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Animal Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

POLICE ANIMAL CONTROL Opening Date: 07/24/2025 Classification Definition DEFINITION To perform routine duties in support of the City's animal control services and operations; to provide assistance in ...

Animal Control Officer I/II

Rialto, CA · On-site

$24.30 - $32.56/hr

POLICE ANIMAL CONTROL Opening Date: 07/24/2025 Classification Definition DEFINITION To perform routine duties in support of the City's animal control services and operations; to provide assistance in ...

Animal Control Officer I: Hourly: $24.30 - $32.56 Animal Control Officer II: Hourly: $26.82 - $35.95 *Listed amounts indicate the first and last steps of the range for each position. Essential Duties ...

Reporting to the Reservation Security Sergeant, the Animal Resource Officer is responsible for providing specialized protection to animals and wildlife on and off the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation ...

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Animal information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$10

$21

$29

How much do animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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 kind of jobs work with animals?

Jobs that work with animals include roles such as veterinarian, animal trainer, zookeeper, pet groomer, wildlife rehabilitator, and veterinary technician. These positions often require specific training, certifications, or degrees, and 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 are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Animal jobs in Riverside, CA 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:
Infographic showing various Animal job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 76% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,677 per year, or $22 per hour.

$20.18 - $27.04/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

An Animal Care Technician works one-on-one with animals. This position is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the health of animals under their care and performs duties such as receiving new animals, cleaning and changing kennels and providing food and water. Other duties may include updating and maintaining animal records, administering medications, sterilizing equipment, preparing laboratory samples (Rabies testing), assisting with medical care of animals and interacting with and educating the public on topics such as pet overpopulation, feline population management, etc.

Essential Functions:

Include but are not limited to:

  • Provides animals with appropriate housing, food, water, bedding, toys and other mental stimulation and enrichment, social interaction with humans and, where appropriate, other animals.
  • Observes animals for signs of illness or injury and reports findings to veterinary team.
  • Socializes animals with potential adopters and other animals as appropriate.
  • Facilitates health checks for animals at the time of adoption or shelter partner placement.
  • Cleans and disinfects all animal areas.
  • Humanely euthanizes animals as needed under the direction of the Shelter Services Manager.
  • Participates in the intake process of incoming animals which includes scanning for microchip, vaccinating, deworming, aging, sexing, and identifying breeds.
  • Participates in daily enrichment for all animals onsite, including playgroups.
  • Safely handles animals utilizing Fear Free methods to ensure animals are calm, comfortable and our staff is safe at all times.
  • Documents daily observations and concerns in shelter software for all animals in our care and reports progress to the ACT Lead and Shelter Services Manager.
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications/Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent qualification.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel) and shelter software.
  • Humane attitude towards animals.
  • Must be able to effectively restrain dogs more than 100lbs.
  • Ability to manage the emotional aspect of end-of-life services and humane euthanasia decisions.
  • Supports and represents IVHS & SPCA and SGVHS core values, programs, policies, and procedures.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bilingual (English/Spanish/Mandarin) preferred.
  • 1 year of experience working for a non-profit rescue group, humane society, municipal shelter, or other animal welfare agency preferred.

Knowledge & Abilities:

  • Customer-centric, open-minded approach to engaging with adopters, partners, visitors, volunteers, and colleagues; familiarity and comfort with an open adoption process.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, a team player, personable, professional, and able to get along with people from different backgrounds, as well as the ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with well-developed organization skills to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
  • Ability to work a varied schedule, including weekends and evenings, as required.
  • Excellent communication skills to develop healthy relationships with staff, volunteers, and donors.

Physical Demands/Working Environment:

  • Work is performed in a setting within an animal shelter facility. Regular exposure to animal shelter conditions including odors, airborne particles, and animal fur/dander.
  • Must be able to:
    • Routinely lift 50 pounds and perform strenuous daily activity including, but not limited to lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, cleaning, and bending.
    • Extensive direct handling, carrying, and restraining of animals, both large and small.
    • Work at a computer for extended periods of time with repetitive typing, sitting, arm, and hand motion. 
    • Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.
    • Carrying of supplies and equipment.
    • Occasional running to apprehend loose animals evading capture.
    • Able to tolerate loud animal noises and objectionable odors.
  • Exposure to dogs, cats and other animals of all sizes, temperaments, and medical status.
  • Regular movement about the campus to coordinate work. 

Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. and San Gabriel Valley Humane Society Core Values:

 Pawsitive- Embracing optimism at all times with animals, ourselves, each other, and our community.  

 Innovative- Leading the change our communities need with commitment to our mission.

Collaborative- Synergy and cooperation with partners and stakeholders to improve lifesaving.

 Kindness- Meeting everyone with compassion and respect.

 

Supplemental Information:

Only those candidates whose applications and resumes most clearly demonstrate the job-related experience, education, and training sought by Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. and San Gabriel Valley Humane Society shall be selected to move forward in the recruitment process. Placement in the position shall be contingent upon the successful completion of a written test with a minimum score of 80%, reference check, prior employment check, Live Scan, and pre-employment medical exam including a drug test.

Compensation will be determined based on factors such as skills, education, and experience. In addition to those factors, IVHS complies with applicable pay equity laws and considers internal equity among current employees when developing the final offer. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the base salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical in order to allow for future and continued salary growth. We also offer a generous benefits package.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. and San Gabriel Valley Humane Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.