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Work Animal Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Since this is typically an entry level class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience. HOURLY WAGE INFORMATION: Animal Control Officer I: Hourly: $24.30 - $32.56 Animal ...

Animal Control Officer I/II

Rialto, CA · On-site

$25.03 - $33.54/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Since this is typically an entry level class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience. HOURLY WAGE INFORMATION: Animal Control Officer I: Hourly: $24.30 - $32.56 Animal ...

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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 Control Officer I/II

City of Rialto, CA

Rialto, CA • On-site

$24.30 - $32.56/hr

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Animal Control Officer

To perform routine duties in support of the City's animal control services and operations; to provide assistance in enforcing City, County and State laws governing the care and keeping of animals in the City; to patrol assigned areas; to capture, impound, care for and euthanize animals as appropriate; and to perform a variety of duties relative to assigned areas of responsibility.

This is the entry level class in the Animal Control Officer series. This class is distinguished from the Animal Control Officer II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series. Since this is typically an entry level class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.

Hourly: $24.30 - $32.56

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Patrol City streets and roads using a City owned vehicle; search for stray dogs and domestic animals.
  2. Pick up and dispose of deceased animals in accordance with established policies and procedures.
  3. Investigate reports or complaints of nuisance, stray, uncontrolled, dangerous, wild or diseased animals within the city and take appropriate action; investigate reports of animal cruelty or neglect; investigate animal bites; arrange for animal identification and quarantine as needed.
  4. Perform general office duties; receive and direct telephone calls; provide information and explain procedures; send notices; file rabies certificates and other documents.
  5. Prepare and maintain a variety of files, records and reports; ensure all records comply with established guidelines.
  6. Receive lost and found animal reports; assist visitors in locating missing pets.
  7. Assist in enforcing City animal control laws; explain ordinance relating to keeping and caring for animals; issue citations for violations of the animal control ordinance.
  8. Coordinate the services and operations of the City's rabies vaccination clinics; maintain related records.
  9. Impound, quarantine and euthanize animals as appropriate; provide assistance in determining whether injured animals should be treated or euthanized; contact a veterinarian to treat injured animals as appropriate.
  10. Assist in preparing laboratory specimens; submit to appropriate public agencies.
  11. Operate variety of tools, equipment and devices including humane traps, mobile radios and related animal control tools and equipment.
Minimum Qualifications

Animal Control Officer I: Experience and Training Guidelines: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: One year of experience in the care and handling of animals. Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Animal Control Officer II: Experience and Training Guidelines: Minimum requirements as a condition of hire: Experience: Two years of responsible experience in animal control enforcement. Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.