ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Rescue Jobs in San Jose, CA (NOW HIRING)

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

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, LLC

Be Seen First

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

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 Control Officer

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 ...

LTD Global

Animal Control Officer

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 ...

HSSV

Animal Flow Foster Associate

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Overview The Animal Flow Foster Associate supports both the rescue and foster programs within the HSSV Logistics Department. In this hands-on role, this individual is responsible for supporting ...

New

VCA Animal Hospitals

Associate Veterinarian

Tracy, CA · On-site

$100K - $180K/yr

Deeply rooted in the Tracy community as proud sponsors of youth sports and animal rescue groups. * Active members of the Tracy Chamber of Commerce, supporting local initiatives. * Students and new ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in San Jose, CA

Animal Rescue information

See San Jose, CA salary details

$11

$24

$32

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in San Jose, CA is $24.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.29 and $29.28 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 San Jose, CA? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in San Jose, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in San Jose, CA? For Animal Rescue jobs in San Jose, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in San Jose, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in San Jose, CA are:
What cities near San Jose, CA are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near San Jose, CA with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in San Jose, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,313 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Volunteer Board Member - Emergency Operations / Rescue Strategy

Chester's Corner Rescue Foundation

San Jose, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Are you passionate about animal welfare and ready to make a meaningful impact on a nonprofit animal rescue? We want to hear from you!

We are currently looking for a Volunteer Board Member with a focus on Emergency Operations and Rescue Strategy to join the leadership team at Chester’s Corner Rescue Foundation.

About Us:

Chester’s Corner Rescue Foundation is a dedicated nonprofit organization specializing in animal rescue and rehabilitation. Our mission is to provide abandoned animals with medical care, emotional support, and a path toward finding loving, permanent homes. Every effort we make is driven by compassion and a commitment to the welfare of animals in need.

How You Will Contribute:

Responsibilities:

  • Assess urgent rescue and placement cases and provide actionable recommendations.
  • Collaborate with the leadership team to implement rapid-response operational strategies.
  • Advise on immediate animal welfare and safety needs.
  • Make informed votes on high-stakes decisions impacting animals and organizational operations.
  • Support the development of processes and protocols for emergency and time-sensitive situations.
  • Provide guidance to other board members and volunteers on operational priorities during crises.

Immediate Ownership:

Manages high-level emergency and rescue strategy oversight, ensuring quick, informed operational decisions.

Required Qualifications:

  • Proven experience in animal welfare, rescue operations, or emergency response management. Extensive experience preferred.
  • Strong professional communication skills (email and virtual meetings).
  • Ability to assess situations quickly, provide leadership, and make sound operational decisions.
  • Prior board or nonprofit leadership experience in a 501(c)(3) or similar organization a plus.
  • Must reside in California.
  • Must be willing to support long-term growth toward a paid staff structure.

Commitment Details:

  • This is a volunteer board position.
  • Expected to participate in weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly board meetings initially, transitioning to quarterly meetings as the board and operations stabilize.
  • This role can be performed remotely; attendance at virtual board meetings is required.
  • Support long-term growth toward a paid staff structure.

How to Apply:

Please send an email to board@chesterscorner.org with your resume and a short introduction of yourself and why you are interested in joining Chester’s Corner Rescue Foundation as a board member. Please be sure to put the title “Volunteer Board Member – Emergency Operations / Rescue Strategy” in the subject line of your email.

Additional Notes:

This is a volunteer role; no compensation will be provided.

Apply