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Animal Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

City of Ontario, CA

Animal Caretaker

Ontario, CA · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

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 ...

City of Ontario

Animal Services Officer

Ontario, CA

$66K - $82K/yr

The Position Animal Services Officer Annual Salary Range: $66,950-82,400 Placement within this range is dependent on qualifications, experience, and ultimately established by the ARC Board of ...

San Bernardino County

Animal Keeper I

San Bernardino, CA

$19.41 - $28.18/hr

For more detailed information, refer to the Animal Keeper I . EXCELLENT BENEFITS To review job-specific benefits, refer to: Summary of Benefits and the Non-Represented Employee Compensation Plan The ...

City of Ontario, CA

Animal Services Officer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$66K - $82K/yr

Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire Opening Date: 07/20/2026 Closing Date: Continuous FLSA: Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: ARCIE The Position Animal Services Officer Annual Salary Range: $66,950 ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Orange, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Moreno Valley, CA

As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the health, care, and presentation of our live animals while driving sales, customer experience, and ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Chino, CA

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Chino, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the health, care, and presentation of our live animals while driving sales, customer experience, and ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Riverside, CA · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Riverside, CA

$16 - $20.75/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Riverside, CA

$16 - $20.75/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Riverside, CA · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Orange, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

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All JobsAnimal JobsAnimal Jobs in Riverside, CA

Animal information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$10

$21

$29

How much do animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal in Riverside, CA is $21.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $26.06 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 Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal jobs in Riverside, CA?

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

What job categories do people searching Animal jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Animal jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Animal job openings:

Animal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,677 per year, or $22 per hour.

