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Animals Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Animals information

See California salary details

$8

$13

$18

How much do animals jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for animals in California is $13.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.63 and $15.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an animal caretaker?

To thrive as an Animal Caretaker, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and safety procedures, typically supported by a high school diploma or relevant experience. Familiarity with animal restraint techniques, feeding systems, and sometimes certification in pet first aid or animal handling is valuable. Patience, attention to detail, and compassion are essential soft skills for building trust and ensuring animal well-being. These abilities are crucial for maintaining the health, safety, and comfort of animals in various care settings.

What are common challenges faced by animal care professionals in a shelter environment?

Animal care professionals in shelters often encounter challenges such as managing the emotional stress of working with abandoned or abused animals, maintaining high standards of cleanliness to prevent disease, and balancing the needs of a large number of animals with limited resources. Additionally, they must work effectively with a team to ensure all animals receive proper care and support, while also communicating compassionately with potential adopters and volunteers. Adaptability and resilience are important qualities for success in this dynamic and sometimes emotionally demanding environment.

What is an animal caretaker?

Animal caretakers are professionals who are responsible for the daily care and well-being of animals in various settings, such as shelters, zoos, veterinary clinics, or farms. Their duties often include feeding, grooming, monitoring health, cleaning enclosures, and sometimes assisting with basic medical care. They play a crucial role in ensuring animals are safe, healthy, and comfortable, and may also interact with the public to educate them about animal welfare. Animal caretakers need to be compassionate, observant, and comfortable working with different types of animals.

What is the difference between Animals vs Animal Care Assistant?

AspectAnimalsAnimal Care Assistant
Required CredentialsNone typically requiredHigh school diploma; certifications may enhance prospects
Work EnvironmentZoos, farms, wildlife reservesVeterinary clinics, animal shelters, pet stores
Industry UsageBroadly used for wild and domestic animalsSpecifically for assisting in animal care tasks
Common Search IntentGeneral animal informationAnimal care, pet support, shelter work

Animals is a broad term referring to all living creatures in the animal kingdom, while Animal Care Assistant is a specific job role focused on assisting with the care and well-being of animals in various settings. The role of an Animal Care Assistant requires specific training and certifications, and it involves hands-on work in environments like veterinary clinics or shelters. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right opportunities or information related to animal-related careers.

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

The most popular types of Animals jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Animals jobs?

Cities in California with the most Animals job openings:

Animals jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animals job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,325 per year, or $13.6 per hour.

Small Animal Canine Rehabilitation-Certified Veterinarian

ANIMALS ONLY VETERINARY COLLECTIVE INC

San Diego, CA • On-site

Other

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Animals Only 
www.animalsonly.com
Essential Job Duties include, but not limited to:
● Practice integrative (conventional and alternative) rehabilitation medicine for dogs and cats and
comply with applicable laws, regulations, and generally accepted industry standards relating to
veterinary clinical practice and professional ethics
● Be familiar with common rehabilitation treatment modalities and be motivated to learn about and
implement new modalities
● Accurately describe, discuss, and recommend the treatments offered at Animals Only to current
and potential clients
● Develop appropriate treatment plan for patients and prescribe treatments offered at Animals Only
● Assess patient response to treatments on a regular basis and modify ongoing treatment plans as
needed
● Maintain detailed and accurate patient record keeping via electronic medical record software
within allotted time frame
● Perform services in a safe, timely, competent, effective, and professional manner for the duration
of your scheduled shifts
● Provide exceptional client education and communication in accordance with clinic protocols
● Remain current in animal rehabilitation services and therapies via continuing education
● Be an essential and responsible member of our patient care team and work closely with all other
team members, and maintain positive and motivational team morale
● Enforce and maintain clinic procedures and policies
● Participate in and, when appropriate, lead team rounds, meetings, and training
● Perform other duties as assigned
● Ability to perform in a leadership role and effectively manage support staff and appropriately
delegate tasks
● Ability to train other team members in all treatment modalities
● Ability to work both independently and as an essential part of a team
● Ability to work with, safely restrain, and lift companion animals of all sizes
● Ability to correctly assess patient body language and adjust handling protocol to reduce patient
stress and increase compliance
● Ability to communicate respectfully, patiently, and accurately with clients and other staff members
● Ability to safely partake in physical tasks required for services including but not limited to
restraining animals, lifting animals and other dynamic movements
● Ability to stand, walk, jog, stoop, bend, twist, kneel, and/or crouch for long periods of time
● Full understanding and acceptance that you will be exposed to animals, animal by-products
(including by not limited to detritus, bites, scratches, excretions, contagious diseases) and
animal-related injuries (including but limited to bites, scratches)
● Be regular in attendance and timeliness
Requirements:
● Completed Certification in Canine Rehabilitation (DACVSMR, CCRP, CCRT, CRPM, VMRT, or
CCRV)
● Completed Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM, VMD, BVSc, or equivalent)
● Maintain current state license and registration, and remain in good-standing for the duration of
employment
● Have at least 1 year of small animal rehabilitation and physical therapy experience
● Have at least 2 years of previous fast-paced veterinary experience
Details:
● Job Type: Full-time, Part-time or Relief
● Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8 hour shift; no nights, no weekends; subject to change
● Work location: in person
● Pay: Negotiable based on experience and availability
● Benefits (based on full or part-time position): 401k (with company match), professional
membership and insurance allowance, paid time off, paid holidays

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