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

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 ...

Pets In Need

Animal Care Technician

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$26/hr

About the role Under the supervision of the Foster and Animal Care Manager, the Animal Care Technician (ACT) is responsible for providing infrastructure support for Pets In Need's rescue and adoption ...

Peninsula Humane Society

Lead Veterinarian

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

Euthanize and/or assist with euthanasia of animals as needed in accordance with PHS/SPCA policies and procedures and California state law. * Assist Animal Rescue & Control, Humane Investigations and ...

Peninsula Humane Society

Lead Veterinarian

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

Euthanize and/or assist with euthanasia of animals as needed in accordance with PHS/SPCA policies and procedures and California state law. * Assist Animal Rescue & Control, Humane Investigations and ...

HSSV

Animal Transport Associate

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Train transport volunteers to go on rescue runs or to help with providing other partner shelter support. * Other job duties may be assigned as needed. Requirements * Hands on experience with animal ...

Ampcus

Animal Technician

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Animal Technician Location(s): San Francisco, CA Position Summary The Animal Technician supports laboratory animal research operations by providing daily animal care, maintaining animal housing areas ...

HSSV

Animal Care and Enrichment Technician

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

HSSV is a leader in animal welfare through our lifesaving efforts, community programs, and the many ways we are working to move the animal welfare industry forward. Our mission is to save lives, keep ...

LTD Global

Animal Care Technician

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$22.66 - $23/hr

About the organization A nonprofit organization dedicated to animal welfare and the protection of animals in the Peninsula area of the San Francisco Bay Area in California that offers various ...

LTD Global

Animal Care Technician

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$22.66 - $23/hr

About the organization A nonprofit organization dedicated to animal welfare and the protection of animals in the Peninsula area of the San Francisco Bay Area in California that offers various ...

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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 Sep 4, 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.

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 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 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,313 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Associate Veterinarian

VCA Animal Hospitals

Tracy, CA • On-site

$100K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide veterinary medical care for canine and feline patients.

  • Support the team with diagnostics and treatment to ensure high standards of medicine.

  • Collaborate with team members and participate in client communication and education.

VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 660 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 52 rated veterinary

Job description

Join us as an Associate Veterinarian at VCA Old River Animal Hospital and you'll quickly discover that you're well supported by world-class medicine, technology, facilities and a talented team. You'll be empowered to do your best work with a team you can count on. At VCA, the future of veterinary medicine is in our hands.

Why join the team

  • Serving pets since 1984, ensuring long, healthy, and happy lives.
  • A skilled and experienced team with over 135 years of combined expertise.
  • Hands-free radiology
  • AAHA accredited
  • 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 graduates are encouraged to apply and will receive dedicated mentorship

Schedule

  • Full-Time, Part-Time, Rotating
  • Mon-Fri: 8:00 am-5:30 pm, Sat-Sun: Closed

Cases

  • Canine and Feline only

Who we look for

  • People obsessed with pets and their care
  • Dedicated experts who want to provide world-class medicine
  • Collaborators who enjoy teaching others and working as a team
  • Curious lifelong learners who want to grow and thrive for a dynamic and fulfilling career
  • Empathetic partners who develop strong client and Associate relationships built on trust

Total Rewards

As a member of the VCA family, eligible full-time employees will be rewarded with a comprehensive package, including:

Compensation

  • The annual salary range for this position is $100k - $180K.
  • Salary is negotiable based on experience, skills, knowledge, abilities and other relevant credentials. Salary range listed is based on a 40 hour work week.
  • This position may also be eligible for other variable pay programs.

Health & Well-being

  • Innovative Associate health and well-being department (Headspace app subscriptions, Vault financial wellness tool, and access to additional mental health resources)
  • 401k retirement savings plan with companymatch
  • Health/dental/vision insurance, infertility benefits, gender affirmation services
  • Paid parental, vacation and sick leave

Professional Development

  • Continuing Education Allowance and paid Continuing Education Days
  • WOOF University - offering abundant CE for Doctors and the care team
  • Opportunities to participate in a robust Clinical Studies program

Discover Additional BenefitsBenefits | VCA (vcacareers.com)

Qualifications

  • A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, from an accredited university or equivalent
  • Licensure in good standing to practice in CA, or the ability to obtain
  • A commitment to practicing the highest standard of medicine and upholding the veterinary code of ethics

About VCA

VCA is a leader in veterinary care and is committed to taking care of the future of veterinary medicine. With a network of 1,000 animal hospitals, we impact pets, people and our communities by delivering world-class medicine with hometown care to over 4.5 million pets annually.

Trusted and empowered, our 35,000 Associates collaborate and unleash their unique power to achieve the best outcomes. With access to endless resources, we continuously learn and share knowledge to build fulfilling careers, push our profession forward and make a lasting impact on our shared future.

VCA is part of the Mars Veterinary Health family of brands, working towards A Better World for Pets. Learn more at www.vca.com or find us on social media.

Learn more about the hospital [Link to hospital website]

If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

What VCA Animal Hospitals employees say

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