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Animals Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Captures aggressive animals Investigates reports of animal cruelty and neglect, dog and rooster fighting. Operates a motor vehicle in patrolling an assigned area. Collects license and quarantine fees ...

Animal Control Officer

Hayward, CA ยท On-site

$77K - $93K/yr

Captures aggressive animals * Investigates reports of animal cruelty and neglect, dog and rooster fighting. * Operates a motor vehicle in patrolling an assigned area. * Collects license and ...

Animal Care Technician

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$45K - $63K/yr

The Animal Care Technician processes intakes and outtakes; feeds and cares for impounded animals; evaluates and documents animal behavior and temperament; performs euthanasia; interacts with and ...

Showing results 21-40

Animals information

See California salary details

$8

$13

$18

How much do animals jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Animals job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,325 per year, or $13.6 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant - Dermatology

Dermatology for Animals

Oakland, CA โ€ข On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist with dermatology procedures and outpatient treatments.

  • Perform laboratory testing, prepare patients for appointments, and support patient admissions and discharges.

  • Support the care team through client education and ensuring quality patient care.


Job description

Description

Dermatology for Animals is looking for an experienced, full-time Veterinary Assistant to join our team as part of the Thrive Pet Healthcare community in Oakland, CA.

About You

You’ll play an important role in improving the quality of life for pets by providing compassionate, end-to-end patient care. Your impact will range from assisting with dermatology procedures and outpatient treatments to performing laboratory testing, preparing patients for appointments, and supporting the care team through patient admissions, discharges, and client education.

The success of your patients’ care matters to you, and your success matters to us.

Your Experience & Skills 

·          Minimum 1 years of clinical veterinary experience as a Veterinary Assistant (direct patient care)

·          Specialty experience preferred but not required 

·          Possesses a positive work attitude

·          Self-motivated

·          Excellent communication and organization skills

You’ll Grow with Us

Here, you can grow your career as best fits you through access to comprehensive learning and skillset programs. You can build your skills and earn credentials through:

  • Our vast, diverse, and free library of continuing education courses - ThriveU
  • Live, virtual interactive workshops to develop valuable leadership skills 
  • A program designed to teach you the fundamentals of running a pet hospital

And, with so many locations nationwide, you can find and move into any specialty, hospital type, or environment. Join us and provide your best care at a clinic that is deeply rooted within its community and bolstered by the resources of Thrive Pet Healthcare.

Benefits – our care in action

Thrive offers a suite of benefits to support team members’ emotional, physical, professional, and financial wellbeing. In addition to our health and life insurance, and short- and long- term disability plans, we offer eligible team members:

  • Competitive pay
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Mental health resources, including easy access to therapy through Lyra Health
  • Paid parental leave
  • Purr-ental leave for when you adopt a pet
  • Subsidized backup childcare and elder care
  • Expert advice, support and network discounts for fertility and family planning
  • FREE CE courses
  • Pet perks and veterinary service discounts
  • Student loan support tools and assistance

*Some benefits shown are only for full-time team members who work 30 hours or more per week. Certain Benefits may be subject to waiting periods or length of service requirements.

Compensation is negotiable based on experience and credentials, with an expected starting range of $24 – $27 / hour. The actual compensation will carefully consider a wide range of factors including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

About Thrive

Thrive Pet Healthcare creates the future of pet well-being through medical excellence, innovative technology, and a connected community of teams and partners. Today, its network of 360+ primary, emergency, and specialty hospitals across the U.S. cares for pets of all ages and health needs, while portfolio companies provide tools and technology that help veterinary teams work smarter and deliver better care. Thrive invests in its people—through mentorship, leadership programs, continuing education, and well-being initiatives—so teams can grow and feel supported. For pet owners, convenient solutions such as a mobile app, Thrive Plus membership, HereFurYou Helpline, online booking, and flexible financial options make accessing quality care simpler— giving families the peace of mind their pets deserve. Learn more at thrivepetcare.com.

We welcome you to join our story and join where #WeThriveTogether.