ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Rescue Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

OPAL FOODS COOPERATIVE INC

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 ...

Opal Foods LLC

ANIMAL CARETAKER

Litchfield, MN · On-site

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Minnesota

Animal Rescue information

See Minnesota salary details

$9

$20

$27

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 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 CARETAKER

OPAL FOODS COOPERATIVE INC

Litchfield, MN • On-site

$20 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

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 live birds and ensuring barns are properly maintained to ensure optimal egg production while maintaining compliance with all company policies and governmental regulations. This position will also assist the Production Farm Lead with other projects and duties as needed.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Maintain barn sanitation by sweeping floors and using a backpack unit to blow dust from assigned areas.
  • Walk the barns numerous times during the workday to check on bird health and remove dead birds.
  • Ensure feed and water distribution systems are working properly and that hens have adequate food, water and air ventilation.
  • Will adjust vents and curtains as required.
  • Perform minor maintenance as needed. Maintenance technicians will perform more complex tasks.
  • Assist other House Hands as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned by Lead person or Manager.

Requirements: (knowledge, experience, skills, education)

  • Must be able to walk for very long periods of time
  • Must be able to bend, stoop, reach, kneel, and lift up to 5 lb. hens
  • Must be comfortable in bird houses, surrounded by live birds on all sides
  • Must be available to work weekends and holidays as scheduled

About Opal Foods: Opal Foods was formed in 2014 and is a partnership between Rose Acre Farms and Weaver Brothers. Our foundation is our commitment to our team, the quality of our product, our customers' satisfaction, and the welfare of our animals. Opal Foods provides high-quality, nutritious, affordable eggs to its customers through their farms based in Missouri, Colorado, and Iowa with its headquarters in Neosho, MO. For information on Opal Foods, please visit our website at www.opal-foods.com.

Benefits: Opal Foods, LLC offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes PTO, options for medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life, dependent life, and disability insurance. Opal Foods, LLC also provides a matching 401K plan.

Opal Foods is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.