1

Dog Rescue Jobs in Santa Clara, CA (NOW HIRING)

Lead Veterinarian

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

Among our major programs, PHS/SPCA adopts fully 100% of healthy, adoptable dogs and cats in our ... Rescue & Control, Humane Investigations and/or the District Attorney in the investigation and ...

Showing results 21-22

Dog Rescue information

See Santa Clara, CA salary details

$11

$16

$22

How much do dog rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog rescue in Santa Clara, CA is $16.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $18.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a dog rescuer?

To become a dog rescuer, individuals typically volunteer or work with animal shelters, rescue organizations, or shelters to gain experience. Relevant skills include animal handling, knowledge of canine behavior, and sometimes certifications in pet first aid or animal care; a compassionate attitude and patience are essential. Training programs or workshops may also be available to improve skills and understanding of rescue procedures.

What is the difference between Dog Rescue vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectDog RescueAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsNone mandatory; experience with animals helpfulOften requires animal care or shelter management training
Work EnvironmentRescue missions, outdoor and varied locationsIndoor shelter facilities, administrative tasks
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, rescue organizationsMunicipal or private animal shelters
Common Search/ComparisonRescue efforts, volunteer opportunitiesAnimal shelter jobs, animal care roles

Dog Rescue involves actively saving dogs from dangerous or neglectful situations, often requiring outdoor work and rescue skills. Animal Shelter Workers typically manage daily care, administrative tasks, and shelter operations. While both roles focus on animal welfare, Dog Rescue emphasizes emergency and outdoor rescue activities, whereas Animal Shelter Workers focus on shelter management and daily animal care.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in dog rescue, and how can they be managed?

Dog rescue professionals often encounter emotional challenges, including working with abused or neglected animals and making difficult decisions about their care. Managing high volumes of animals and coordinating with volunteers and adopters can also be demanding. To cope, it's important to practice self-care, seek support from team members, and participate in ongoing training. Building strong communication skills and staying organized can help professionals handle the fast-paced and emotionally charged environment typical of dog rescue organizations.

What is dog rescue?

Dog rescue refers to the process of saving dogs from dangerous, neglectful, or abusive situations and finding them safe, loving homes. Dog rescue organizations often work to rehabilitate and care for dogs that have been abandoned, surrendered, or found as strays. They provide medical care, foster homes, and adoption services to ensure each dog has the chance for a better life. Many dog rescues also advocate for responsible pet ownership and work to educate the public about animal welfare. The goal is to reduce the number of homeless dogs and help each animal find a permanent, caring family.

What do I need to work at a dog rescue?

To work at a dog rescue, you typically need a genuine love for animals, good communication skills, and the ability to handle dogs of various temperaments. Relevant experience with animals, basic knowledge of dog care, and sometimes volunteer or prior rescue experience are beneficial; certifications in pet first aid can also be helpful.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in dog rescue?

To thrive in Dog Rescue, you need experience in animal care, knowledge of canine behavior, and often a background in veterinary assistance or animal welfare. Familiarity with animal management software, first aid certifications, and basic handling equipment is typically required. Compassion, patience, strong communication, and crisis management skills help you stand out in this field. These abilities are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of rescued dogs while effectively coordinating adoptions and rehabilitation efforts.
What are popular job titles related to Dog Rescue jobs in Santa Clara, CA? For Dog Rescue jobs in Santa Clara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Dog Rescue jobs in Santa Clara, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Dog Rescue jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:
What cities near Santa Clara, CA are hiring for Dog Rescue jobs? Cities near Santa Clara, CA with the most Dog Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Dog Rescue job openings in Santa Clara, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,659 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

