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Entry Level Animal Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Entry Level Animal information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$11

$18

$29

How much do entry level animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animal in Santa Rosa, CA is $18.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $18.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I start to work with animals?

To start working with animals as an entry-level animal worker, gain experience through volunteering or internships at shelters, farms, or veterinary clinics. Obtain basic knowledge of animal care, safety, and handling, and consider earning certifications such as pet first aid to improve your qualifications.

What is an entry level animal?

An Entry Level Animal job typically involves working with animals in roles that require little to no prior experience. These jobs may include positions such as animal care technician, kennel assistant, or veterinary assistant. Responsibilities often include feeding, cleaning, monitoring animal health, and assisting with basic care. Many positions provide on-the-job training, making them a great starting point for those interested in animal-related careers.

What are some typical daily tasks for an entry level animal care technician?

Entry Level Animal Care Technicians are typically responsible for feeding and watering animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and assisting more experienced staff with treatments or medication. You may also be expected to keep detailed logs of animal behavior, report any health concerns, and help maintain a clean and safe environment. Most roles require collaboration with veterinarians, animal handlers, and other technicians. This hands-on work provides a solid foundation in animal husbandry and offers a gateway to more advanced positions within the animal care or veterinary field.

How to start a career with animals?

To start a career as an entry-level animal worker, gain relevant experience through volunteering or internships at shelters, zoos, or veterinary clinics. Obtain basic certifications such as animal care or safety training, and develop skills in handling and caring for animals. Entry-level positions often require a high school diploma and a passion for animal welfare.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the entry level animal position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Animal Care Technician, you need a basic understanding of animal handling, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal care protocols, record-keeping systems, and, in some settings, certification in animal care or laboratory safety, can be beneficial. Compassion, patience, and strong communication skills help you stand out when interacting with animals and supporting team members. These skills are critical for ensuring animals' well-being, maintaining safety standards, and working effectively as part of a care team.

What jobs can I do if I love animals?

Entry-level animal jobs include positions such as veterinary assistant, pet groomer, animal shelter worker, and pet care technician. These roles often require basic animal handling skills, patience, and sometimes certification or training in animal care or first aid.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Entry Level Animal jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Entry Level Animal job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Animal job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,916 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Kennel Attendants Needed

VCA Animal Hospitals

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 657 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

VCA PetCare East Veterinary Hospital is seeking an entry level Patient Care Attendant to join our team. If you are looking to get your foot in the door and start an exciting career in veterinary medicine, this is the position for you.
The successful candidate will share our commitment to delivering exceptional service to our loyal clientele and the highest quality care to their boarded and hospitalized pets.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Cleaning cages.
• Feeding and caring for dogs and cats.
• Walking dogs.
• Bathing dogs.
• Doing laundry.
• Cleaning and maintaining hospital premises.
• Assisting Doctors and Technicians when necessary.
We offer competitive compensation and great benefits for eligible employees, including medical/dental, generous personal pet care discounts and more!
Hourly wage range: $19-$20
If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!
The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

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