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Animal Rescue Jobs in Minnetonka, MN (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 ...

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

Animal Surgical Technician

Minneapolis, MN

$23 - $30/hr

We have connections with multiple animal science companies who have job openings in all segments! Description Summary: Provides care for laboratory animals before and after surgical procedures ...

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All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Minnetonka, MN

Animal Rescue information

See Minnetonka, 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 Minnetonka, MN is $21.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.64 and $25.48 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 cities near Minnetonka, MN are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Minnetonka, MN with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Minnetonka, MN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,641 per year, or $21.5 per hour.
Animal Care Giver - Kennel Assistant - Pet Care Assistant

Animal Care Giver - Kennel Assistant - Pet Care Assistant

HIDDEN ACRES PET RESORT

Monticello, MN • On-site

$14 - $20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

 Benefits/Perks
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Great Work Environment
  • Career Advancement Opportunities
Job Summary
We are seeking an Animal Care Giver to join our team! We are located NW of Monticello - conveniently right off I-94. Duties consist of walking, playing, feeding, cleaning and customer service. Must be active, energetic, outdoor-loving with a true passion and love for dogs... as well as possess the unique ability to read and adapt to each dog's behavior and personality. Experience preferred for more advanced positions (vet tech, kennel assistant/manager, humane society/rescue volunteer) but not necessary for entry level positions/dog walkers/assistants.
Some weekend and holiday hours will be required, as these are our busier times. Please send resume or job history and experience and let us know why you believe you would be a good fit for our position. Full-time and part-time positions are available. 

Responsibilities 
  • Follow guidelines to feed all types of animals, ensuring the proper dietary guidelines are followed
  • Clean and maintain pet enclosures so that every animal under your care has a safe, healthy living environment
  • Socialize and exercise animals under your care as needed
  • Interact with the animals, providing a positive human experience
  • Maintain proper records of all animals and care given throughout your shift
Qualifications
  • Must be comfortable working with animals of all sizes and types
  • Must be comfortable working on your feet for long periods of time and have the ability to walk and exercise energetic dogs
  • Schedule flexibility to work some Holidays and Weekends