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Animal Rescue Jobs in Brainerd, MN (NOW HIRING)

Lakeland Veterinary Hospital is hiring an Associate Veterinarian toprovide comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental care to a variety of animal patients. Address: 7372 Woida Rd N Baxter, MN 56425 ...

Lakeland Veterinary Hospital is hiring an Associate Veterinarian toprovide comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental care to a variety of animal patients. Address: 7372 Woida Rd N Baxter, MN 56425 ...

Lakeland Veterinary Hospital is hiring an Associate Veterinarian toprovide comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental care to a variety of animal patients. Address: 7372 Woida Rd N Baxter, MN 56425 ...

Lakeland Veterinary Hospital is hiring an Associate Veterinarian to provide comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental care to a variety of animal patients. Address: 7372 Woida Rd N Baxter, MN 56425 ...

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Animal Rescue information

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How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Brainerd, MN is $20.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 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 Brainerd, MN? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Brainerd, MN are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Brainerd, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Brainerd, MN are:
What cities near Brainerd, MN are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Brainerd, MN with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Brainerd, MN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,838 per year, or $20.6 per hour.
Veterinarian

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Veterinary Practice Partners rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 174 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

Lakeland Veterinary Hospital is hiring an Associate Veterinarian toprovide comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental care to a variety of animal patients.
Address: 7372 Woida Rd N Baxter, MN 56425
What to Expect:
  • Competitive compensation: (ProSal)from $125K-$175K- no negative accrual
  • Bonus: Sign-on bonus & relocation assistance available
  • Schedule: 4-day workweek (7:30am - 5:00pm)

Hours of Operation:
  • Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday & Sunday: Closed

As you join our mission to provide the highest level of veterinary care, expect to be supported in your work and personal life with:
  • 4:1 Staff-to-Doctor Ratio: you'll have support from experienced staff (including 3 CVT's) that are highly utilized, allowing you to focus on what you do best: practicing medicine!
  • All the benefits you deserve-health, dental, vision, retirement-plus: Comprehensive Benefits Package, which includes sign-on bonus, relocation assistance, 100% paid short-term disability, 401k with 3.5% employer match, Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Paid time off (PTO): Enjoy generous time off with up to 5 weeks of PTO each year, plus additional paid CE days. Take the time you need to rest, recharge, and invest in your growth.
  • Mentorship: We welcome all experience levels to apply - whether you're looking to expand your skills in surgery, dentistry, or explore new areas of interest, we'll support your growth every step of the way. Dr. Deb is passionate about teaching and mentoring, and we are dedicated to helping you succeed in your career.
  • Future buy-in opportunities and leadership/ownership pathway: Elevate your career through our buy-in partnership program, allowing you to gain ownership benefits while maintaining clinical autonomy.

About Lakeland Veterinary Hospital: For more than 40 years, Lakeland Veterinary Hospital has proudly served the Brainerd Lakes Region, caring for pets and the people who love them across generations. Since 2000, our purpose-built facility-designed by local architects specifically as a modern veterinary practice-has been our home base.
We are proud to be an AAHA-Accredited hospital, a reflection of our commitment to the highest standards of veterinary care. Our dedication to excellence has also been recognized by our community-we've been voted "Best Veterinary Clinic" and "Best Grooming" in the Brainerd Lakes Best of Competition.
Our hospital is fully equipped with modern, cutting-edge technology, including:
  • Digital X-ray & digital dental X-ray, ultrasound, therapy laser for advanced treatment options
  • In-house IDEXX laboratory for rapid diagnostics
  • Cornerstone paperless PMS system with tablets for patient care
  • Scribble Vet AI: Streamline your workflow with AI-assisted SOAP note documentation for faster, more efficient record keeping

Meet Our Hospital Director & Owner - Dr. Deb Piepgras: A Brainerd native, Dr. Deb Piepgras is the proud owner of Lakeland Veterinary Hospital. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota in 2000 and began her career at Lakeland the same year. Since then, she has dedicated her work to caring for animals, with a special passion for the challenge of diagnosing and treating sick or injured pets who cannot tell us what's wrong.
At home, Dr. Piepgras shares life with her husband, their Long-haired Miniature Dachshund, Arya, their English Setter, Denali, and their spirited cat, Soul. With their children grown, she and her husband are embracing the joys of being empty nesters.
Outside the hospital, Dr. Piepgras can often be found tending her many gardens, quilting, reading, camping, fishing, and taking full advantage of the lakes and trails the Brainerd area has to offer. Looking ahead, she is excited to spend more time traveling and exploring new places.
Our Mission: We strive to provide the highest quality healthcare to our patients, and while doing so, provide service to our clients that exceeds their expectations.
About The Brainerd Lakes Area: Nestled in central Minnesota, the Brainerd Lakes Area is known for its stunning scenery, more than 500 lakes, and year-round outdoor recreation. From boating, fishing, and hiking in the summer to skiing, snowmobiling, and cozy cabin getaways in the winter, there's something for everyone. The area also offers a vibrant community with local shops, restaurants, and family-friendly events, making it a wonderful place to live, work, and play.
Requirements:
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or VMD degree from an accredited institution
  • Valid veterinary license in the state of Minnesota

We'd love to chat with you about our clinic and the community we serve. Connect with us today-we can't wait to meet you!
→Check out our Website & Facebook & Instagram!
We are dedicated to establishing a culture that celebrates all forms of diversity and allows us to be an inclusive service provider in this community.
#IHIRE

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