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

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. Position Purpose: The ...

Research Scientist

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$400K/yr

The core science is working -- this is about pushing it past the field's current limits, with real users and a data flywheel to train against the moment beta launches. The open problems you'd own ...

The core science is working -- this is about pushing it past the field's current limits, with real users and a data flywheel to train against the moment beta launches. The open problems you'd own ...

Strong animal handling skills * Reliable, professional, and team-oriented If you're passionate about animal care, enjoy the flexibility of weekend work, and want to earn aggressive pay , we'd love to ...

Veterinary Assistant

Fairfax, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $23/hr

You'll be a key player in the health of our patients, assisting the medical team with hands-on care and ensuring every animal is treated with compassion and respect. * Be the Go-To Support for the ...

Veterinary Assistant

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

VCA PetCare East Veterinary Hospital is adding an experienced Veterinary Assistant to our team. Location : 2425 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 Compensation : $ 19 - $ 20 / hr Schedule : FT 4 ...

We're proactive, collaborative, and deeply committed to strengthening the human-animal bond through client education, transparency, and compassionate care. Our Core Values: • Take Initiative - We ...

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Animal Science information

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How much do animal science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal science 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.

Is animal science a useful degree?

Animal science is a useful degree for careers in livestock management, research, veterinary assistance, and agricultural industries. It provides knowledge of animal biology, nutrition, and husbandry, often complemented by hands-on experience and certifications. Graduates can work in farms, laboratories, or regulatory agencies, making it a practical choice for those interested in animal-related fields.

What can I be with an animal science degree?

An animal science degree prepares individuals for careers such as animal technician, livestock manager, research scientist, or veterinarian technician. It provides knowledge of animal biology, management, and nutrition, often requiring hands-on experience and certifications for certain roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Scientist, you need a solid background in biology, animal physiology, genetics, and nutrition, typically supported by a bachelor's or advanced degree in animal science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and sometimes certifications like Professional Animal Scientist (PAS) are commonly required. Strong observation skills, critical thinking, and effective communication make candidates stand out in research and collaboration settings. These skills ensure accurate research, ethical animal care, and the advancement of agricultural or biomedical goals.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in animal science, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in animal science often encounter challenges such as balancing animal welfare with productivity goals, staying updated with rapidly evolving research, and managing biosecurity risks. Addressing these challenges involves continuous professional development, effective collaboration with veterinarians and other specialists, and adherence to ethical and safety standards. Additionally, strong communication skills are essential for working with diverse teams, including farm staff, researchers, and regulatory bodies, to ensure best practices are consistently implemented.

What is animal science?

Animal science is the study of the biology, care, and management of animals that are under human control, such as livestock, companion animals, and laboratory animals. It covers topics like animal nutrition, genetics, physiology, behavior, and welfare. Professionals in this field work to improve animal health, productivity, and well-being, often contributing to food production, research, and public health. Careers in animal science can include roles in research, agriculture, veterinary support, and animal welfare organizations.

What are animal science jobs?

Animal science jobs include veterinarians, biologists, agricultural researchers, and livestock management positions. There are also opportunities in nutrition, breeding, animal behavior, food processing and manufacturing, and education. Your duties in an animal science job may vary significantly depending on the position. As a veterinarian, for example, your primary responsibilities are to provide medical care for animals, but you may also aid in research to support clinical breakthroughs, herd health, and other facets of animal science.

What job categories do people searching Animal Science jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Science jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Animal Science jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Animal Science job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Science job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,869 per year, or $23 per hour.

Hospital Leader on Duty

Petco

Petaluma, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Petco rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 637 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

456th of 731 rated retailers


Job description

Want to help pets live their best lives?
We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.
Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and people.
  • Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.

  • Foster the Fun - Connect & Bond. Our Passion for pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through distinct experiences, products, and services.

  • Let's Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as One Petco team. We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.

