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Animal Rescue Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Actalent

R&D Animal Behavior Technician

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

R&D Animal Technician Long-Term Opportunity | Offers Benefits | Excellent Room for Growth Description Summary: Provides care for laboratory animals before and after surgical procedures, including ...

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All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Minnesota

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.
Animal Care Manager

Animal Care Manager

Top Dog Country Club

New Germany, MN

$45K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Top Dog Country Club is a top vacation destination for dogs in New Germany, Minnesota, just 20 minutes west of Lake Minnetonka. Here, dogs get to enjoy 5 to 6 hours of group play and fun activities every day with our caring staff, who help them learn good social skills. Now, we're hiring a full-time Animal Care Manager to help make every day great! You'll guide your team in caring for the dogs and making sure they have an amazing time while staying with us. When you join us, you'll enjoy:

  • Competitive salary of $45,000 - $60,000/year, based on experience and skills (combining the base rate plus tips)
  • Profit sharing
  • Medical insurance
  • Pet insurance
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • 401(k) with a match
  • Daycare and boarding benefits
  • Ability to receive tips - average $5/$6 per hour

We also give 10% of our profits to the Top Dog Foundation to help rescue older dogs whose owners can't care for them anymore. Our workplace is friendly, supportive, and fun. We value everyone's love for animals, encourage learning, and make sure each employee feels important. Sound like the kind of team you want to be a part of? Consider applying today!


ABOUT THIS MANAGEMENT POSITION

Our Animal Care Manager is responsible for:

  • Guiding staff during the day-to-day operations and delegating tasks to support efficiency and productivity
  • Working with the owner, general manager, and other care managers to ensure workdays go off without a hitch
  • Communicating with the care team and directing them in playing with the dogs and caring for them
  • Stepping in as needed to help care for the dogs
  • Training staff and helping them grow
  • Maintaining our reservation management system, scheduling appointments, and providing excellent customer service
  • Managing daily payments and financial reporting
  • Additional duties as assigned to support the pets' well-being and protect our excellent reputation

Here's what you need to become our Animal Care Manager:

  • 18+ years old
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Passion for working with dogs, keeping them safe, and supporting their welfare
  • Working knowledge of dog behavior, health conditions, and body language
  • Positive, team-oriented, and customer service-driven attitude
  • Energetic, enthusiastic, and trustworthy personality
  • Leadership and delegation skills
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to listen to others, motivate your team, and follow through on tasks
  • Close attention to detail with the ability to work independently
  • Problem-solving skills and motivation to get things done
  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions

Computer, Photoshop, and social media skills are highly desired!


TAKE THE LEAP AND JOIN US!

Ready to become the newest member of our lovely pet care team? Fill out our initial application to get started!

Apply