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Animal Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Assistant

Tustin, CA · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Animal Dermatology Group (ADG) is the largest veterinary dermatology business in the U.S., providing the highest quality of specialty care to pets with acute and chronic skin conditions. ADG has over ...

Veterinarian

Rialto, CA · On-site

$140K - $165K/yr

Closed Valley Animal Hospital is hiring a part-time or full-time Veterinarian to join our well-established small animal veterinary practice in the heart of Southern California's Inland Empire. Why ...

Veterinary Assistant

Tustin, CA · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Animal Dermatology Group (ADG) is the largest veterinary dermatology business in the U.S., providing the highest quality of specialty care to pets with acute and ...

Veterinarian

Rialto, CA

$140K - $165K/yr

Closed Valley Animal Hospital is hiring a part-time or full-time Veterinarian to join our well-established small animal veterinary practice in the heart of Southern California's Inland Empire. Why ...

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Animal information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$10

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$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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,677 per year, or $22 per hour.
Part-time Veterinary Assistant - Irvine Animal Care Center

Part-time Veterinary Assistant - Irvine Animal Care Center

City of Irvine

Irvine, CA

$22.09 - $29.02/hr

Part-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description The City of Irvine seeks candidates with demonstrated animal care and customer service experience to assist with clinic operations at the Irvine Animal Care Center. This position is Part-time, up to 32 hours per week. Weekend and evening availability is required.

Future positions may be filled through this recruitment. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or equivalent, and some experience working in a veterinary clinic or animal shelter clinic, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities. Part-time Hourly Range Veterinary Assistant -$22.09 - $29.02 Hourly Hours: Varying shifts Monday through Saturday with mandatory Friday coverage, up to 32 hours per week

Please note for internal candidates, the position will be filled based on the selected individual's current status as PT or EPT. For external candidates, this position will be filled as part-time. For current EPT internal candidates, please see the EPT benefits flier.

Your Impact Assist Veterinarians during surgeries; restrain animals during examinations, laboratory procedures, and preparation for surgery; monitor the care of animals after surgery and during treatment in the Animal Care Clinic. Report any problems noted to the appropriate staff. Administer medications and immunizations as directed by Veterinarians.

Calculate drug dosages accordingly and assist in the collection of blood, urine, and tissue samples. Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, medical examination and operating areas, and animal handling equipment. Maintain and care for surgical instruments, materials, and equipment.

Maintain and update various records and information pertaining to medical procedures at the clinic. Maintain positive, cooperative relationships with co-workers, volunteers, and the public. Communicate follow-up/discharge instructions or medical information to the public and potential adopters.

May provide assistance to veterinary staff in the care, treatment, and transport of sick and injured animals, including euthanasia. Best Fit Excellent customer service and communication skills. Ability to multi-task in a busy animal shelter environment that has exposure to a variety of domestic animals and wild life.

Ability to work in an environment with exposure to allergens such as cats, dogs, rabbits, hay, and peanut butter. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent and some experience working in a veterinary clinic or animal shelter clinic, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities. Ability to push, pull, drag, lift, or carry equipment/supplies (weighing up to 50 lbs.), ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time; ability to lean, stoop, twist, bend, and kneel while performing job duties

Supplemental Information Your Team The Mission of the employees of the City of Irvine is to create and maintain a community where people can live, work, and play in an environment that is safe, vibrant, and aesthetically pleasing. We are one team that exists to serve our community in the continual pursuit of a City that offers an exceptional quality of life. The City of Irvine's five values of Humility, Innovation, Empathy, Passion, and Integrity reflect the interests and needs of the community, and the level of service they expect and desire.

We are One Irvine through embrace of a team-oriented approach by living our values every day. Community and Library Services TheCommunity & Library Services Departmentprovides exceptional service, innovative programs, and diverse cultural experiences in vibrant and sustainable spaces. The department consists of the following award-winning programs and services: Human Services; Community Parks, Outreach and Open Space; Aquatics; Athletics and Great Park Operations; Reservation, Program Services and Special Events Permits Division; Irvine Animal Care Center; Administration and Business Services; and Library Services and Arts.

The Process Find more information in the Veterinary Assistant - PT job description. Interview: After a thorough review of applications, those candidates deemed most qualified as reflected in their application will be invited to an interview. Background Check: A thorough background investigation will be conducted prior to appointment.

Medical Examination: A medical examination will be conducted, including a drug/alcohol screening and proof of a negative TB test to ensure the ability to perform assigned duties. Any applicant who tests positive or tampers with evidence shall be disqualified from consideration. Future Vacancies: This recruitment may be used to fill future positions in similar and/or lower classifications within the organization.

Part-time employees are employed "at will" and their services can be discontinued without cause. Certain City budgets may not include funding for mandated CalPERS employer contributions. A qualified candidate who is a current member of CalPERS may be restricted from temporary/part-time employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation. E-Verify The City of Irvine participates in E-Verify.

In compliance with federal law, all employees must provide verification of identity and employment authorization at the time of hire. For additional information, please review the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work notices.