traps, transport cages and kennels, leashes, muzzles, bite gloves, snake tongs, nets, tranquilizer or capture equipment (where authorized), and defensive safety equipment such as batons. Experience involving public contact, enforcement of regulations, and the handling of domestic and wild animals is highly desirable. Education: High School Diploma or equivalent supplemented by coursework or training in animal science, veterinary assisting, law enforcement, or a related field.

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 Writing within two years of employment date. Knowledge: Applicable federal, state, and local animal control laws, rules, and regulations; City codes and ordinances related to animal services and public safety. Principles and practices of domestic and wild animal behavior, control, capture, and humane handling techniques.

Methods and techniques for effective public relations, community outreach, education, and training. Basic investigative procedures, report writing, and enforcement practices related to animal control operations. Ability: Enforce animal control laws, regulations, and City ordinances with professionalism and sound judgment; safely and humanely capture, handle, and transport domestic and wild animals; assess animal behavior and respond appropriately in routine and emergency situations; communicate effectively with the public, including in stressful or sensitive situations; prepare clear and accurate reports and maintain records; work independently in the field while exercising discretion and decision-making; and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, law enforcement, and the community.

Certification Required: PC 832 Certification License Required: Valid California Driver's License, Supplemental Information EMERGENCY SERVICES: All City employees are required to perform assigned Emergency Service duties in the event of an emergency or disaster. Employees must complete the required FEMA courses within six months of employment. SELECTION PROCESS: Only those candidates who have the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will continue in the selection process.

Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process. Final appointments may be subject to a selection interview with the Department Director or designee and the remaining conditional steps in the hiring process. This position requires a conditional employment offer based on the successful completion of a drug and alcohol screening.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The City of Norco is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability (mental and physical), sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sex orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, or military and veteran status. The City is committed to making its programs, services and activities accessible to individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodation to participate in this recruitment, please contact Human Resources prior to the filing deadline.

We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request. BACKGROUND CHECK: All employment offers are conditional based on the successful completion of a background investigation, physical and drug and alcohol screening at city expense and conducted by a physician designated by the city. All information on the application is subject to investigation and verification.

Reference checks will be conducted by the City to include at least the following: (1) verification/reference from current and past employers, (2) fingerprinting and Department of Justice criminal background check, and (3) confirmation of necessary licenses, certificates, and/or diploma/degrees. Employees are enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) government Employer Pull Notice Program. DRUG SCREENING: In accordance with the City's drug free workplace policy, all employment offers are conditional and based on successful completion of drug test.

Class A drivers are enrolled in the Department of Transportation (DOT) random drug testing program. E-VERIFY: The City of Norco is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees in the United States.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract expressed or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.