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Animal Care Associate Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

PetSuites

Boarding & Dog Daycare Supervisor

Blaine, MN

$14 - $15.50/hr

Pet Pro Lead (Animal Care Supervisor) Full-Time | Animal Care Leadership Role Are you an ... Who We Are NVA Pet Resorts is part of National Veterinary Associates (NVA) - the largest private ...

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Animal Care Associate information

What is an animal care associate?

Animal Care Associates are professionals responsible for the daily care and well-being of animals in various settings, such as animal shelters, veterinary clinics, zoos, or research facilities. Their duties typically include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring health and behavior, and assisting with basic medical care under supervision. They play a crucial role in ensuring that animals are comfortable, healthy, and safe. Good communication, attention to detail, and a genuine concern for animals are essential qualities for this role.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an animal care associate?

To thrive as an Animal Care Associate, you need a fundamental understanding of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and safe handling techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal management software, cleaning and feeding equipment, and sometimes certifications in animal first aid are typically required. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help foster positive animal interactions and effective teamwork. These competencies ensure the health, safety, and well-being of animals while maintaining smooth daily operations.

What challenges do animal care associates face, and how can they prepare for them?

Animal Care Associates often encounter challenges such as handling animals with varying temperaments, managing physically demanding tasks, and adhering to strict hygiene protocols. To prepare, it's beneficial to build strong observation skills, develop patience, and be comfortable working in fast-paced environments. Learning proper animal restraint techniques and maintaining clear communication with veterinarians and other team members can also make daily responsibilities more manageable and rewarding.

What is the difference between Animal Care Associate vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAnimal Care AssociateVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in veterinary technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, pet stores, kennelsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal care facilities, shelters, pet storesVeterinary practices, animal hospitals
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Animal Care Associates typically perform basic animal handling, feeding, and cleaning duties in shelters or pet stores, often with minimal formal education. Veterinary Technicians have more advanced responsibilities, including assisting veterinarians with medical procedures, requiring specialized training and certification. Both roles involve working closely with animals, but Veterinary Technicians usually work in clinical settings with more technical tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Care jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Animal Care jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Care Associate jobs in Minnesota?

For Animal Care Associate jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Care Associate jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Care Associate jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Animal Care Associate jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Animal Care Associate job openings:

Animal Care Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Care Associate job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Animal Care Technician

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

Element Research Group Inc
See more jobs at Element Research Group Incexternal

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Description:

Animal Care Technician– Element Research Group

Element Research Group (ERG) is a contract research organization (CRO) based in the Twin Cities medical device hub, specializing in pre-clinical studies. The Animal Care Technician is responsible for supporting the daily care, welfare, and well-being of laboratory animals in a research setting. This role plays a key part in ensuring high standards of husbandry and facility cleanliness while contributing to the successful execution of in-life studies. The technician works closely with veterinary and research teams to maintain compliance with study protocols and clinical observation requirements, helping ensure that all activities are carried out in accordance with institutional SOPs and regulatory guidelines. This role is required onsite in Brooklyn Park, MN 5 days per week with a team rotation schedule covering weekends and holidays.


Education

· Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in an animal related field is desirable in order to allow for advancement opportunities.

· Laboratory Animal Technician certification (ALAT, LAT, or LATG) preferred.


Experience and Skill / Knowledge

· 1-2+ years of experience in an animal husbandry/animal care setting (research, veterinary clinic, agriculture, zoo) preferred.

· Knowledge of research animal behavior, and general animal care required.

· Excellent communication skills and a history of working in a multidisciplinary team.

· Basic understanding of research principles of laboratory animal science.

· Experience in GLP environment preferred.

· Strong attention to detail and good documentation practices are required.

· Basic computer skills, with experience using Microsoft Outlook preferred


Element Research Group offers a full suite of Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, compeitive PTO, 401k matching as well as a warm culture and team to be a part of.


Salary range: Competitive within MN Twin Cities market

Requirements:

• Accurately document clinical observations and environmental data.

• Assist in basic in-life procedures by restraining or handling animals as needed.

• Administer routine in-life treatments or medications under supervision.

• Participate in inter-room animal transfers and help coordinate housing logistics.

• May require occasional weekend, holiday, or after-hours work depending on facility needs.

Physical Requirements of the Job

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds independently (e.g., bags of feed, equipment, animals)

• Frequently standing, walking, bending and kneeling throughout the day.

• Ability to push, pull, or maneuver carts with supplies or equipment.

• Capacity to handle and restrain animals of various species and sizes safely.

• Good manual dexterity for tasks such as cage maintenance, administering treatments, or using

tools.

• Visual and auditory acuity to observe animals for signs of illness or distress.

• Comfortable working in hot, humid, or cold environments depending on room and housing

conditions.

• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gowns, gloves, face shields,

or respirators.