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Animal Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Animal Friends of the Valleys

Animal Control Officer

Wildomar, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Animal Control Officer Who we are: Animal Friends of the Valleys (AFV) is the leading animal shelter for the cities of Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Canyon Lake and Wildomar, and small ...

City of Ontario, CA

Animal Caretaker

Ontario, CA · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

City of Ontario

Animal Caretaker

Ontario, CA

$45K - $60K/yr

The Position Animal Caretaker (Full Time/Part Time) Annual Salary Range: $44,000 - $59,000 Effective July 12, 2026 (3% Increase): $45,320 - $60,770 Placement within this range is dependent on ...

Santa Barbara Zoo

Animal Keeper

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$23.90 - $26.30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

P. of Animal Care & Health, the Keeper is responsible for the application of daily animal care, maintenance of exhibits, guest experience and applicable research. In this role, you will work with a ...

AMORE FOR DOGS

Be Seen First

ANIMAL CAREGIVER

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$17 - $25/hr

AMORE FOR DOGS SANCTUARY is seeking passionate part-time Animal Caregivers to join our small, dedicated team supporting the daily care and well-being of our dogs. This role involves varied shifts ...

Ampcus

Animal Technician

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Animal Technician Location(s): San Francisco, CA Schedule: * Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM We are seeking an Animal Technician - Washroom to support daily operations in a laboratory animal ...

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See California salary details

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How much do animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal in California is $20.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $24.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What careers work with animals?

There are a number of exciting careers in which you work with animals on a daily basis. Some of the more well-known careers are zoologist and veterinary doctor. As a zoologist, you can work with a wide variety of wild animals in a zoo setting. While zoos are the most common setting, there are a wide variety of research settings in which you can work as well. As a veterinarian, you take care of domestic animals in a pet hospital or vet clinic. You can also work with farm animals. Some lesser known career options are marine biologist, animal trainer, pet groomer, and dog warden. There are also careers for people that would be interested in breeding animals such as dogs and cats.

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

To thrive as an Animal Caretaker, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and handling techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with animal management software, feeding protocols, and cleaning equipment is typically required. Compassion, patience, and strong observational skills help caretakers respond effectively to animal needs and recognize health issues early. These skills ensure animal well-being, safe environments, and effective daily operations in shelters, zoos, or veterinary facilities.

What is the difference between Animal vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAnimalVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsNone or basic animal handling certificationsLicensed or certified, often requiring an associate degree
Work EnvironmentZoos, farms, pet stores, research labsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, clinics
Industry UsageAnimal care, research, educationMedical support in veterinary settings
Common Search IntentAnimal care roles, animal handling jobsVet tech jobs, veterinary support roles

Animal roles focus on general care, handling, and management of animals across various environments. Veterinary technicians specialize in supporting veterinarians with medical procedures, diagnostics, and patient care in clinical settings. While both work with animals, veterinary technicians require specific certifications and work primarily in veterinary practices, whereas animal roles are broader and include diverse environments.

What careers can I have with animals?

Careers with animals include roles such as veterinarian, zookeeper, animal trainer, wildlife rehabilitator, and pet groomer. These jobs often require specific training, certifications, or degrees, and may involve working in environments like clinics, zoos, shelters, or outdoor settings.

What are some common challenges faced by animal caretakers in a shelter environment?

Animal caretakers in shelters often face challenges such as managing a high volume of animals, addressing diverse medical and behavioral needs, and coping with emotionally demanding situations like animal surrenders or adoptions. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as caretakers frequently collaborate with veterinarians, volunteers, and adoption counselors to ensure the well-being of each animal. Additionally, maintaining cleanliness and safety standards in a fast-paced environment can be physically demanding but is crucial for disease prevention and animal comfort.

What are animal jobs?

Animal jobs refer to occupations that involve working directly or indirectly with animals. These roles can include veterinarians, animal trainers, zookeepers, animal shelter workers, wildlife biologists, and pet groomers, among others. People in animal jobs may care for, study, train, or protect different species of animals in various environments. These careers often require a passion for animal welfare and may involve both physical and emotional demands. Some positions may also require specialized education or certifications.

What types of careers work with animals?

Careers that work with animals include roles such as veterinarians, zookeepers, animal trainers, wildlife rehabilitators, and pet groomers. These jobs often require knowledge of animal behavior, health, and care, and may involve working in clinics, zoos, shelters, or outdoor environments.
More about Animal jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in California?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal jobs in California?

For Animal jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Animal jobs?

Cities in California with the most Animal job openings:

Animal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,209 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Animal Care Technician

Helen Woodward Animal Center

Rancho Santa Fe, CA • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Animal Care TechnicianAdoptions DepartmentPart Time (24 hours per week)Pay: $20.00 hourlyAs an Animal Care Technician on our Adoptions team at the world-renowned Helen Woodward Animal Center, you will provide loving care to all adoptable animals including feeding, grooming, cleaning and exercise. Utilizing your knowledge of dog and cat characteristics of all breeds, you will enjoy educating potential owners on animal handling and behavior as well as introduce adoptable animals detailing specific animal history and information. You can make a difference by counseling potential clients who are looking to adopt an abandoned or rescued animal into a forever home.The Animal Care Technician will ensure quality customer service and maintain the highest level of animal welfare. Along with cleaning animal housing, bedding, food/water dishes and managing daily records for assigned animals, you will have the opportunity to perform basic medical procedures (administer medication, obtain fecal samples) in a state of the art facility. While driving company vehicles with other staff on board, you will have the amazing opportunity to travel out of the city, state or out of the country on single day or multiple day trips to transport rescued pets back to the Center. You will gain valuable skills such as performing temperament testing during onsite and offsite transports on all potential animals coming in while assisting medical personnel. Also participate in Center activities and events as required. (Surf Dog competition, Home for the Holidays, etc.) RequirementsAt least 21 years of ageAnimal Handling Experience (Dog & Cat HIGHLY preferred)Able to lift 50 lbsMust be able to properly handle and control large or difficult dogs/catsMust be able to work closely with animal dander or furCustomer service skillsMust posses valid Driver's License and have clean driving recordHelen Woodward Animal Center is a smoke-free environment. Smoking is not permitted in any HWAC building or vehicle.
Job Posted by ApplicantPro