Have you ever wondered what careers are at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (SCCAS)? Whether it’s caring for pets, rescuing wildlife and lost animals, or teaching families how to be responsible pet owners, there are a plethora of rewarding opportunities in animal welfare.
Working at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter demonstrates the many different ways that people use their talents and skills to be involved. From the clinic team to animal care and control officers to client services and shelter management, there are many moving daily parts at SCCAS to ensure the animals and the community are supported.
Early in our lives, becoming a Veterinarian was something most of us had been interested in. Veterinarians, often called vets, are doctors who care for animals. Veterinarians can care for many types of creatures, including domestic (cats & dogs, pocket pets), exotics (reptiles & amphibians) plus aquarium and zoo animals. There are specialties in veterinary medicine; for example, there are vets who specialize in animal ophthalmology, dermatology, and radiology. It is like for almost every human medical profession, there is an animal equivalent! Becoming a veterinarian requires many years of education, including college and veterinary school, and it allows people to make a big difference in the health and well-being of animals. The University of California, Davis (UC Davis, UCD) is one of the prominent veterinary schools in the state.
Working alongside veterinarians are Registered Veterinary Technicians, often referred to as Vet Techs or RVTs. Vet techs are like nurses in a human hospital. They help prepare animals for exams and surgery, conduct health checks, monitor anesthesia, perform laboratory tests, and comfort both animals and their owners.
Vet techs can work in animal hospitals, emergency clinics, specialty practices, shelters, and wildlife rehabilitation centers. In the Bay Area as of 2026, Foothill Community College and Carrington College offer RVT programs.
Another important career is Animal Control, also referred to as Animal Services. Animal Control Officers help keep both people and animals safe in their communities. They respond to reports of lost, stray, injured, or neglected animals, investigate concerns about animal cruelty, and enforce local animal laws. Animal Control Officers also educate the public about responsible pet ownership, licensing, vaccinations, and safety around animals. Their work often requires compassion, good communication skills, problem-solving, and the ability to stay calm during emergencies.
Other positions seen at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter are Client Services, Animal Care Specialists, and Shelter Management. Client services are the first line of contact for a majority of animals and people. For example, they assist with intakes, adoption processes, and help reunite pets with their owners.
After intake from client services, the Animal Care team ensures that animals have clean living spaces and well-fed bellies; they also monitor pet health and provide additional enrichment. Shelter management consists of coordinators, supervisors, and managers working together to support their individual department staff, volunteers, and of course, the animals.
So How Do People Get Experience Working With Animals?
Internships and volunteering are two of the best ways to gain experience while making a positive impact. It is also important to recognize and acknowledge that unpaid internships and volunteering might not be feasible due to other priorities. Depending on age requirements and time, people may help socialize animals, become foster parents, prepare enrichment, assist with adoptions, and support community education programs. Internships and volunteering teaches responsibility, teamwork, communication, and compassion while allowing people to explore different career interests.
Something to consider is what you would like to learn from the experience. For example, if you are interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, it may be wise to gather your own research and questions first and then ask to talk to the clinic staff (if they are available) about their professional paths.
Or if you volunteer for public spay and neuter events or community pet clinics, you might wonder what techniques and skills are useful to develop. At SCCAS, interested volunteers can start as young as 12 years old, as long as they have an adult over the age of 18 with them.
It is crucial to remember that it is not a one-size-fits-all field. Outside of the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, there are careers that combine animal welfare with law, environment, art, journalism, and science. Animal welfare is about more than caring for animals. It is about strengthening the bond between people and animals while creating safe and compassionate communities. With curiosity and dedication, anyone can begin taking steps toward a rewarding future helping animals.
Pet Of The Month Tomas
Tomas is a 6-year-old black and white Border Collie with plenty of energy and enthusiasm for life! Don’t let his age fool you—this handsome guy still loves to play like a puppy. At the shelter, you’ll often find him chasing a soccer ball, digging in the sandbox, or happily playing fetch in the yard. Tomas is a friendly, social dog who enjoys spending time with both people and other dogs. Because of his active nature, thoughtful introductions to resident dogs are recommended. He’ll thrive in a home that can provide lots of exercise, enrichment, and quality time with his family. We recommend that Tomas live primarily indoors, with plenty of outdoor adventures and playtime. If you’re looking for a fun-loving companion to share your days, come meet Tomas today!
