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Working With Animals Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Assistant

Redlands, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

... working with animals and is able to deal with them even when they are stressed, ill or in pain. • Experience required (1 year minimum) • Ability to meet the physical demands of the job. Work ...

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Experience with handling and restraining animals. * Excellent client communication skills. * Basic knowledge of medical terminology and disease. * Basic understanding of veterinary anatomy. * Basic ...

Work safely and effectively with research animals and related biological materials when applicable ... Working knowledge of roads, traffic laws, DOT regulations, and safe transportation practices.

Work safely and effectively with research animals and related biological materials when applicable ... Working knowledge of roads, traffic laws, DOT regulations, and safe transportation practices.

Work safely and effectively with research animals and related biological materials when applicable ... Working knowledge of roads, traffic laws, DOT regulations, and safe transportation practices.

Showing results 21-40

Working With Animals information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$12

$22

$33

How much do working with animals jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for working with animals in Riverside, CA is $22.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.56 and $25.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does working with animals involve?

Working with animals can include a variety of roles such as veterinary care, animal training, animal shelter work, wildlife conservation, and research. Professionals in this field may care for animals' health, train them for specific tasks, or work to conserve endangered species. The work environment can range from clinics and zoos to laboratories and the wild. Responsibilities often include feeding, cleaning, monitoring behavior, and sometimes educating the public about animal welfare. The job can be physically demanding but is often rewarding for animal lovers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a career working with animals?

To thrive in a career working with animals, you generally need knowledge of animal behavior, basic animal care, and, for some roles, certifications or degrees in animal science or veterinary technology. Familiarity with animal handling equipment, record-keeping systems, and sometimes first aid or animal CPR certification is typical. Compassion, patience, and strong observational skills are crucial soft skills for ensuring animal welfare and effective communication with team members or pet owners. These skills and qualities are vital for promoting animal health, safety, and positive human-animal interactions in various professional settings.

What are some common challenges faced when working with animals in a professional setting?

Professionals working with animals often encounter challenges such as unpredictable animal behavior, physically demanding tasks, and emotional stress from caring for sick or injured animals. Adapting quickly to each animal's unique temperament and needs is essential, as is following strict safety and hygiene protocols. Teamwork is also crucial, as animal care roles frequently require close collaboration with veterinarians, trainers, and other specialists to ensure the well-being of the animals.

What is the difference between Working With Animals vs Animal Care Technician?

AspectWorking With AnimalsAnimal Care Technician
Required CredentialsVaries; often no formal certification neededCertification or training often preferred or required
Work EnvironmentZoos, shelters, farms, pet storesVeterinary clinics, animal shelters, research labs
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal welfare organizations, pet industry, farmsVeterinary hospitals, research facilities, shelters
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles involving animalsDetails about animal care responsibilities and qualifications

Working With Animals is a broad term covering various roles involving animal interaction, while Animal Care Technicians focus specifically on providing medical and daily care in veterinary or shelter settings. Both roles require a passion for animals, but Animal Care Technicians often need specific training or certification. The choice depends on your desired work environment and career goals.

How do I start to work with animals?

To start working with animals, gain relevant experience through volunteering at shelters, farms, or veterinary clinics. Obtain necessary certifications such as animal first aid or pet CPR, and develop skills in handling and caring for different species. Entry-level positions often require a high school diploma and a genuine interest in animal welfare.

What are good careers that work with animals?

Careers that work with animals include veterinarian, zookeeper, animal trainer, wildlife rehabilitator, pet groomer, and veterinary technician. These roles often require specific training, certifications, or degrees, and involve working in environments such as clinics, zoos, shelters, or farms.

What careers can I have with working with animals?

Careers working with animals include roles such as veterinarian, zookeeper, animal trainer, wildlife rehabilitator, pet groomer, and veterinary technician. These jobs often require specific training, certifications, or degrees, and involve working in environments like clinics, zoos, shelters, or farms.

What is the job called when you work with animals?

