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Exotic Animal Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

San Bernardino County

Animal Keeper I

San Bernardino, CA

$19.41 - $28.18/hr

Primary duties include feeding exotic animals, observing and documenting animal behavior, answering questions from the public, assisting with presentations, animal training, performing maintenance in ...

Valley Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Rialto, CA · On-site

$140K - $165K/yr

Closed Valley Animal Hospital is hiring a part-time or full-time Veterinarian to join our well ... Comprehensive services including general practice, urgent care, dentistry, limited exotics, and ...

Valley Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Rialto, CA

$140K - $165K/yr

Closed Valley Animal Hospital is hiring a part-time or full-time Veterinarian to join our well ... Comprehensive services including general practice, urgent care, dentistry, limited exotics, and ...

Veterinary Practice Partners

Veterinarian

Rialto, CA · On-site

$140K - $165K/yr

Closed Valley Animal Hospital is hiring a part-time or full-time Veterinarian to join our well ... Comprehensive services including general practice, urgent care, dentistry, limited exotics, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsExotic Animal JobsExotic Animal Jobs in Riverside, CA

Exotic Animal information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$30.8K

$50.7K

$66.2K

How much do exotic animal jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for exotic animal in Riverside, CA is $50,683.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,800.00 and $59,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Exotic Animal job?

An Exotic Animal job involves working with rare, wild, or non-domesticated animals in various settings such as zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, veterinary clinics, or research facilities. Professionals in this field may include exotic animal veterinarians, zookeepers, wildlife rehabilitators, or animal trainers. Responsibilities can range from providing medical care and nutrition to conducting behavioral studies and ensuring proper habitat conditions. These jobs require specialized knowledge of animal behavior, biology, and welfare to ensure ethical and effective care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Exotic Animal position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a role working with exotic animals, you need specialized knowledge in animal biology, husbandry practices, and relevant safety protocols, often supported by a degree in zoology, animal science, or a related field. Certifications such as Certified Exotic Animal Technician or training in animal handling equipment are commonly required, along with the ability to use record-keeping and enclosure maintenance systems. Strong observation skills, patience, and effective communication enhance the ability to care for diverse species and work within a team. These competencies help ensure the health and welfare of exotic animals while maintaining safe and efficient facility operations.

What is the highest paid animal job?

The highest paid animal-related job is often a zoo director or senior wildlife veterinarian, with salaries reaching over $100,000 annually. Specialized roles such as exotic animal trainers or conservation managers can also command high salaries, especially with advanced certifications and experience.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities for someone working with exotic animals?

Professionals in exotic animal roles typically start their day by feeding and observing the animals, checking enclosures for cleanliness and safety, and monitoring for any signs of illness or distress. They may also assist with medical treatments, enrichment activities, and behavioral training, as well as record-keeping and educational presentations. Collaboration with veterinarians, curators, and other animal care staff is common to ensure each animal receives comprehensive care. Responsibilities can vary based on work setting, such as zoos, wildlife rehabilitation centers, or private facilities, but this role consistently involves hands-on, attentive care for a variety of unique species.

What jobs can I get if I love animals?

Jobs for those who love animals include exotic animal caretaker, zookeeper, wildlife rehabilitator, and animal trainer. These roles often require knowledge of animal behavior, specialized certifications, and experience working in environments such as zoos, sanctuaries, or research facilities.

What are unusual animal career paths?

Exotic animal careers can include roles such as wildlife rehabilitators, zookeepers specializing in rare species, or conservation biologists working with endangered animals. These paths often require specialized training, certifications, and a passion for animal welfare, with work environments ranging from zoos and aquariums to field research sites.

What degree do you need to work with exotic animals?

To work with exotic animals, a degree in zoology, wildlife biology, animal science, or a related field is typically required. Many positions also benefit from hands-on experience, certifications in animal handling, and knowledge of species-specific care and safety protocols.
What are the most commonly searched types of Exotic Animal jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Exotic Animal jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Exotic Animal jobs in Riverside, CA? For Exotic Animal jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Exotic Animal jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Exotic Animal jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Exotic Animal jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Exotic Animal job openings:
Exotic Animal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exotic Animal 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 $50,683 per year, or $24.4 per hour.
Animal Care Specialist

Animal Care Specialist

Animal Friends of the Valleys

Wildomar, CA

$17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Who we are:
Animal Friends of the Valleys (AFV) is the leading animal shelter for the cities of Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Canyon Lake and Wildomar, and small parts of Riverside County. We provide top-quality animal welfare and animal control services for our client cities. If you are looking for a way to make a difference and not just a job, AFV is exactly what you’re looking for!
Who we’re looking for:
Animal Care Specialist
What you will be doing:
  • Lots of interaction with dogs, cats, some bunnies and the occasional exotic pet
  • Responsibility for ensuring that all our animal residents are well cared for, properly fed, have exercise time and are in a safe, clean environment
  • Training in proper cleaning and sanitation methods, and daily cleaning of kennels and facility areas to maintain safe, clean environments
  • Improve your customer service skills by answering client questions and assisting them as they seek to find the perfect pet to bring them to their forever home
What you’ll need:
  • Some animal handling and care experience preferred; particularly with dogs and cats.
  • Ability to clean, lift, bend, walk and handle animals, supplies and equipment
What can we offer you?
  • $17.00 per hour
  • Full-time.
  • Be part of an amazing team that loves and cares for the animals that need them.
  • Opportunities for additional training
  • Uniform Allowance (Scrubs)
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, insurance benefits available.
  • Colonial Insurance
  • 403B Retirement Savings (Think 401K for non-profits.)
  • Extensive Employee Discount Program to help you save money on a wide variety of products and services.
  • Employee Assistance Program to help you through life’s challenges, including counseling and coaching services; assistance with legal, financial and career questions; and so much more!

Apply