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Entry Level Animal Care Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Animal Control Officer I/II

Rialto, CA · On-site

$25.03 - $33.54/hr

... care for and euthanize animals as appropriate; and to perform a variety of duties relative to ... Since this is typically an entry level class, employees may have only limited or no directly ...

Animal Control Officer I/II

Rialto, CA · On-site

$26.82 - $35.95/hr

... care for and euthanize animals as appropriate; and to perform a variety of duties relative to ... Since this is typically an entry level class, employees may have only limited or no directly ...

S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics ... Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ...

S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics ... Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ...

Entry Level Animal Care information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do entry level animal care jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animal care in Riverside, CA is $19.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $21.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to be an animal caretaker with no experience?

To become an entry-level animal care worker with no experience, focus on gaining basic knowledge of animal needs, volunteering at shelters, and developing skills in handling and cleaning animals. Certifications in pet first aid or animal care can improve your chances and demonstrate commitment. Prior experience with animals or related work can also be beneficial but is not always required for entry-level positions.

What jobs can I get if I love animals?

Entry level animal care jobs include positions such as veterinary assistant, pet groomer, kennel attendant, and animal shelter worker. These roles often require basic animal handling skills, patience, and sometimes certification in animal first aid or safety. They provide hands-on experience working with animals in various environments like clinics, shelters, or grooming salons.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for an entry level animal care worker?

As an entry level animal care worker, your day-to-day tasks usually include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health and behavior, and assisting with basic grooming or exercise routines. You’ll likely work closely with senior staff, veterinarians, and sometimes interact with the public, especially if you’re in a shelter or zoo environment. Attention to detail and strong observation skills are important, as early detection of health issues is a key part of the role. The work can be physically demanding but highly rewarding for animal lovers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Animal Care worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Animal Care worker, you need basic animal handling skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with cleaning protocols, animal restraint equipment, and record-keeping systems is typically required. Compassion, patience, and strong teamwork skills help you build trust with animals and collaborate effectively with colleagues. These skills ensure the well-being of animals, maintain facility standards, and support a safe, supportive environment for both animals and staff.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Entry level animal care jobs typically do not pay $4,000 a week; such high earnings are uncommon without specialized skills or experience. High-paying roles in this field usually require advanced certifications, specialized training, or experience, and often pay significantly less at entry level. Jobs that pay this much weekly generally involve entrepreneurship, freelance work, or roles in high-demand industries outside of animal care.

What are entry level animal care jobs?

Entry level animal care jobs involve assisting in the daily care and well-being of animals in settings such as shelters, veterinary clinics, zoos, or pet boarding facilities. Responsibilities typically include feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, providing enrichment, and sometimes assisting with basic grooming or medical tasks. These positions often require a genuine love for animals, attention to detail, and the ability to work physically demanding shifts. Entry level roles serve as a foundation for those interested in pursuing advanced careers in animal care or veterinary medicine.

What is the difference between Entry Level Animal Care vs Veterinary Assistant?

AspectEntry Level Animal CareVeterinary Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications optionalHigh school diploma; some certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, pet stores, kennelsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal care facilities, pet organizationsVeterinary practices, animal healthcare industry
Common Search & ComparisonEntry Level Animal Care vs Veterinary Assistant

Entry Level Animal Care roles focus on basic animal handling and care in shelters or pet stores, often requiring minimal certifications. Veterinary Assistants work in clinics, assisting veterinarians with medical tasks, and may need specific certifications. Both roles involve working closely with animals, but Veterinary Assistants typically have more medical responsibilities and work in clinical settings.

Can you work at an animal hospital with no experience?

Entry level animal care positions often do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training is typically provided. Basic knowledge of animal handling, a compassionate attitude, and the ability to follow instructions are important, and some employers may prefer candidates with related certifications or volunteer experience. However, having some familiarity with animal care can improve your chances of getting hired.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Care jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Animal Care jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Animal Care jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Animal Care jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Entry Level Animal Care jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Entry Level Animal Care job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Animal Care job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,703 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Temporary Animal Care Technician - San Jacinto

County of Riverside

Riverside, CA

$46K/yr

Temporary

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

For questions regarding this position, please contact the Recruiter listed in the Supplemental Information section. ABOUT THE POSITION The County of Riverside's Human Resources Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) is seeking a Temporary Animal Care Technician for the San Jacinto facility. Applicants with previous experience working with animals are preferred.

Under general supervision, this entry-level role performs daily tasks to maintain sanitary conditions at animal shelters and off-site events, feeds and cares for impounded animals, assists with adoptions and reunifications, and counsels the public on responsible pet ownership and animal retention. Animal Care Technicians also receive training and certification in animal care, customer service, animal handling, humane euthanasia and animal disposal, and facility and equipment maintenance. This classification differs from the Animal Control and Licensing Officer series, which may assist in shelters but also performs fieldwork and enforces animal control regulations.

