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Veterinary Forensic Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... forensic, or other non-traditional setting is highly preferred. * Experience working with adults ... Pet benefits, including veterinary discounts, prescription discounts, 24/7 pet telehealth, and lost ...

Veterinary Forensic information

See California salary details

$41K

$70.8K

$102.6K

How much do veterinary forensic jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for veterinary forensic in California is $70,796.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,700.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a veterinary forensic?

A Veterinary Forensic job involves applying veterinary medicine and forensic science to investigate cases of animal abuse, neglect, and crimes involving animals. Professionals in this field examine evidence, conduct necropsies, and collaborate with law enforcement to build legal cases. They may work with shelters, law enforcement agencies, or forensic laboratories to ensure justice for animals. Their expertise helps in identifying signs of trauma, poisoning, or malnutrition, contributing to animal welfare and criminal investigations.

What does a veterinary forensic do?

A Veterinary Forensic professional is typically responsible for examining evidence in cases of suspected animal cruelty, conducting necropsies, collecting and preserving forensic samples, and documenting findings through detailed reports. They often collaborate closely with law enforcement, animal welfare organizations, and attorneys, sometimes providing expert testimony in court. The work may involve responding to crime scenes, performing laboratory analyses, and consulting on interpretation of animal injuries. This role combines veterinary expertise with meticulous investigative work, making each day varied and intellectually challenging.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the veterinary forensic position?

To excel as a Veterinary Forensic professional, you need a veterinary degree (DVM or VMD), in-depth knowledge of animal anatomy and pathology, and specialized training in forensic science. Familiarity with laboratory diagnostic tools, evidence collection methods, and sometimes certification in veterinary forensics are valuable assets. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and clear communication are crucial for effective collaboration with law enforcement and legal teams. These abilities are essential to accurately investigate animal abuse cases, provide expert testimony, and ensure legal standards are upheld.

How to get into veterinary forensics?

To pursue a career in veterinary forensics, individuals typically need a veterinary degree (DVM or equivalent) and specialized training in forensic science or animal cruelty investigation. Gaining experience through internships, certifications in forensic methods, and knowledge of legal procedures can enhance prospects in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary Forensic jobs in California?

The most popular types of Veterinary Forensic jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Veterinary Forensic jobs in California?

For Veterinary Forensic jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Veterinary Forensic job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,796 per year, or $34 per hour.

$39.38 - $48.15/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Part-Time Thursday-Sunday 8:00-8:00 Hayward/Oakland
This is not traditional outpatient therapy.
La Familia is seeking an adaptable Registered or Licensed Therapist to join a new Reentry program supporting adults experiencing behavioral health crises, transitioning from incarceration or hospitalization, and navigating other significant life changes.
This role is ideal for a clinician who believes therapy should meet people where they are. You will provide short-term, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care, including crisis stabilization, safety planning, coping support, treatment connections, and care coordination in respite, clinic, and community settings. Working alongside case managers, peer staff, reentry professionals, and community partners, you will help clients move from crisis toward stability and successful community reintegration.
Why Join This Program?
  • Help build and shape a new community-based clinical program.
  • Work with underserved adults navigating crisis, reentry, and significant life transitions.
  • Move beyond traditional office-based therapy and provide care where clients need it.
  • Develop specialized experience in crisis stabilization, reentry, harm reduction, and community behavioral health.
  • Join a collaborative, multidisciplinary team committed to whole-person care.
What You'll Do in This Role
  • Conduct clinical assessments focused on immediate needs, risk, strengths, and stabilization goals.
  • Provide crisis intervention, risk assessment, safety planning, and de-escalation support.
  • Support adults transitioning from incarceration, hospitalization, or acute behavioral health crises.
  • Help clients develop practical plans for stability, including connections to housing, employment, benefits, healthcare, behavioral health, and substance use services.
  • Facilitate warm handoffs and coordinate transitions to ongoing care and community support.
  • Collaborate with case managers, peer staff, housing providers, probation/parole partners and other community partners.
  • Engage clients using trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, harm reduction, strengths-based, and culturally responsive approaches.

What We're Looking For
  • Graduate degree in social work, psychology, counseling, marriage and family therapy, or a related field.
  • Current California registration or licensure as an AMFT, ASW, APCC, LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, or Licensed Psychologist.
  • Experience providing behavioral health services in a community-based, crisis, reentry, substance use, residential, respite, forensic, or other non-traditional setting is highly preferred.
  • Experience working with adults impacted by incarceration, community violence, housing instability, substance use, or other systemic barriers is preferred.
  • Bilingual Spanish/English strongly preferred.
Benefits & Support
  • Free Employee Assistance Plan supporting you and your family's well-being and finances.
  • 403(b) retirement plan.
  • Pet benefits, including veterinary discounts, prescription discounts, 24/7 pet telehealth, and lost-pet recovery services.
  • Work-life wellbeing and excellent work hours.
  • Flexible scheduling options, including hybrid work arrangements where appropriate to the role.
  • Reimbursement for eligible license and certification renewals.
  • Supportive, collaborative work environment.
  • Structured mentorship, ongoing training, and opportunities for professional growth and development.