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Animal Rescue Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Animal Research Surgical Technicians Description Summary: Provides care for laboratory animals before and after surgical procedures, including ongoing monitoring, data collection and providing for ...

ANIMAL CARETAKER

Litchfield, MN · On-site

$20 - $21.50/hr

Animal Caretaker - Litchfield MN Opal Foods is currently accepting applications for the position of Animal Caretaker for our location in Litchfield, MN. This position is responsible for caring for ...

Animal Caretaker - Litchfield MNOpal Foods is currently accepting applications for the position of Animal Caretaker for our location in Litchfield, MN. This position is responsible for caring for ...

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Animal Rescue information

See Minnesota salary details

$9

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$27

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 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, relevant experience with animals, and strong compassion. Volunteering at shelters or rescue organizations can provide valuable skills, and some roles may require certifications in animal care or first aid.

What degree do I need for animal rescue?

Animal rescue jobs typically do not require a specific degree, but a background in animal science, biology, or related fields can be beneficial. Relevant skills include animal handling, first aid, and knowledge of animal behavior, and certifications such as pet first aid or CPR can enhance employability.

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.

Do animal rescues pay employees?

Animal rescue organizations may pay employees, especially those in full-time or specialized roles, but many positions are volunteer-based. Salaries can vary depending on the organization, location, and job responsibilities, with some rescues offering stipends or part-time wages. Certification in animal care or related skills can improve employment prospects and pay rates.

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 such as zoo directors or animal pharmacologists may also command higher salaries, especially with extensive experience and advanced certifications.
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 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:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Minnesota as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,881 per year, or $20.6 per hour.
Animal Services Officer II

Animal Services Officer II

City of Saint Paul

Saint Paul, MN

$61K - $85K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


City Of Saint Paul rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

195th of 660 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

About the Position The City of Saint Paul Animal Services Center (SPAS) is hiring an Animal Services Officer to join our team. As an Animal Services Officer II, you will work with a collaborative team of employees who care for over 2,000 dogs, cats, critters, and wild animals each year. Here's what you can expect to do: Perform intermediate level work with Saint Paul Animal Services Center (SPAS) enforcing animal and pest control ordinances.

Investigate complaints and make patrols and inspections to determine compliance with Saint Paul legislative codes dealing with animals. Issue citations, order of corrective actions and/or progressive enforcement actions for non-compliance. Complete inspections: prepare routine documents and forms, and provide standard reports related to inspections, routine to complex investigations, compliance, and research.

Responsible for the implementation and enforcement of animal related state statutes and city ordinances. Assist other staff with recurring duties at the SPAS. For more information and essential functions, see our job description.

Information Specific to this Position: The Saint Paul Animal Services Center (SPAS) is located in the heart of beautiful Como Park at 1285 Jessamine Ave. W., Saint Paul, MN, but will be moving to a new animal shelter located at 1115 Beulah Ln in Summer of 2026. Our Benefits: We offer competitive wages, and a variety of excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions and paid vacation and sick time

Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: The City of Saint Paul is dedicated to dismantling systemic racial, cultural, and economic barriers that prevent people from fully enjoying and participating in our community and ensuring fairness in opportunities and outcomes for all individuals. At the City of Saint Paul, we want our workforce to reflect the diverse city that we serve. Our leaders are guided by an unapologetic equity agenda, which promotes the belief that true equity is building a city that works for all of us.

We encourage you to apply as we are most interested in finding the best candidate for this job. Position Requirements May be met by one of the following: Three years of experience working as an animal control officer or similar experience performing: animal care or handling, conducting investigations or animal assessments, and enforcing rules and regulations in an animal shelter, zoo, veterinary clinic, or other animal setting. OR Two years of experience working as an animal control officer or similar experience performing: animal care or handling, conducting investigations or animal assessments, and enforcing rules and regulations in an animal shelter, zoo, veterinary clinic, or other animal setting; AND one year of education in veterinary technology, animal science, biology, criminal justice, or similar field.

Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License or equivalent out of state driver's license. Must possess or obtain an advanced Animal Control/Animal Services Officer Certification within one year of hire. Must obtain and maintain authorization from the SPAC veterinarian of record to euthanize animals within six months of appointment.

How to Apply Submit a City of Saint Paul online application by the closing date. Upload or submit the following required document via the online application system. (Zip files and web links will not be accepted.

Each uploaded attachment is limited to 10MB.) A resume First time applying online. Read our How to Apply Online Guide. Need technical support

For help with the online application, please call 1-855-524-5627. Learn more about our Hiring Process Assessment: Qualifications Rating The Qualifications Rating is an assessment of your completed application and answers to the Supplemental Questionnaire. Be as specific and detailed as possible in completing your application and questionnaire.

You must submit your completed application and supplemental questionnaire by the application deadline. GENERAL INFORMATION: Eligible Lists Created from Open Job Posting: You must receive a score of 75% or higher to pass the assessment and be considered for the position. Non-promotion eligible lists typically are pass/fail and promotion eligible lists are typically ranked.

If the open eligible list created contains a veteran, one open list will exist. When there are no veterans remaining on the eligible list (i.e. hired, withdrawn) from an open list that also contains promotional candidates, two lists will be created: one open list and one promotion list

If two lists exist, the promotion list must be exhausted before the open list is considered. Final Selection Process: Those who pass will be placed on an eligible list for approximately six months and all will be notified of their status. A Hiring Manager will consider those applicants eligible for hire.

You will be notified if you are invited to participate in the final selection process which may include an interview, job simulation, work sample submission, or other evaluation method. Pre-Employment Screening: This position requires a medical examination, driver's license check, credit check, drug test, and a background check which may include criminal history, and employment history as a condition of employment. Candidates will be required to submit proof of education to Human Resources upon conditional job offer, if qualifying based on education.

Human Resources Contact Information: Danni Smith at 651-266-6566 Email: danni.smith@stpaul.gov The City of Saint Paul encourages individuals to apply for positions regardless of criminal history. Veteran's Preference: If you are a veteran and would like to receive Veteran's preference in accordance with MN Statute 197.455, you must submit a photocopy of your DD214 preferably at time of application. Click here for more information

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Saint Paul is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.


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