Animal Control Officer

Animal Friends of the Valleys

Wildomar, CA • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Who we’re looking for:
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 parts of Riverside County. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit providing top-quality animal welfare and animal control services for our client cities. If you are looking for a way to make a difference and not just a job, AFV is exactly what you’re looking for!
Summary of Duties:
Performs tasks related to the enforcement of animal control laws within the Cities of Canyon Lake, Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, Temecula, Wildomar and Menifee. Educates the community about stray or vicious animals and related diseases; captures, impounds, relocates, and when necessary, disposes of animals; and maintains records. Investigates animal complaints from members of the community. Issues citations for violation of City Code(s), or applicable state law. Prepares reports as appropriate and testifies in court as directed.
Essential Functions:
  • Patrols designated service area streets, roads and parks in an AFV vehicle; searches for stray or abandoned animals; captures and confines animals using appropriate procedures.
  • Contacts dog owners by house to house canvass to locate unlicensed or unvaccinated dogs (and cats where applicable).
  • Patrols for stray, vicious, injured, dangerous, unwanted or improperly controlled animals and responds to community member complaints regarding same.
  • Responds to emergency calls, such as cruelty to animal complaints, animal bites, control of poisonous or dangerous animals, and stray animals.
  • Investigates reports or complaints of dogs, cats or other animals creating nuisances; uses tactical communication style to de-escalate situations and mediation techniques to reconcile complaints.
  • Testifies in court as directed.
  • Prioritizes calls using effective time management methods.
  • Issues citations, administrative citations and court citations for violations of animal control and licensing ordinances as necessary.
  • Writes incident reports, gathers evidence, prepares and presents cases at administrative hearings and/or appears in court as a witness as necessary
  • In field conditions, may euthanize severely injured animals in a safe and humane manner as required.
  • May make warrant and warrantless arrests related to penal code 830.9; search and seizure, issue warning, dangerous animal statement, citations, interview victims, complainants and witnesses.
  • May assist Police Officers on high risk operations including dynamic and tactical entries, searches, and in serving arrest warrants, when vicious dogs may be present.
  • Able to use tranquilizer pistol and rifle as a last alternative
  • Answers emergency calls concerning person(s) bitten by animals.
  • Impounds and quarantines potentially rabid animals in strict confinement, checks the animal at intervals during the quarantine period, and releases the animal at the end of the quarantine period.
  • Issues citations for the quarantine.
  • Picks up and transports sick and injured animals to a veterinarian.
  • Picks up dead animals and disposes of properly.
  • Performs chemical restraint procedures as necessary.
  • Cleans and maintains the animal control vehicle and cages utilized to detain the animals.
  • Prepares and maintains a variety of records and reports concerning animal control violations and transactions
  • Keeps detailed records of daily activities including times, miles, animal impounds, addresses and findings.
  • Operates, cleans and disinfect equipment and vehicle(s)
  • Oversees the maintenances of and maintains vehicle(s) and equipment in accordance with state regulations.
  • Sets up cages and provides water, food and a blanket to all impounded animals.
Other Duties:
  • Explains ordinances relating to the care and keeping of animals to the public; promotes and provides education to the public regarding the keeping and care of pets.
  • Maintains contact with citizens regarding animal control issues and problems and preserves good relationships with the general public; takes an active role in public education related to animal control issues.
  • Attends meetings and responds to related questions and complaints; provides public education regarding animal control.
  • Presents and maintains a positive and professional image of the police department; participates in community oriented policing.
  • Assists with training of new animal control staff as needed.
  • Performs related duties as assigned
Qualifications and Certifications and/or Education
  • Two years of experience in the care and handling of animals and/or two years of experience in some capacity of law enforcement.
  • Valid California Class “C” driver’s license
  • Possession or be able to possess a certificate for euthanasia.
  • Possession of a valid P.O.S.T. approved P.C. 832 Certificate prior to application recommended. Must obtain a certificate within 4 months of employment with AFV. Failure to obtain the required certificates will result in release employment.
In Addition to Qualifications and Certifications and/or Education:
Knowledge of:
  • Various breeds of dogs, cats, marine and other wild or domestic animals.
  • Various types of animal behavior.
  • Various provisions of penal code 830 related to animal control and penal code 832-arrest.
  • First aid and CPR procedures and practices.
Ability to:
  • Work independently, prioritize calls and respond appropriately to a variety of animal complaints.
  • Work effectively in stressful situations
  • Exercise good judgement and make sound decisions
  • Euthanize severely injured animals in emergencies.
  • Perform a variety of animal control activities such as animal handling, capturing, and confining.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; write defensible reports.
  • Write legibly
  • Prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.
  • Obtain information through interview and interrogation, deal fairly and courteously with the public.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative-working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Ability to Carry and Use of Law Enforcement Equipment as it Pertains to:
  • Collapsible ASP Baton under the protection of California Penal Code Section 22295 (regularly employed and compensated by a person engaged in any lawful business, while actually employed and engaged in protecting and preserving property or life within the scope of employment).
  • Handcuffs for matter and purposes of legal and lawful detention while police arrive.
  • Pepper Spray under the protection of California Penal Code Section 22820 (person has satisfactorily completed a course of instruction approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training in the use of tear gas).
_____________________________________________________________________
Benefits and Compensation:
- $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
- Health / Medical
- Life
- Dental
- Vision
- 403B Retirement Account (401K for Non-Profits)
- Colonial Voluntary Insurance
- Employee Discount Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Accrued Vacation
- Non-Exempt, Full-Time
Working Conditions:
Environmental Conditions:
  • Field environment; travel from site to site. Hot and cold temperatures; inclement weather.
Physical Conditions:
  • Essential and marginal functions may require gaining and maintaining control of large and often aggressive animals; lifting/carrying medium-heavy objects of up to 75 lbs. of weight, maintaining physical condition necessary for standing, squatting, twisting, running, stooping and walking for prolonged periods of time; operating motor vehicle and other equipment.
Work Attire:
  • Wear an AFV approved uniform and related equipment including badge, collapsible ASP baton; handcuffs and spray.
Work Assignment:
  • Subject to irregular work shifts including evening, weekend and holiday shift assignments.
Direct Reports: This is a non-supervisory role
What can we offer you?
- $18.00 to $20.00 per hour
- Training courses and continuing education
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, insurance benefits available.
- Colonial Voluntary Insurance
- Uniform Allowance - boots
- 403B Retirement Savings (Think 401K for non-profits.)
- Extensive Employee Discount Program to help you save money on a wide variety of products and services.
- Employee Assistance Program to help you through life’s challenges, including counseling and coaching services; assistance with legal, financial and career questions; and so much more!

Apply