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Animal Rescue Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Ruff Start Rescue

Intake Support Specialist

Princeton, MN · On-site

$38K - $44K/yr

The Intake Support Specialist manages key animal intake and community service functions for Ruff Start Rescue, ensuring efficient, compassionate, and mission-driven intake operations. This role ...

Ruff Start Rescue

Intake Support Specialist

Princeton, MN · On-site

$38K - $44K/yr

The Intake Support Specialist manages key animal intake and community service functions for Ruff Start Rescue, ensuring efficient, compassionate, and mission-driven intake operations. This role ...

Ruff Start Rescue

Senior Development Officer

Princeton, MN · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Ruff Start Rescue is a foster-based animal welfare organization dedicated to saving the lives of companion animals in need. As we prepare for a future capital campaign and long-term sustainability ...

Ruff Start Rescue

Senior Development Officer

Princeton, MN · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Ruff Start Rescue is a foster-based animal welfare organization dedicated to saving the lives of companion animals in need. As we prepare for a future capital campaign and long-term sustainability ...

Top Dog Country Club

Animal Care Manager

New Germany, MN · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Now, we're hiring a full-time Animal Care Manager to help make every day great! You'll guide your ... help rescue older dogs whose owners can't care for them anymore. Our workplace is friendly ...

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Animal Rescue information

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How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Minnesota is $20.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $24.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become an animal rescue worker?

To become an animal rescue worker, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant experience volunteering or working with animals. Many organizations prefer candidates with knowledge of animal behavior, basic veterinary skills, and certifications such as pet first aid or animal handling courses.

Can you make a living running an animal rescue?

Animal rescue work is often volunteer-based or low-paid, with many rescuers relying on donations, grants, and personal funds. While some organizations offer salaries or stipends, making a full-time living typically requires additional income sources or running a larger, well-funded operation. Skills in fundraising, grant writing, and management can improve financial stability in this field.

What is animal rescue?

Animal rescue refers to the process of saving animals from dangerous, abusive, or neglectful situations and providing them with shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation. Animal rescue organizations work to protect stray, abandoned, or mistreated animals, often finding them foster or permanent homes. The main goal is to ensure the well-being and safety of animals, promoting responsible pet ownership and preventing cruelty. Rescued animals may include pets like dogs and cats, as well as wildlife in distress. Volunteers and professionals collaborate to give these animals a second chance at life.

What are some common challenges faced by animal rescue professionals, and how can they effectively address them?

Animal rescue professionals often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as witnessing animal neglect or working with traumatized animals. They may also face physical demands, unpredictable schedules, and the need to make quick decisions in high-stress environments. Building emotional resilience, practicing self-care, and collaborating closely with veterinary staff, volunteers, and local authorities can help manage these challenges. Additionally, ongoing training and open communication within the team are essential for maintaining a supportive work environment and ensuring the best outcomes for rescued animals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Rescue Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Rescue Worker, you need knowledge of animal handling, first aid, and welfare, often supported by relevant certifications or experience with animals. Familiarity with animal control software, rescue equipment, and sometimes animal transport vehicles is typically required. Compassion, resilience, and strong communication skills are vital for building trust with animals and collaborating with the public and rescue organizations. These skills ensure the safety, effective care, and successful rehoming of animals in challenging and often urgent situations.

What is the difference between Animal Rescue vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectAnimal RescueAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal handling or rescue techniquesHigh school diploma; training in animal care and shelter operations
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor rescues, emergency situationsIndoor shelter facilities, animal care areas
Employer & Industry UsageRescue organizations, non-profits, government agenciesShelters, humane societies, animal control agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Animal Rescue involves actively seeking out and rescuing animals in distress, often in outdoor or emergency settings. Animal Shelter Workers primarily care for animals within shelter facilities, focusing on daily care and adoption processes. Both roles require animal handling skills and work within animal welfare organizations, but their work environments and specific duties differ significantly.

What is the highest paid job working with animals?

The highest paid jobs working with animals typically include veterinary surgeons and specialized animal researchers, with veterinarians earning a median annual salary of around $100,000 or more. Advanced roles often require a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and specialized certifications, and they involve working in clinics, research facilities, or zoos.

Is rescuing animals a career?

Animal rescue can be a career involving roles such as animal shelter workers, rescue technicians, or wildlife rehabilitators. These positions often require knowledge of animal care, relevant certifications, and physical ability to handle animals in various environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Minnesota? For Animal Rescue jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,881 per year, or $20.6 per hour.
Grants & Development Coordinator

Grants & Development Coordinator

Ruff Start Rescue

Princeton, MN • On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Ruff Start Rescue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit foster-based companion animal rescue based in Princeton, Minnesota, that serves the entire state. RSR rescues thousands of animals annually, including dogs, cats, and critters.
Description: The Grants & Development will support and contribute to the development team by managing Ruff Start Rescue's donor database, overseeing the donation process, and ensuring timely gift processing and donor acknowledgment. This role will also play a key part in donor cultivation, stewardship, and in-kind donation coordination. Additionally, you will be responsible for all aspects of grant management, including, but not limited to grant writing, prospect research, reporting, grant fulfillment, and interdepartmental communication and collaboration. You will also manage development volunteers. Working closely with both the development and accounting teams, the Grants & Development Coordinator will represent Ruff Start Rescue with professionalism, organization, and a warm, donor-focused approach.
Availability: Full-time, exempt position. Typical schedule is approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility to work additional hours as needed to meet business and organizational needs. Three days per week will be remote (work-from-home), and two days will be in the Princeton office. Fully remote work is not an option for this position.
Lead and Supervise:
  • Volunteer Donation Recorders
  • Volunteer Animal Supply Gift Coordinators
  • Grant Volunteer

