ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Local Animal Rescue Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

VetCor

Veterinarian - Merced, CA

Merced, CA

$170K - $200K/yr

VAH is actively involved in local outreach and animal rescue initiatives, and we provide low-cost spay/neuter services through a local non-profit program. We are seeking a Full-Time or Part-Time ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Associate Veterinarian

Tracy, CA · On-site

$100K - $180K/yr

Deeply rooted in the Tracy community as proud sponsors of youth sports and animal rescue groups. * Active members of the Tracy Chamber of Commerce, supporting local initiatives. * Students and new ...

VCA Animal Hospital

Associate Veterinarian

Tracy, CA · On-site

$100K - $180K/yr

Deeply rooted in the Tracy community as proud sponsors of youth sports and animal rescue groups. * Active members of the Tracy Chamber of Commerce, supporting local initiatives. * Students and new ...

Vetcor

Veterinarian - Merced, CA

Merced, CA

$170K - $200K/yr

VAH is actively involved in local outreach and animal rescue initiatives, and we provide low-cost spay/neuter services through a local non-profit program. We are seeking a Full-Time or Part-Time ...

Butte County

Senior Animal Control Officer

Chico, CA

... and local laws, codes, and ordinances relating to the care and control of animals, filing of ... Performs capture and rescue of wild, stray, uncontrolled, diseased, and unlicensed domestic animals ...

Butte County

Senior Animal Control Officer

Oroville, CA

$23.34 - $31.28/hr

... and local laws, codes, and ordinances relating to the care and control of animals, filing of ... Performs capture and rescue of wild, stray, uncontrolled, diseased, and unlicensed domestic animals ...

Ohana Pet Hospital

Veterinary Assistant

Ventura, CA

$20 - $23/hr

From our clients, patients, and local community to our animal rescue partners and fellow team members, we live by our mission to provide "Compassionate care for our Ohana, our Family." We proudly ...

Ohana Pet Hospital

Veterinary Receptionist

Ventura, CA

$20 - $23/hr

From our clients, patients, and local community to our animal rescue partners and fellow team members, we live by our mission to provide "Compassionate care for our Ohana, our Family." We proudly ...

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.
Veterinarian - Merced, CA

Veterinarian - Merced, CA

VetCor

Merced, CA

$170K - $200K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago

Vetcor rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 212 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 47 rated veterinary

Job description

Who we are:
Full-Time/Part-Time Veterinarian - Valley Animal Hospital, Merced, CA
Since 1985, Valley Animal Hospital (VAH) has proudly served dogs, cats, exotics, and pocket pets in Merced, CA, delivering top-notch veterinary care. We've been named "Favorite Veterinary Clinic" in the Merced Sun-Star Reader's Choice Awards three years in a row!
Our welcoming hospital features superb veterinarians, 3 licensed veterinary technicians, and a dedicated support staff committed to patients, clients, and community. VAH is actively involved in local outreach and animal rescue initiatives, and we provide low-cost spay/neuter services through a local non-profit program.
We are seeking a Full-Time or Part-Time Veterinarian to join our community-focused practice.
Where We Are
Merced is a growing, affordable community with a bright future. With UC Merced nearby, there are exciting opportunities to grow your clientele if you enjoy building strong client relationships. Residents and visitors enjoy lakes, reservoirs, wildlife wetlands, and the historic Castle Air Museum. For outdoor lovers, Yosemite National Park is just a couple of hours away.
This is a great opportunity for a veterinarian who wants to stay and grow in a small, close-knit community.
Our Facility
  • Comfortable, stand-alone hospital - designed for a smooth, efficient workflow.
  • Exam rooms: 6 (one small, closet-sized).
  • Surgical suite: 3 tables, ideal for up to 2 veterinarians at a time.
  • Treatment area: includes dental table.
  • Boarding: small on-site facility.
What We Offer
  • Work/life balance - no after-hour requirements.
  • Flexible Schedule Options:
    • Four 10-hour workdays.
    • Part-time or relief work welcome.
    • No on-call, flexible shifts.
  • State-of-the-art equipment:
    • Digital radiography (standard & dental).
    • Ultrasound.
    • Bovie electrocautery unit.
  • Advanced procedures: soft tissue, orthopedic, dental surgeries, chemotherapy.
  • In-house lab testing: IDEXX CBC/Chem.
  • Client engagement: Rover Rewards Loyalty Program.
Mentorship & Support
We value growth and hands-on learning! While our clinic pace is busy, we provide a gradual onboarding process for new graduates to ease into managing a full caseload. You'll have the opportunity to learn by doing, steadily building your confidence and skills while integrating into our workflow.
Success in this role is enhanced by excellent communication skills, as building strong relationships with clients and our team is essential for providing top-notch care.
We also support Large Animal Veterinarians transitioning to small animal medicine and provide resources for new graduates to connect, collaborate, and thrive:
  • Structured orientation with 1-on-1 surgical guidance.
  • Zoom calls and roundtables with other recent graduates.
  • Peer advisors for networking and career guidance.
  • Dedicated Slack group for case reviews and collaboration.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Salary: $170,000 - $200,000 annually (DOE).
  • Generous sign-on bonus.
  • Relocation assistance.
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • 401(k) with company match.
  • CE allowance + paid CE days.
  • Paid parental leave (birth/adoption).
  • Licensing, dues, and liability coverage.
  • FSA, EAP, staff discounts, and referral bonuses.
  • Exclusive Perks Through Resources for Living - savings on electronics, travel, entertainment, fitness, and more.

We have a positive, well-being-focused culture and a supportive, collaborative team. Join us and grow your career while making a real impact in our community!
Apply Today: Send your resume to Jose Izarpate at Jizarpate@vetcor.com
What's in it for you:

What Vetcor employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply