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Animal Rescue Jobs in Apple Valley, MN (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

SEA LIFE

Aquarist 1

Bloomington, MN · On-site

$20/hr

Provide top-notch animal care by supporting feeding, husbandry, enrichment, and welfare programs ... Scuba diving certification - Rescue diver preferred. CPR, First Aid, and Oxygen Administration ...

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All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Apple Valley, MN

Animal Rescue information

See Apple Valley, MN salary details

$10

$21

$28

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Apple Valley, MN is $21.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $25.67 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 Apple Valley, MN? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Apple Valley, MN are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Apple Valley, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Apple Valley, MN are:
What cities near Apple Valley, MN are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Apple Valley, MN with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Apple Valley, MN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,953 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

PUPS- Temp Animal Care Assistant

City of Maple Grove, MN

Maple Grove, MN • On-site

$16.59 - $20.16/hr

Part-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Salary: $16.59 - $20.16 Hourly
Location : PUPS Kennel Facility, 11350 89th Ave N, Maple Grove 55369, MN
Job Type: Casual Part-Time
Job Number: 2026-00053
Department: Police
Opening Date: 06/17/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Job Summary
About Maple Grove, MN
Maple Grove is a forward-thinking, thriving community in the northwest suburbs of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. We are home to over 70,000 residents with a projected population of 90,000 by 2040 with 2,500 acres of undeveloped land. The City of Maple Grove is proud to employ over 250 benefit-earning employees, 500+ part-time, casual, temporary, seasonal employees, and 100 paid-on-call firefighters to staff our many departments. We provide public safety, public works, community and economic development, parks & recreation, and many other important public services to a growing community.
The Position
Looking to help animals in need? Then join the PUPS Animal Care Assistant team for The City of Maple Grove! You will be able to provide genuine care to animals that are recovered in Maple Grove and its neighboring communities, learn proper handling techniques, and further your knowledge and training working with animals. Help us reconnect families and their pets, as well as work with rescues by coordinating transfers of pets and helping them find their new forever home! We are currently seeking candidates who have a flexible schedule and could provide coverage as needed.
Pets Under Police Security (PUPS) is a division of the Maple Grove Police Department that serves the cities of Maple Grove, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, New Hope, Plymouth, and Robbinsdale. PUPS is a dedicated animal facility for lost pets, bite quarantines and safekeeping holds that are recovered or turned over to law enforcement agencies. PUPS acts as a holding center for these animals, assists owners with reclaiming their pets, and helps coordinate the transfer of unclaimed pets to rescues.
Hours:
Schedule may include any of the following shifts: weekdays from 8:00-11:00 a.m. or 2:00-6:00 p.m.; weekends and holidays from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 5:00-6:30 p.m. (This position averages 9-15 hours per week and includes both weekday and weekend hours)
**This position is open until filled**
Responsibilities
  • Provides animals with enrichment opportunities.
  • Update daily observations forms on all animals.
  • Provides food and water to all animals in the facility.
  • Documents lost and found pets when reported and correspond with the general public.
  • Answers telephone and responds to voicemail messages.
  • Release impounded animals to owners and rescue groups.
  • Cleans kennels thoroughly and ensures the facility is kept organized and clean.
  • Performs basic janitorial duties such as sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting and emptying waste receptacles and additional duties relating to the care of the PUPS facility.
Ability to:
  • Ability to perform general maintenance job duties.
  • Ability to work independently and maintain order.

Qualifications
Need to have:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
Nice to have:
  • Must have a sincere interest in animals.
  • Customer Service experience.
  • Experience with or ability to learn safe handling techniques for aggressive animals.
  • Animal care experience.
  • Excellent interpersonal and effective communication skills.
  • Experience with general maintenance and janitorial duties.

Supplemental Information
Compensation:
The 2026 salary range for this position is $16.586-$20.161 per hour. The starting rate is $16.586 per hour. Employees receive an annual performance evaluation and are eligible for a yearly step increase in accordance with the PUPS-Temp Animal Care Assistant wage scale. Annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) are applied each January.
About the position type: This position is considered to be a non-benefit earning, part-time position and is considered to be non-exempt as it relates to overtime with The City of Maple Grove under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
No benefits.
01
Are you 18 years of age or older?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Are you able to lift and carry up to 50 Ibs. on a regular basis?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Select your experience working with animal in a work setting or rescue?
  • Less than one year
  • One year to less than three years
  • Three or more years
  • No experience

04
Please describe your experience in working with animals in a work setting or rescue.
05
Select your experience level of safe handling techniques with aggressive animals.
  • Less than one year
  • One year to less than three years
  • Three or more years
  • No experience

06
If no experience, do you have the ability to learn safe handling techniques for aggressive animals?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Select the number of years of experience you have in customer service.
  • Less than one year
  • One year to less than three years
  • Three or more years
  • No experience

08
Select the shifts you are available to work:
  • Weekday 8am- 12pm
  • Weeknights 2pm- 6pm
  • Weekend Mornings
  • Weekend Evenings
  • Not available for these shifts

09
Please indicate any languages from the list below that you can speak at a conversational level or higher.
  • American Sign Language
  • Hmong
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • Vietnamese
  • None of the above

Required Question

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