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Animal Rescue Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

VCA Animal Hospital

Veterinary Assistant

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$22/hr

VCA Sequoia Valley Animal Hospital is hiring an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team! Location: 604 Elsa Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95407 Compensation: The pay range for this position is $19-$22 ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Veterinary Assistant

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

VCA Sequoia Valley Animal Hospital is hiring an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team! Location: 604 Elsa Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95407 Compensation: The pay range for this position is $19-$22 ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Veterinary Assistant

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

VCA Devotion Animal Hospital is adding an experienced Veterinary Assistant to our team. Location : 4382 Occidental Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 Compensation : $ 20 - $ 25 / hr Schedule : FT M-Th Why join ...

VCA Animal Hospital

Veterinary Assistant

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

VCA Devotion Animal Hospital is adding an experienced Veterinary Assistant to our team. Location : 4382 Occidental Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 Compensation : $ 20 - $ 25 / hr Schedule : FT M-Th Why join ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Associate Veterinarian

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$66K - $160K/yr

Join us as an Associate Veterinarian at VCA Westside Animal Hospital. You'll quickly discover that you're well supported by world-class medicine, technology, facilities, and a talented team. You'll ...

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All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Animal Rescue information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$10

$23

$30

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Santa Rosa, CA is $23.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.94 and $27.36 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, relevant experience with animals, and strong compassion. Volunteering at shelters or rescue organizations can provide valuable skills, and some roles may require certifications in animal care or first aid.

What degree do I need for animal rescue?

Animal rescue jobs typically do not require a specific degree, but a background in animal science, biology, or related fields can be beneficial. Relevant skills include animal handling, first aid, and knowledge of animal behavior, and certifications such as pet first aid or CPR can enhance employability.

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.

Do animal rescues pay employees?

Animal rescue organizations may pay employees, especially those in full-time or specialized roles, but many positions are volunteer-based. Salaries can vary depending on the organization, location, and job responsibilities, with some rescues offering stipends or part-time wages. Certification in animal care or related skills can improve employment prospects and pay rates.

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 such as zoo directors or animal pharmacologists may also command higher salaries, especially with extensive experience and advanced certifications.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? For Animal Rescue jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,869 per year, or $23 per hour.
Animal Care Assistant / Dog Handler

Animal Care Assistant / Dog Handler

Azaya Ranch Sanctuary

Petaluma, CA • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Title: Animal Care Assistant and Dog Handler
Exemption Status: Non-exempt
Pay rate: $25/hr

POSITION AVAILABLE AS OF 3/25/26
Position Type: Full-Time / 40hrs (full time & weekend availability required)

Operating Hours: We typically operate between the hours of 7am - 5pm, split into two main shifts.

Benefits: Paid Sick and Vacation, Health Insurance, 5 paid holidays.


Please do not call or email us directly via the information on our website. To be considered for the role, please apply directly through this ad and include a cover letter explaining your interest in the role and any relevant professional or personal experience you have.


This position is at Azaya Ranch Sanctuary, a non-profit animal rescue in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. The sanctuary is located on a beautiful ranch, with multiple trails and dedicated areas for walking, training, and playing!


We are looking for someone that wants to join a close knit small team that enjoys working with animals. If you have experience working with animals professionally, through volunteering, or other experience, we'd love to hear from you.


Many of the animals we rescue have been abused, neglected, and abandoned. Some were well-loved and cared for by now-deceased guardians; some were from families that lost their homes. Some of our animals have health and behavioral issues they need our help to overcome. All of our animals are a testament to just how strong a spirit can be.


The Animal Care Assistant and Dog Handler will work as part of the Sanctuary team, providing day-to-day husbandry and handling. This position is a key support role; it ensures that our animals have high quality care, daily exercise, enrichment, and helps to maintain our facility as a whole. We provide training for the position.


Duties and Responsibilities


Dog Handling & Care:

-Feed animals and clean kennels / other animal living spaces

-Bathe and groom dogs as needed

-On-leash walks and hikes
-Off-leash playtime in designated, fenced-in play areas
-Provide enrichment activities for the animals as directed

-Train dogs as instructed
-Take dogs on small day trips to simulate real world activities
-Transport dogs to and from shelters, and take dogs to adoption events or vet visits when scheduled

-Laundry duties, as well as general clean up and organization of all working spaces
-Administer prescribed and over the counter medicines as directed

-Attend to any other medical or therapeutic needs as directed

-Comply with all methods of communications, including, but not limited to, log-books, bulletin boards, emails, and animal file notes
-Assistance with the adoption program as needed


Basic Requirements

-Previous experience with shelter or rescue dogs, paid or volunteer
-Ability to safely handle dogs of different breeds, sizes, strengths, and temperaments
-Love of the outdoors and getting dirty
-Willingness to work in all weather conditions, including the heat, cold, and rain
-Ability to work under supervision, individually, and as a team
-Strong communication skills both orally and in writing
-Comfortable using internet applications and email daily

-Ability to follow instructions

-Clean valid Driver's License
-Reliable transportation and attendance (there are no nearby bus services.)
-Ability to work weekends and holidays

-Willingness to be photographed or filmed individually or in group settings during the course of work, with content used on company-managed social media platforms.



Physical Requirements
-Work is performed in a kennel/shelter setting and outdoors.
-Frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, walking, and standing on feet 8-10 hours per day while performing job functions.
-Occasional lifting of up to 80 pounds with reasonable accommodations.
-Subject to animal bites and scratches while handling animals of questionable temperament. Tetanus and rabies (pre-exposure) inoculations are recommended.



ALL INTERVIEWS AND VISITS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please no phone calls or direct emails.


We look forward to receiving your application!

Apply