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Humane Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

REG VET TECH

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) is a local, private, non-profit charitable organization dedicated to animal welfare. It is our mission is to build healthy relationships between people and ...

Admissions Associate

El Cajon, CA ยท On-site

$22 - $24.25/hr

San Diego Humane Society is hiring full-time Admissions Associates for our El Cajon team! How you'll impact our mission: At San Diego Humane Society, we're united by our mission to Inspire Compassion.

Admissions Associate

El Cajon, CA ยท On-site

$22 - $24.25/hr

San Diego Humane Society is hiring full-time Admissions Associates for our El Cajon team! How you'll impact our mission: At San Diego Humane Society, we're united by our mission to Inspire Compassion

Foster Supervisor

Oceanside, CA ยท On-site

$26.60 - $29.61/hr

San Diego Humane Society is hiring a Full-Time Foster Supervisor for our Oceanside and Escondido Foster team! How you'll impact our mission: At San Diego Humane Society, we're united by our mission ...

RVT

Oceanside, CA ยท On-site

$26.60 - $29.61/hr

San Diego Humane Society is hiring Full-Time Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) for our Oceanside Medical team! How you'll impact our mission: At San Diego Humane Society, we're united by our ...

RVT

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$26.60 - $29.61/hr

San Diego Humane Society is hiring Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) for our San Diego Medical team! How you'll impact our mission: At San Diego Humane Society, we're united by our mission to ...

Lead Veterinarian

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

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 ...

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Humane information

See California salary details

$9

$18

$26

How much do humane jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for humane in California is $18.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $20.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Humane jobs?

Humane jobs are roles within organizations that focus on promoting the welfare and ethical treatment of humans, animals, or the environment. These jobs can be found in non-profits, government agencies, animal shelters, advocacy groups, and social services. People in humane jobs work to improve quality of life, protect rights, and foster compassion through direct care, education, policy work, or community outreach. Positions may include animal welfare workers, social workers, humane educators, and policy advocates. The goal of humane jobs is to create a more just and compassionate world.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Humane Educator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Humane Educator, you need a background in education, animal welfare, or social work, often supported by a relevant degree or teaching certification. Familiarity with educational tools, curriculum design software, and animal care protocols is typically required. Strong communication, empathy, and public speaking skills help engage audiences and foster compassionate attitudes. These abilities are crucial for effectively promoting humane values and inspiring positive change in communities.

What is the difference between Humane vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectHumaneAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, certifications in animal careHigh school diploma, certifications in animal handling
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, rescue organizationsAnimal shelters, rescue facilities
Industry UsageOrganizations focused on humane treatment and rescueFacilities housing and caring for animals awaiting adoption
Common Search/ComparisonHumane vs Animal Shelter Worker

Humane workers typically focus on rescuing, rehabilitating, and advocating for animals, often working with organizations dedicated to animal welfare. Animal Shelter Workers primarily handle daily care, feeding, and cleaning in shelters. While both roles involve caring for animals, Humane workers often engage in broader advocacy and rescue efforts, whereas Shelter Workers focus on the immediate care and management of shelter animals.

What are some common challenges faced by Humane Educators when working with diverse communities?

Humane Educators often encounter challenges such as addressing varying cultural perceptions of animals, adapting teaching methods to different age groups, and overcoming language barriers. Building trust and fostering open dialogue within diverse communities require strong communication and cultural sensitivity skills. Additionally, educators may need to tailor their curriculum to resonate with local values and ensure inclusivity, all while promoting empathy and responsible behavior toward people, animals, and the environment.
What cities in California are hiring for Humane jobs? Cities in California with the most Humane job openings:
Infographic showing various Humane job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,558 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

REG VET TECH

Peninsula Humane Society

San Mateo, CA โ€ข On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Registered Veterinary Technician

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt; Part Time (24-30 hours per week)

(Will consider Full Time)

Salary: $25.00-$35.00/hour (DOE); plus Sign-on Bonus ($2,500 - $5,000 DOE)

Excellent benefits package available

Who are we: Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) is a local, private, non-profit charitable organization dedicated to animal welfare. It is our mission is to build healthy relationships between people and animals. PHS/SPCA is truly an open admission shelter, not only accepting many pet animals who might be refused at other shelters, but also taking care of injured and orphaned native wildlife from San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. Our work means 6,300 lives saved each year. Our spay and neuter clinic offers low-cost services to the community. To learn more about us, visit www.phs-spca.org.

Who are you: You enjoy rehabilitating animals to great health and making a difference for the animals that come through our doors. With your veterinary knowledge, you can readily assist our veterinary staff through precise medical evaluations, surgeries, and procedures. Your passion for animal care extends to our shelter workplace and our clients.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Perform physical exams.
  • Restrain animals for exams and/or treatment.
  • Perform inventory and stock and re-stock supplies.
  • Perform laboratory procedures including the use of a microscope, blood and dental machines.
  • Initiation of emergency medical practices as necessary.
  • Calculate and prepare medications for patients.
  • Induce and maintain animals under anesthesia. Ensure that all animals are monitored while under anesthesia. Assist veterinarian during surgery.
  • Ensure that each animal receives the proper vaccinations.
  • Provide humane care and treatment of all sheltered animals.
  • Perform admitting and discharge duties for public and shelter animals.
  • Calculate and draw pre-anesthetic/anesthetic drugs prior to surgery.
  • Maintain controlled substances log for Spay & Neuter and In-House Clinic.
  • Responsible for the surgical preparation of patients, including sterilization, administration of pre-surgical injections.
  • Assist the Veterinarians at PHS/SPCA in surgery or as needed.
  • Maintain proper paperwork and medical records as required by law.
  • Maintain department equipment in good working order. Report items for repair/replacement as needed to management as necessary.
  • Euthanize and/or assist with euthanasia of animals as needed in accordance with PHS/SPCA policies and procedures.
  • Maintain a clean and sanitary work area in all work spaces.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position may supervise volunteers.

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. The individual must also possess the ability to manage the emotional aspect of end-of-life services and humane euthanasia, and support staff in high-emotion circumstances. Upon hire, must pass a background check.


  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Previous experience proficiently performing dental procedures on dogs and cats, including extractions and sutures is required.
  • Registered Veterinary Technician certification from an accredited program is required.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, shelter medical records and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
  • Ability to speak effectively before members of the public, volunteers or employees of organization. Good oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work well under pressure in emergency situations, deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
  • Knowledge of Chameleon database software or become proficient within the probationary period (first six months from hire date). Basic knowledge, or become proficient with Microsoft Office and computer keyboarding skills, and data entry.
  • Ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 50-75 pounds.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Registered Veterinary Technician License


Excellent Benefits Package Available

  • Medical /Dental /Vision/Life/ Flex Spending
  • Sick, Vacation and Holiday pay
  • Continued Education Reimbursement
  • License Renewal and Uniform Reimbursement
  • 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