Essential Job Functions:
Gift Processing and Data Management & Administrative Support
  • Actively maintain the Development Team's DMS (Donor Management System), updating pertinent information as it relates to donor actions, proposals, appeals, reports, gifts, planned giving, and relevant contact information.
  • Responsible for all gift processing in our DMS, along with designating donations for the accounting manager.
  • Ensure data integrity through accurate data entry and ongoing clean-up efforts
  • Manage the timely acknowledgment of gifts and ensure that all types of donations (cash, pledges, matching gifts, grants, special events, in-kind donations, planned gifts, etc.) are properly documented and in accordance with IRS requirements.
  • Provide administrative support to the Director of Development,
  • Assist with the writing and editing of appeals, acknowledgments, donor news, reports, and proposals
  • Prepare accurate research and reports on prospects and assemble materials for cultivation and solicitation visits for the Development Director, Development Officer, and Executive Director.
  • Collaborate with Accounting Manager.
  • Oversee the development of membership subscriptions and renewals -Examples: CFC, Guidestar, Charity Navigator
  • Other duties as assigned

Grant Administration
  • Provide prospect research for potential grant opportunities for programs, services, operations, and other needs within the organization
  • Maintain a list of timelines/deadlines and tasks associated with grants at all stages
  • Submit a minimum of 40 grants per fiscal year
  • Uphold relationships with foundation representatives and grantors as appropriate
  • Oversee post-award grant management, reporting, and communication with funders.
  • Collaborate with internal departments to ensure proper utilization of restricted funds in accordance with grant guidelines. Provide regular reminders and accountability to staff, track fund usage, and ensure timely and accurate reporting to funders.
  • Provide feedback and guidance to members of leadership pertaining to grant opportunities and secured funds to ensure compliance with funder guidelines and project parameters.
  • Provide monthly progress updates and reporting to the board, leadership and finance commitee on grant submissions, pipelines, and secured funds.

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship
  • Respond to internal and external constituents and project a professional image for Ruff Start through customer interaction and maintain a high degree of confidentiality as they work with donors, volunteers, staff, and the public.
  • Communicate with donors in person, on the phone, and by email.

Volunteer Oversight
  • Train and oversee volunteer Animal Supply Gift Coordinators to handle all incoming in-kind donation requests.
  • Train and oversee Development Volunteers
  • Maintain regular communication with volunteers; fill in whenever volunteer vacancies exist.
  • Update Donation Procedures and other donation training materials as needed
  • Ensure processes are efficient and effective; make recommendations and changes as needed

Required qualifications:
  • A passion for animals and Ruff Start Rescue's mission.
  • Minimum of two years of experience with data entry and data management in a CRM
  • Minimum of 2 years experience with grant research, proposal writing, and managing grant timelines and reporting, preferably with a focus on animal welfare.
  • Minimum 2 years proven ability to meet grant submission deadlines and quotas annually and manage post-award requirements in a timely manner.
  • Proficiency in advanced computing functions such as downloads and merge/purge operations from the database, querying, and data analysis to generate ad hoc reports to meet specifications and create complex presentations, including advanced formatting.
  • Significant attention to detail and superior organizational skills
  • Excellent interpersonal and public relations skills, professional phone skills, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write and edit donor communications, grant reports, and other development materials.
  • Ability to self-start, prioritize, and multi-task, along with the ability to work quickly and efficiently.
  • Ability to quickly adapt to new equipment and technology, trends and organizational needs
  • Ability to work alongside and collaborate with all departments within the organization: Board of Directors, Finance Committee, Leadership, Staff and Volunteers.
  • Have access to reliable smartphone and computer with Zoom, phone call and email capabilities to host trainings/meetings, complete job duties and communicate with staff and funders.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in business, non-profit administration, finance, or a related field
  • Animal welfare experience in development, grants and programs
  • Strong communication, both written and verbal, and interpersonal skills to build relationships with funders, particularly those with an interest in animal welfare.
  • Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness in managing grant details, timelines, and data, ensuring compliance with all requirements.
  • Experience with budget preparation and financial reporting for grants, ensuring funds are used effectively and in compliance with grant requirements.

Physical Demands
The physical requirements listed here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Position involves sitting for extended periods of time while working at a computer terminal. Employee must be able to communicate effectively in a typical office environment with a standard level of office noise. Occasional standing, bending, walking and lifting (30 lbs) is also required.

Personal Characteristics:
  • Positive Approach and Resilience
  • Proactive and Driven
  • Independent, Goal-Oriented Work Style
  • Integrity and Discretion
  • Dependable and Mission-Aligned

Reports To
Director of Development
Compensation:$40,000- $55,000 Annually, Exempt, Salary Position
PTO
    • First-year 10 days, prorated from 90 days
    • Years 1 and 2 15 days (3 Weeks)
    • Year 3 and 4 20 Days (4 Weeks)
    • Year 5 and 6 25 Days (5 Weeks)
    • Year 7 + 30 Days (6 Weeks)
    • When an employee rolls over to a new year bracket, we would prorate from their anniversary day.
      • Ruff Start Rescue recognizes seven paid holidays each year. Should a holiday fall on a weekend, the holiday will be observed on the workday closest to the holiday.
  • Employee Discount
  • Professional Development courses covers up to $200 annually.
  • Paid parental leave

Apply