Some duties may include: Maintain clean, sanitary conditions at the shelter and all off-site event locations. Provide daily feeding, monitoring, and general care for all impounded animals. Support animal adoptions and assist with reunifying lost pets with their owners.

Educate and counsel community members on responsible pet ownership and animal retention. Perform routine maintenance of shelter facilities, grounds, and equipment. Meet the team: Meet the Team.

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services has a vision for promoting an environment of responsible pet ownership through progressive animal welfare initiatives, community outreach, and humane education in a culture of compassion, creativity, and integrity. The Department of Animal Services believes the character of their organization is best reflected in the strong dedication of each one of their employees who strive to meet the highest standards of performance and compassion on behalf of the animals and people that they serve. The Department of Animal Services operates four shelters located in Blythe, Jurupa Valley, San Jacinto and Thousand Palms.

About TAP The Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) recruits and hires temporary employees for all County departments. TAP assignments are a great way to learn about working for the County while working on a temporary, at-will basis. Click here to learn more about TAP: https://rc-hr.com/temporary-medical-assignment-program-tapmap TAP Benefits: https://rc-hr.com/files/users/user116/COR_2026_TAP_Guide_FINAL.pdf(Download PDF reader)(Download PDF reader) EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES Daily cleaning and disinfecting of kennels, equipment and work areas to prevent spread of zoonotic diseases

Feed and water animals daily. Assist with humane euthanasia and disposal of animals. Utilize computer to enter and update animal records in Chameleon Database.

Daily review of animal inventory; may move animals as needed within the shelter. Unload and impound incoming animals received from Animal Control and Licensing Officers and the public. Counsel owners who are relinquishing their pets by providing them information on adoptability of their animal or information regarding alternative options.

Provide customer service to all shelter visitors and staff. Educate the public on age, breed, characteristics, and care/treatment of shelter animals; may respond to inquiries from the public regarding retention and disposal of animals. May be specifically assigned and act as point of contact for rescue groups (i.e., adoption partners), coordinating the adoption of shelter animals and developing/maintaining relationships with adoption partners, and other related activities as assigned

May be required to assist in maintaining records and/or reports of inventories for food, supplies and equipment. Operate County vehicles to transport supplies, equipment or deceased/live animals; perform minor repair and maintenance of facilities and surrounding areas. May assist trained personnel in performing minor repairs and maintenance of facilities and surrounding areas.

May assist with training new staff and/or volunteers. Participate in adoption events on and off-site, in and outside of County jurisdiction. Understand and support department policies, local city and county municipal codes/ordinances, and state laws related to animal welfare.

Receive, load and unload supplies, materials and equipment from vendor trucks; operate forklift to move pallets; inspect for damage and quantity received against requisitions, invoices or freight bills. May be assigned to the care and treatment of equine, livestock and/or exotic animals. May assist in office by answering telephones, collecting fees and issuing receipts; may write incident reports.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education: Graduation from high school or attainment of a satisfactory score on a G.E.D. test. Experience: None required

Ability to: Read, understand and follow oral and written instructions in English; utilize computer to enter clear, concise and accurate information into Chameleon database; maintain records; perform basic mathematical calculations using addition and subtraction; work courteously and effectively to maintain effective working relationships with staff, rescue groups and the public; carry out routine and repetitive duties without immediate supervision; learn cleaning and disinfecting methods; learn care and feeding of animals; learn breeds and behaviors of animals; learn safe and proper handling of animals; learn, understand, interpret, and apply basic laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations governing the impounding, release and disposal of animals. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License may be required. Physical Requirements: Lift, carry, push, and pull heavy objects that may weigh more than 50 pounds.

A series of three Rabies vaccines is required prior to employment. This recruitment is open to all applicants. This recruitment is open to all applicants.

For questions regarding this requirement: Contact Carolina Pichardo at 951-955-3138 or at cpichardo@rivco.org. For General inquiries, please allow up to two business days to receive a response. Based on the number of applications received this posting may close early with or without notice

________________________________________________________________________________________ APPLICATION INFORMATION Veteran's Preference The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, attach the required documents to your job application. Documents include a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service.

For spousal preference, and as applicable, the following documents: a copy of your marriage certificate, spouse's death certificate, a letter of spouse's disability and/or letter of service-related death (if available) from the U.S. Veteran's Administration. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s)

A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference. For complete details and documentation requirements, please review the Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 here: https://rivcocob.org/board-policies Reasonable Accommodations The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above

For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at: https://rc-hr.com/disability Proof of Education If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted. If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc

(AICE). Work Authorization Requirement Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The County of Riverside does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.

Equal Opportunity Employer The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.

Pre-Employment All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.

Probationary Period As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head. General Information Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration.

Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies. Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted.

Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered. Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting.

Click the 'Apply' link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veteran's preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site, www.rc-hr.com. If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free 1-855-524-5627.