$175K - $250K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Lead Veterinarian
FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-Time (Will consider Part-Time)
Salary: $175,000 - $250,000 per year (DOE)
Competitive Compensation Package Available; Relocation and/or
Student Loan Repayment Negotiable
If you're looking for an opportunity to lead a team of dedicated shelter veterinarians, PHS/SPCA may be the perfect place for you!
Who we are: PHS/SPCA is a successful, well-established non-profit humane society committed to serving the animals and people of our community. Among our major programs, PHS/SPCA adopts fully 100% of healthy, adoptable dogs and cats in our care and, through our charitably funded Hope Program, makes well and finds homes for thousands of animals who come to us sick, injured or too young to survive without supportive care. To learn more about us, visit www.phs-spca.org.
Who you are: You thrive in a fast-paced, animal shelter environment, holding animal health and welfare as the primary concern. In addition to practicing shelter medicine, you enjoy communicating and educating staff, volunteers and the public regarding medical issues, zoonotic diseases and specific animal population diseases. You're looking for an opportunity to lead a team of dedicated shelter veterinarians in overseeing a strong, well-established shelter veterinary medical program.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following (other duties may be assigned):
  • Recommend, develop and implement veterinary medical protocols and procedures for all departments and programs.
  • Monitor health of the shelter population and work collaboratively with shelter managers to recognize, contain and treat contagious diseases, including zoonotic diseases.
  • Mentor, guide, train and advise Veterinarians, staff and volunteers to promote better animal husbandry and excellence in veterinary medical care. Train Staff Veterinarians as needed and as appropriate.
  • Regularly conduct rounds with Staff Veterinarians to discuss medical and surgical cases.
  • Ensure animal medical records are maintained as required by law.
  • Ensure every animal has a clear and concise plan regarding any medical condition(s), diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
  • Act as a liaison for the public and staff regarding concerns, disputes or misconceptions of animal medical care at PHS/SPCA. Act as the primary contact person for situations that may arise involving the public related to PHS/SPCA policies and procedures and veterinary medical care.
  • Maintain California Veterinary License in good standing. Pursue adequate and appropriate continuing education to continue to provide the Standard of Care.
  • Maintain current premise permits and DEA licenses for PHS/SPCA facilities as appropriate and as required by law. Serve as the Supervising Veterinarian for all Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permits.
  • Be available to advise veterinary department managers on occasion regarding after hours emergencies.
  • Examine, diagnose and prescribe treatment for animals in PHS/SPCA care as needed and as appropriate.
  • Provide emergency medical care as needed.
  • Consult with specialists on specific medical cases when appropriate.
  • Perform surgical sterilization of owned and shelter dogs, cats and rabbits. Perform other surgical procedures as indicated.
  • Perform and assist as needed in the daily activities of the Department
  • Euthanize and/or assist with euthanasia of animals as needed in accordance with PHS/SPCA policies and procedures and California state law.
  • Assist Animal Rescue & Control, Humane Investigations and/or the District Attorney in the investigation and prosecution of cases of animal cruelty or neglect. Perform and record necropsies as needed. Appear in court to substantiate findings as necessary.
  • Work with Veterinary Services managers to ensure department equipment in good working order.
  • Provide staff, volunteer and public educational lectures as needed. Participate in writing educational materials and articles for PHS/SPCA.
  • Participate in periodic vaccine clinics, educational programs and special events as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Supervises Staff Veterinarians. Indirectly supervises other Veterinary Services staff and volunteers in conjunction with department Managers. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include assisting in interviewing, hiring, training employees and volunteers; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees and volunteers; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine; minimum of five years working with animals in a clinical environment with a strong preference for shelter medicine experience; equivalent combination of education and experience. Previous supervisory experience preferred.
  • Possess and maintain California State Licenses Veterinarian in good standing with a valid DEA license.
  • Possess a valid California Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record to be insured by our insurance company.
  • Upon hire, must pass a background check.
  • Proficient knowledge of Chameleon database software or become proficient within the first six months from hire date. Basic knowledge or become proficient with Microsoft Office and computer keyboarding skills (data entry).
  • Good verbal and written communication skills. Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, volunteers, and other employees of the organization.
  • Ability to communicate in a calm and clear manner with the public, volunteers and fellow employees, especially in stressful situations. Ability to remain calm and focused in emergency situations.
  • Must be open to new ideas and have the ability to compromise and be flexible when appropriate.
  • Ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide. Ability to perform these operations using units, weight measurement, and volume.
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
  • Ability to treat all animals regardless of species or temperament with compassion and as equally deserving of veterinary care.
  • Ability to work independently.

Excellent Benefits Package Available
  • Medical /Dental /Vision/Life Insurance /Flex Spending
  • Sick, Vacation and Holidays
  • Continued Education and Licensing Renewal Reimbursement Available
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • Retirement plan & employer matching
Available to all employees with pets:
  • Free vaccines, spay/neuter, microchipping, and two pet adoptions
  • Discounted euthanasia services/cremation, bloodwork, urinalysis, prescription food, and discounts at our retail stores.

For more information about our available job opportunities and how to apply, please visit our website at www.phs-spca.org/careers.
The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. EOE/M/F/D/V/SO