ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Local Animal Rescue Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LTD Global

Animal Dispatcher

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

... Animal Rescue & Control services by managing incoming calls, coordinating service requests, and ... This role must be performed on-site and is represented by Union Local 856. Key Responsibilities

LTD Global

Animal Dispatcher

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

... Animal Rescue & Control services by managing incoming calls, coordinating service requests, and ... This role must be performed on-site and is represented by Union Local 856. Key Responsibilities

LTD Global

Animal Dispatcher

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

... Animal Rescue & Control services by managing incoming calls, coordinating service requests, and ... This role must be performed on-site and is represented by Union Local 856. Key Responsibilities

LTD Global

Animal Dispatcher

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

... Animal Rescue & Control services by managing incoming calls, coordinating service requests, and ... This role must be performed on-site and is represented by Union Local 856. Key Responsibilities

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsLocal Animal Rescue JobsLocal Animal Rescue Jobs in California

Local Animal Rescue information

See California salary details

$9

$20

$27

How much do local animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for local animal rescue in California is $20.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $24.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the most common challenges faced by team members in a local animal rescue organization?

Team members in local animal rescue organizations often encounter challenges such as managing the emotional aspects of caring for neglected or abused animals, handling unpredictable situations during rescues, and balancing a high workload with limited resources. Collaboration with veterinarians, volunteers, and local authorities is crucial to ensure animal welfare and successful rehoming. Additionally, adapting to fast-changing priorities and maintaining effective communication within the team are key to providing the best possible care for animals in need.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Local Animal Rescue role, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Local Animal Rescue role, you need a solid understanding of animal care, handling techniques, and basic veterinary knowledge, often supported by relevant training or certifications in animal welfare. Familiarity with animal shelter management software, animal first aid, and rescue equipment is typically required. Compassion, resilience, and strong communication skills help you work effectively with animals, the public, and fellow team members. These abilities are crucial for ensuring animal safety, facilitating successful adoptions, and maintaining positive community relations.

What is the difference between Local Animal Rescue vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectLocal Animal RescueAnimal Shelter Worker
CredentialsMay require animal care certifications, CPR, first aidOften requires similar certifications, experience in animal handling
Work EnvironmentVaries from outdoor rescues to shelter settings, often on-callPrimarily shelter facilities, consistent indoor environment
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, rescue groups, community organizationsMunicipal shelters, private shelters, animal welfare organizations
Search & Comparison IntentRescue operations, emergency response, volunteer opportunitiesShelter operations, daily animal care, adoption processes

Both roles involve caring for animals, but Local Animal Rescue focuses on emergency and outdoor rescues, while Animal Shelter Workers primarily handle daily shelter operations. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right fit based on environment and responsibilities.

What are local animal rescues?

Local animal rescues are organizations or groups dedicated to saving, rehabilitating, and rehoming stray, abandoned, or abused animals within a specific community or region. They often work with shelters, foster volunteers, and veterinarians to provide medical care, foster homes, and adoption services. Unlike large national organizations, local rescues focus on the needs of animals in their immediate area, helping to reduce overpopulation and improve animal welfare at the community level.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in California? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Local Animal Rescue jobs in California? For Local Animal Rescue jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Local Animal Rescue jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Local Animal Rescue jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Local Animal Rescue jobs? Cities in California with the most Local Animal Rescue job openings:
Local Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Local Animal Rescue job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,209 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Animal Rescue & Control (ARC) Dispatcher

Peninsula Humane Society

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$22.66 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Dispatcher

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Union (Full Time)

Salary: $22.66 - $24.00 per hour, depending on experience

Excellent benefit package provided

Who We Are: 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 through San Mateo and the northern half of Santa Clara County. Our work means 6,300 lives saved each year. To learn more about us, visit www.phs-spca.org.

Who You Are: A firm believer in humane care and kind treatment of animals. You have excellent customer service, responding to inquires and requests in a positive, friendly and professional manner. You operate the dispatch system, answer calls, and requests for service in accordance with the policies and procedures of the organization. This position is represented by Union Local 856. Position must be performed on-site.

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

  • Receive, screen, dispatch, transfer, and/or monitor service requests from the public and other agencies in the appropriate order and priority level.
  • Maintain awareness of multiple staff members’ activities and locations while providing assistance as necessary to ensure adequate safety and completion of duties.
  • Provide exemplary customer service to members of our community and local agencies requesting our assistance. This may include problem solving during high stress situations on the phone and via email.
  • Process, file, proofread, submit, and maintain documents, including but not limited to mail, Animal Bite Reports, statistical reports, Dangerous/Vicious Animal case files, Public Safety Reports, and citations.
  • Review and correct completed Animal Bite Reports and submitting all final reports to San Mateo County.
  • Maintain a current list of all San Mateo County Dangerous Animal Permits and enter annual renewals with 100% accuracy.
  • Assist management with compiling statistical data and completing reports.
  • Monitor and respond as needed to public emails and voicemails.
  • Operate a two-way radio in a professional manner.
  • Answer questions and advise the public regarding animal welfare issues, state and local ordinances, rabies observation quarantines, wildlife concerns and behavior, and related issues.
  • Occasionally may be required to interact with the public at the shelter. This may include assisting in the completion of Animal Bite Reports.
  • Quickly assess and screen potential requests for service regarding domestic or wild animals, rescue situations, and/or other complex situations where our department involvement may be necessary.
  • Provide assistance to other departments as assigned or as necessary.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to ensure a positive public image, enhance the operation of the organization, and improve the quality of life for animals in our care and in our community.

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.

  • Upon hire, must pass a background check.
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or six months to one-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Must have a flexible schedule, and the ability to work irregular hours, weekends, holidays and standby as needed.
  • Must be able to multitask at a high level and communicate effectively within a fast-paced work environment.
  • Individual must have a pleasant demeanor and be accustomed to working in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment.
  • Good oral and written communication skills.
  • Knowledge of Chameleon database software or become proficient within the first six months from hire date. Basic knowledge or become proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), computer keyboarding (30WPM), and data entry skills.

Excellent Benefits Package Available

  • Medical /Dental /Vision/Life/ Flex Spending
  • Sick, Vacation and Holiday pay
  • 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