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

Vetcor

Veterinarian- Santa Clarita, CA

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

We proudly support local rescues including Wolf Connection, SoCal French Bulldog Rescue, Sweet Angel Dog Rescue, and Studio Animal Services. Schedule & Workflow * Monday-Friday: 8 am-5 pm * Saturday ...

Wags & Walks

Event Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

ABOUT US Wags & Walks is a 501c3 nonprofit dog rescue in Los Angeles, Nashville and New York that's rescued over 18,000 dogs since 2011. We are a community of dog lovers working to promote shelter ...

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All JobsDog Rescue JobsDog Rescue Jobs in Santa Monica, CA

Dog Rescue information

See Santa Monica, CA salary details

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How much do dog rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog rescue in Santa Monica, CA is $15.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $17.55 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 Monica, CA? For Dog Rescue jobs in Santa Monica, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Dog Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dog Rescue job openings in Santa Monica, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,127 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Save a Dog's Life! Transporters Needed for Dog Rescue

Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue

Downey, CA • On-site

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

QUICK OVERVIEW

Become a standby volunteer with Ace of Hearts and rescue dogs from same-day euthanasia and current foster dogs with transportation

MISSION

Ace of Hearts is a dog rescue foundation dedicated to rescuing dogs from various Los Angeles shelters and placing them in loving homes. We do NOT take dogs in but instead, we rescue them from shelters. The Ace of Hearts Foundation is in memory of "Ace", a wonderful American Bulldog who was rescued from death, and touched the lives of many! (Especially founder Kari Whitman!) We do not discriminate against any breeds!

IMPACT

We could not survive without the invaluable support of our volunteers. Even if you are unable to adopt or foster a dog, don’t fret! There are plenty of ways to turn your passion for animals into much-needed assistance. A lot of our wonderful wagging friends require medication and trips to veterinary clinics to ensure they're happy and healthy - with your help we can ensure these pups never go without everything they need for that good quality of life!

  • VOLUNTEER ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES A standby volunteer is someone who can help out our furry friends on short notice - you would provide us with a schedule in advance of the days and times you'd be available to help throughout the week!
  • Tasks could include freedom rides, supply distribution, even taking the pups to and from their veterinary appointments, and anything in-between in case of an emergency.
  • You can even let us know what activities you'd prefer!

Being a standby volunteer helps us reach out to volunteers with availability that day instead of calling our entire volunteer list. If there is a day, half a day, or even a few hours you can volunteer to be placed on a “call in case of an emergency” list, let us know! This can be for many different tasks, and almost always requires some driving.

There are endless things to do when you're on standby. You may get a call to help transport a dog from an old foster to a new one, help some of our pups out by dropping off their food or medication, or, most importantly, give a dog in danger a freedom ride from the shelter!

REQUIREMENTS

  • Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Volunteers must have a vehicle and a valid driver's license.
  • Available for us to call on you whenever we need assistance (within the previously agreed upon times that you'd be available!) is also a great way to lend a hand.

Become a volunteer for Ace of Hearts and help us continue to save and improve the lives of our amazing furry friends.

QUESTIONS? Please reach out to us if you believe you could assist us at any point throughout the week - we always need the support of our wonderful volunteers, and we couldn't make any of this happen without you!

E-mail us at: volunteers@aceofheartsdogs.com

Thank you so much - The Ace Team hopes to hear back from you soon!

Apply