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Work Animal Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Animal Caretaker

Ontario, CA ยท On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ability to work collaboratively with the public and ARC team members. The following procedures ... Animal Resource of the Inland Empire Agency On July 16, 2024, the Animal Resource Center of the ...

Skilled in conflict resolution and handling sensitive situations The ability to work ... The Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire serves the right, if necessary, to accept only the ...

Animal Keeper I

San Bernardino, CA ยท On-site

$19.41 - $28.18/hr

Must be able to work in the mountain area of Big Bear, CA and report to work in extreme weather ... Animal sanctuary. Veterinary hospital or clinic. Animal shelter or rescue organization. Stable ...

Animal Services Officer

Ontario, CA ยท On-site

$66K - $82K/yr

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, The ability to work collaboratively with the ... The Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire serves the right, if necessary, to accept only the ...

Animal Services Officer

Ontario, CA ยท On-site

$66K - $82K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire Opening Date: 07/20/2026 Closing Date: Continuous FLSA ... The ability to work collaboratively with the public and ARC team members. * Leadership, initiative ...

Animal Care Specialist

Orange, CA ยท On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Animal Care Supervisor

Moreno Valley, CA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the ...

Animal Care Specialist

Chino, CA

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Animal Care Specialist

Chino, CA ยท On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Animal Care Supervisor

Moreno Valley, CA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the ...

Animal Care Specialist

Riverside, CA ยท On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Animal Care Specialist

Riverside, CA

$16 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Animal Care Specialist

Riverside, CA ยท On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Animal Care Specialist

Riverside, CA ยท On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Animal Care Specialist

Orange, CA ยท On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

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Work Animal information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$10

$21

$29

How much do work animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for work animal in Riverside, CA is $21.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $26.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a work animal?

Work animals, also known as draft or working animals, are animals that are trained to perform tasks for humans, such as carrying loads, plowing fields, herding livestock, or providing transportation. Common work animals include horses, donkeys, oxen, dogs, camels, and elephants. These animals have been essential in agriculture, transportation, and other industries throughout human history, especially before the advent of modern machinery. Today, work animals are still used in many parts of the world, particularly in rural or developing areas.

What are some of the key challenges faced by work animal caretakers, and how can they be addressed to ensure animal welfare and productivity?

Caretakers of work animals often encounter challenges such as preventing overwork, managing injuries, and providing proper nutrition and rest. Balancing workload with the animal's physical capabilities is critical to maintaining health and productivity. Effective communication with veterinarians and regular health assessments help in early detection of issues, while ongoing training ensures animals are handled safely and humanely. Building strong relationships with the animals and understanding their behavior also contributes to a safer and more productive work environment.

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

To thrive as a Work Animal, essential traits include physical strength, stamina, trainability, and a temperament suited to working closely with humans, with selection often based on breed and health. Training typically involves learning to use harnesses, respond to commands, and operate within specific environments or alongside machinery. Patience, reliability, and responsiveness are crucial soft attributes that make a work animal excel in tasks such as farming, transport, or service work. These qualities ensure safety, efficiency, and harmonious collaboration between animals and their handlers in demanding work settings.

What is the difference between Work Animal vs Service Animal?

AspectWork AnimalService Animal
Credentials/CertificationsTypically no formal certification, but may require trainingMust be trained and certified according to ADA standards
Work EnvironmentRural, agricultural, or specialized settingsPublic spaces, indoor and outdoor environments
Employer/Industry UsageUsed in farming, transportation, or entertainment industriesAssists individuals with disabilities in daily activities
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles of working animalsAssistance for disabled individuals

Work animals are trained to perform tasks in agricultural or specialized settings, often without formal certification. Service animals are specifically trained to assist individuals with disabilities and must meet strict certification standards. While work animals are used in industries like farming, service animals are permitted in public spaces to aid their handlers. Both play vital roles but serve different purposes and environments.

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Work Animal jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Work Animal job openings:

Infographic showing various Work Animal job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,677 per year, or $22 per hour.

Animal Care Specialist

Animal Friends of the Valleys

Wildomar, CA โ€ข On-site

$17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Who we are:
Animal Friends of the Valleys (AFV) is the leading animal shelter for the cities of Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Canyon Lake and Wildomar, and small parts of Riverside County. We provide top-quality animal welfare and animal control services for our client cities. If you are looking for a way to make a difference and not just a job, AFV is exactly what youโ€™re looking for!
Who weโ€™re looking for:
Animal Care Specialist
What you will be doing:
  • Lots of interaction with dogs, cats, some bunnies and the occasional exotic pet
  • Responsibility for ensuring that all our animal residents are well cared for, properly fed, have exercise time and are in a safe, clean environment
  • Training in proper cleaning and sanitation methods, and daily cleaning of kennels and facility areas to maintain safe, clean environments
  • Improve your customer service skills by answering client questions and assisting them as they seek to find the perfect pet to bring them to their forever home
What youโ€™ll need:
  • Some animal handling and care experience preferred; particularly with dogs and cats.
  • Ability to clean, lift, bend, walk and handle animals, supplies and equipment
What can we offer you?
  • $17.00 per hour
  • Full-time.
  • Be part of an amazing team that loves and cares for the animals that need them.
  • Opportunities for additional training
  • Uniform Allowance (Scrubs)
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, insurance benefits available.
  • Colonial Insurance
  • 403B Retirement Savings (Think 401K for non-profits.)
  • Extensive Employee Discount Program to help you save money on a wide variety of products and services.
  • Employee Assistance Program to help you through lifeโ€™s challenges, including counseling and coaching services; assistance with legal, financial and career questions; and so much more!