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Part Time Animal Rescue Jobs in San Jose, CA (NOW HIRING)

Seeking full-time or part-time experienced emergency veterinarians * Rotating internship training ... numerous animal shelter/rescue organizations partnered with the hospital, the epicenter of SF ...

Part Time Animal Rescue information

See San Jose, CA salary details

$11

$24

$32

How much do part time animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for part time animal rescue in San Jose, CA is $24.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.29 and $29.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do I need to work at a part time animal rescue?

To work as a part-time animal rescue worker, you typically need a genuine interest in animal welfare, basic knowledge of animal care, and the ability to handle animals safely. Some positions may require a high school diploma or equivalent, and relevant skills such as patience, physical stamina, and teamwork are important. Volunteering experience can also be beneficial, and certifications in animal first aid or handling may be preferred.

What jobs can I do if I love animals?

Jobs for those who love animals include animal rescue worker, veterinary assistant, pet groomer, dog walker, and pet sitter. These roles often require compassion, basic animal care skills, and sometimes certifications or training in animal handling and first aid.

What are common challenges faced by part time animal rescue workers, and how can they be managed?

Part-time animal rescue workers often encounter challenges such as balancing rescue shifts with other commitments, handling emotionally difficult situations, and adapting to unpredictable animal behavior. Effective time management and clear communication with team members can help ensure coverage and prevent burnout. Additionally, ongoing training and support from experienced staff are available to help part-time workers develop skills in animal care and safely respond to emergencies. Collaborating closely with both volunteers and full-time staff fosters a supportive environment where everyone can learn and contribute effectively.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a part time animal rescue worker?

To thrive as a Part Time Animal Rescue Worker, you generally need experience with animal handling, basic animal care knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal shelter software, basic medical equipment, and sometimes certifications in animal first aid or CPR are valuable. Compassion, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under stress are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the well-being of animals, effective teamwork, and safe, efficient rescue operations.

What is a part time animal rescue?

Part time animal rescue jobs involve working with organizations or shelters to help rescue, care for, and rehome animals in need, but on a part-time schedule. Duties may include feeding and cleaning animals, assisting with adoptions, administering basic medical care, and supporting fundraising or outreach activities. These positions are ideal for people who are passionate about animal welfare but may only be available to work a limited number of hours per week. Part time roles can also be a good way to gain experience in animal care or nonprofit work.

What is the difference between Part Time Animal Rescue vs Part Time Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectPart Time Animal RescuePart Time Animal Shelter Worker
ResponsibilitiesRescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in needAssisting with daily shelter operations, caring for animals, and adoption support
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor rescues, community eventsIndoor shelter facilities, administrative tasks
CredentialsBasic animal care knowledge, sometimes certifications in animal handlingAnimal care experience, sometimes certifications in shelter operations

While both roles involve caring for animals, Part Time Animal Rescue focuses on rescuing animals from dangerous situations and rehoming them, often in outdoor or community settings. In contrast, Part Time Animal Shelter Worker primarily supports shelter operations, caring for animals within a shelter environment. Both roles require compassion and animal care skills but differ in work setting and specific duties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in San Jose, CA? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in San Jose, CA are:
What cities near San Jose, CA are hiring for Part Time Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near San Jose, CA with the most Part Time Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Part Time Animal Rescue job openings in San Jose, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,313 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Animal Services Assistant (Part-Time)

County of Santa Clara

San Jose, CA • On-site

$57K - $69K/yr

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago


County Of Santa Clara rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

73rd of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Description Under general supervision, to provide care for animals and to maintain County Animal Services Center(s). The Consumer Environmental Protection Agency (CEPA) is currently recruiting for two (2) part-time positions. The hours for these opportunities may be alternate shifts and/or days outside of the typical 8 AM-5 PM, Monday-Friday work schedule, including weekends and holidays.

Once established, the list will be used to fill vacancies as they occur. * * * * * * * * * * * * IMPORTANT * * * * * * * * * * * EXAMINATION DATES: Applicants who meet the employment standards will be invited to take an online written examination tentatively scheduled for the week of August 31, 2026. Qualifying candidates will be notified with examination instructions via the email address included on their application.

Typical Tasks The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

Feeds, waters, and provides basic treatment and care for all impounded animals, including small animals, exotics, barnyard animals, large livestock, equines, and any other animals impounded at the County Animal Services Center; Cleans and disinfects animal enclosures, equipment, and other animal accessible areas of the Animal Services Center; Visually conducts inspections and monitors animals to identify and document potential medical issues, abnormal behaviors, and/or temperaments, and notifies Veterinarian staff of any issues; Processes animals entering and leaving the Animal Services Center and maintains related records; Under the direction of the Veterinarian, prepares dosages and administers medication to animals, administers IV fluids, draws blood, and obtains laboratory samples for testing; Facilitates placement suitability by acquainting pets with potential adopters; provides information on the animal, counsel prospective pet owners on common behavioral issues, pet rehoming, advice to prevent pet surrender, and additional resources available after adoption; Provides behavioral and recreational activities for housed animals; Maintains records and case files, including but not limited to information regarding pick-up and release dates, quarantines, adoptions, disposals, and the status of all animals assigned to the Animal Services Center; Under direction of a Veterinarian, quarantines animals, as needed; Issues animal licenses, collects fees, and issues receipts for services provided; Conducts animal euthanasia, as directed by a Veterinarian; Performs basic grooming for animals, such as bathing, clipping hair, and trimming nails; Transports housed animals for veterinary care to foster homes, off-site adoption events, and between animal welfare organizations; Administers vaccinations and implants microchips in housed animals; Prepares lost and found reports from information received from the public and assists in reunification of lost pets with their owners; Answers inquiries regarding laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to animal control and animal services in a courteous and professional manner; Handles deceased animals, disinfectant chemicals, and sharps; May be responsible for operation of the Animal Services Center in the temporary absence of a supervisor; May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required*; Performs other related duties, as required. Employment Standards Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities. Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through training and experience equivalent to a high school diploma and Six (6) months of experience working in an animal shelter, animal hospital, boarding facility, animal training facility, rescue facility, refuge facility, or closely related facility handling, caring for, and treating a large number of animals.

(Private ownership of animals is not considered qualifying experience.) Special Requirements Veterinarian Assistant Controlled Substances Permit (VACSP) issued by the State of California Veterinary Medical Board and Euthanasia by Injection Certification must be obtained during the probationary period. Euthanasia by Injection Certification must be obtained during the probationary period. Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work

If driving, possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization. *As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

Knowledge of: Care and feeding of animals; Cleaning and disinfecting methods for animal cages, pens, and enclosures; Physical and behavioral characteristics of domestic animals; Techniques for administering medications and treatments to various animals; Common computer systems and applications; Customer service principles, including maintaining a professional, courteous demeanor; Basic record keeping; Basic math. Ability to: Work independently; Work with and handle animals safely, properly, and humanely; Learn symptoms of common animal diseases; Perform animal euthanasia; Learn rules and regulations governing animal control and explain them to the public; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies; Understand and accurately follow written and oral instructions and procedures; Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures; Perform monetary transactions; Maintain accurate manual and computerized records. Physical Requirements Must be able to lift objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.


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