A job involving working with animals is typically called an animal caretaker, zookeeper, veterinarian, animal trainer, or pet groomer, depending on the specific duties. These roles often require knowledge of animal behavior, proper handling skills, and sometimes certifications or licenses. The work environment can include zoos, veterinary clinics, farms, or pet stores.

What are popular job titles related to Working With Animals jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Working With Animals jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Working With Animals jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Working With Animals jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Working With Animals jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Working With Animals job openings:

Infographic showing various Working With Animals job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,097 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

$25.49 - $34.16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Respond to requests for animal control services promptly and courteously.

  • Handle and transport domestic and wild animals, including apprehending loose animals.

  • Investigate complaints of cruelty and neglect, and document activities related to investigations.


Job description

Animal Control Officers maintain public safety by enforcing animal licensing laws and humane care regulations. Patrol public areas looking for potential signs of distressed animals and work directly with citizens concerning animal control issues. Educate the public about animal control safety.

Essential Functions:

Include but are not limited to:

  • Provides prompt and courteous response to requests for animal control services.
  • Handles all types of domestic and wild animals; occasional running to apprehend loose animals evading capture.
  • Educates the public regarding the importance of humane treatment for all animals.
  • Investigates complaints of cruelty and neglect; documents all activities relating to investigations.
  • Responds to emergencies and transports injured, sick, and aggressive animals.
  • Performs euthanasia when necessary.
  • Enforces rabies control through quarantine procedures.
  • Issues citations to enforce animal control and cruelty laws.
  • Maintains a daily log and monthly statistic sheet documenting his/her activities.
  • Maintains animal control vehicle and equipment.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements:

  • High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) equivalent.
  • Valid California Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain one, and an excellent driving record.
  • Must be at least eighteen years of age.
  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship or eligible to work in the U.S.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience involving the care of animals and dealing with the public.
  • Reside within 15 to 20 miles radius of Pomona, CA.
  • Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science from an accredited university or college.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish/Mandarin) preferred.
  • Experience working in an open-access shelter.

Knowledge & Abilities:

  • Knowledge of various animal breeds, including, but not limited to, dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits
  • Proper methods of safely handling and restraining a wide variety of animals
  • Symptoms of common diseases of dogs and cats
  • Strong interpersonal skills, a team player, personable, and professional.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with well-developed organizational skills to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
  • High proficiency with computers - including shelter management software.
  • Ability to work a varied schedule, including weekends and evenings, as required.
  • Excellent communication skills working with staff and the public.
  • Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel).
  • Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Physical Demands/Working Environment:

  • Work is performed in a setting within an animal shelter facility. Regular exposure to animal shelter conditions, including odors, airborne particles, and animal fur/dander.
  • Must be able to:
    • Routinely lift 50 pounds and perform strenuous daily activity, including, but not limited to, lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, cleaning, and bending.
    • Work at a computer with repetitive typing, sitting, arm, and hand motion. 
    • Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
  • Exposure to dogs, cats, and other animals of all sizes, temperaments, and medical status.
  • Regular movement about the campus to coordinate work. 

Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. Core Values:

 Pawsitive- Embracing optimism at all times with animals, ourselves, each other, and our community.  

 Innovative- Leading the change our communities need with commitment to our mission.

Collaborative- Synergy and cooperation with partners and stakeholders to improve lifesaving.

 Kindness- Meeting everyone with compassion and respect.

Supplemental Information:

Only those candidates whose applications and resumes most clearly demonstrate the job-related experience, education, and training sought by Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. shall be selected to move forward in the recruitment process. Placement in the position shall be contingent upon the successful completion of a written test with a minimum score of 80%, reference check, prior employment check, Live Scan, and pre-employment medical exam, including a drug test.

Compensation will be determined based on factors such as skills, education, and experience. In addition to those factors, IVHS complies with applicable pay equity laws and considers internal equity among current employees when developing the final offer. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the salary range for the role. Hiring at the top of the range would not be typical in order to allow for future and continued salary growth. We also offer a generous benefits package.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.