About Petco:
We're proud to be "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years - from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood - the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we're here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.
Position Purpose:
The Hospital Leader On Duty provides excellent veterinary care to our full-service hospital patients and phenomenal customer care to their owners. The Hospital Leader On Duty represents the mission and values of Petco to all pets and pet parents. Our Hospital Leader On Duty sets the tone with the technical and customer support partners in the hospital, and is responsible, like all partners, for fostering cohesion and motivation within the team.
Essential Job Functions: The Hospital Leader on Duty must be able to perform all of the following duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Greet clients and patients arriving for appointments and escort them into an exam room, obtain weight and vital signs (temperature, pulse, respirations, pain score, body condition score) and record in the electronic medical record. HLODs will collect thorough patient histories and document the patient visit in the EMRs. Assist doctors with appointments (routine and emergency), surgery, dentistry, and euthanasia, under supervision from the veterinarian and the credentialed Veterinary Technicians.
  • Perform patient restraint, obtain and process laboratory samples, handle and dispense medications at the direction of the veterinarian and help maintain the electronic medical record.
  • Monitor and answer telephone lines, route calls appropriately, schedule appointments, provide client education, relay test results to doctor and clients, maintain and update client/patient records.
  • Help prepare patients for surgical and dental procedures and assist doctor and/or veterinary technician in anesthetizing patients. Under supervision of the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician HLOD will maintain patients safely under anesthesia while monitoring vital parameters, help monitor patients during recovery and prepare them for hospital discharge or transfer to an overnight care facility.
  • Under supervision of the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician, perform in-hospital treatments for sick patients including giving injectable and oral medications as well as intravenous fluid therapy; keep patients clean, watered, and fed (when indicated and directed by doctor), safely walk canine patients when necessary for elimination.
  • Training of new staff members and general dissemination of knowledge as required.
  • Keep hospital environment neat and clean; perform regular cleaning of environment based on necessity as well as based on a pre-determined maintenance schedule.
  • Empowered to one task in hospital-Inventory ordering, Scheduling, etc.
  • Monitor and assuming the task answering the practice phone and routing calls appropriately
  • Schedule appointments, when necessary, from callers or visitors to the practice.
  • Monitor wait times and make accommodation as necessary during peak/busy times, or when medical staff is dealing with an emergency situation.
  • Uphold and enforce all policies of Petco and Vetco Total Care.
  • Oversee operations of Hospital and supervise the paraprofessional staff
  • Participate in the training of new staff members and general dissemination of knowledge as required.

Nature of Supervision:
In all activities related to the care and handling of individual patients and clients, the incumbent will take direct supervision from the Area Operations Manager.
Supervisory Responsibility:
This position has immediate daily supervisory duties over our paraprofessional partners.
Education/Experience:
  • Preferred to have at least 1-year previous experience working in a veterinary practice or sufficient experience to ensure excellent performance at the above-listed skills
  • Must have leadership capabilities
  • Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Must be compassionate and sympathetic, and be able to maintain a professional attitude and demeanor during emotional and stressful situations
  • Must have telephone and computer skills
  • Must be a team player willing to learn new techniques and treatments, offer creative ideas, and accept change

Work Environment:
The majority of job duties are conducted in the Veterinary Hospital. Position requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds, as necessary) and standing for long periods of time. A large amount of this partner's time will be spent in direct contact with clients and their pets.
Contacts:
This position will regularly communicate with clients, service teams and management in both our Vetco Total Care Hospitals and Pet Care Centers.
Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.
The pay ranges outlined below are presented in accordance with state-specific regulations. These ranges may differ in other areas and could be subject to variation based on regulatory minimum wage requirements. Actual pay rates will depend on factors such as position, location, level of experience, and applicable state or local minimum wage laws. If the regulatory minimum wage exceeds the minimum indicated in the pay range below, the regulatory minimum wage will be the minimum rate applied.
$23.75 - $38.00
Hourly or Salary Range will be reflected above. For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO -see https://careers.petco.com/us/en/key-benefits
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