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Animal Rescue Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

Petco

Junior Groomer

Rochester, MN · On-site

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. Your Petco Grooming Career:

Petco

Junior Groomer

Rochester, MN

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. Your Petco Grooming Career:

Veterinary Solut!ons Services

Veterinarian

Kasson, MN · On-site

$120K/yr

This full-service small-animal practice is looking for a veterinarian who's passionate, collaborative, and ready to make a real impact-while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. You'll treat dogs ...

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All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Rochester, MN

Animal Rescue information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$10

$21

$28

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Rochester, MN is $21.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $25.43 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, relevant experience with animals, and strong compassion. Volunteering at shelters or rescue organizations can provide valuable skills, and some roles may require certifications in animal care or first aid.

What degree do I need for animal rescue?

Animal rescue jobs typically do not require a specific degree, but a background in animal science, biology, or related fields can be beneficial. Relevant skills include animal handling, first aid, and knowledge of animal behavior, and certifications such as pet first aid or CPR can enhance employability.

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.

Do animal rescues pay employees?

Animal rescue organizations may pay employees, especially those in full-time or specialized roles, but many positions are volunteer-based. Salaries can vary depending on the organization, location, and job responsibilities, with some rescues offering stipends or part-time wages. Certification in animal care or related skills can improve employment prospects and pay rates.

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 such as zoo directors or animal pharmacologists may also command higher salaries, especially with extensive experience and advanced certifications.
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Rochester, MN? For Animal Rescue jobs in Rochester, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Rochester, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Rochester, MN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,505 per year, or $21.4 per hour.
Animal Care Technician - Comparative Medicine

Animal Care Technician - Comparative Medicine

Mayo Clinic

Rochester, MN • On-site

$19.92 - $27.33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Mayo Clinic rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 682 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 875 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Why Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other care provider according to U.S. News & World Report. As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans - to take care of you and your family, now and in the future. And with continuing education and advancement opportunities at every turn, you can build a long, successful career with Mayo Clinic.

Benefits Highlights
  • Medical: Multiple plan options.
  • Dental: Delta Dental or reimbursement account for flexible coverage.
  • Vision: Affordable plan with national network.
  • Pre-Tax Savings: HSA and FSAs for eligible expenses.
  • Retirement: Competitive retirement package to secure your future.

Responsibilities

To perform the necessary duties to provide quality care to all animals utilized in research including animal husbandry activities such as feeding, watering, sanitation, observation, room cleaning, and other duties as assigned.


Qualifications

The position requires a minimum of a high school diploma. Must be able to assume responsibility, work independently, without close supervision, and cooperatively with other animal care technicians. Must be able to carefully follow set procedures as dictated by the NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Animals, the Animal Welfare Act and guidelines established by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care. Must have above average manual dexterity, stand on feet more than 50% of the time, be able to lift 50 pounds, bend or squat routinely, and work with arms above shoulder level.

1 to 2 years animal handling preferred.

 Incumbent is recommended to be certified by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science after 2 years' experience on the job as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT).

Authorization to work and remain in the United States, without necessity for Mayo Clinic sponsorships now, or in the future (for example, be a U.S. Citizen, national, or permanent resident, refugee, or asylee). Mayo Clinic does not participate in the F-1 STEM OPT extension program. 


Exemption Status
Nonexempt
Compensation Detail
Education, experience and tenure may be considered along with internal equity when job offers are extended.; $19.92 - 27.33/ hour
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Schedule
Full Time
Hours/Pay Period
80
Schedule Details
Wednesday - Sunday
Weekend Schedule
every weekend and holidays on rotation
International Assignment
No
Site Description
Just as our reputation has spread beyond our Minnesota roots, so have our locations. Today, our employees are located at our three major campuses in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, Jacksonville, Florida, Rochester, Minnesota, and at Mayo Clinic Health System campuses throughout Midwestern communities, and at our international locations. Each Mayo Clinic location is a special place where our employees thrive in both their work and personal lives. Learn more about what each unique Mayo Clinic campus has to offer, and where your best fit is. 

Equal Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or disability status. Learn more about the 'EOE is the Law'.  Mayo Clinic participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Recruiter
Jill SquierQualifications:

The position requires a minimum of a high school diploma. Must be able to assume responsibility, work independently, without close supervision, and cooperatively with other animal care technicians. Must be able to carefully follow set procedures as dictated by the NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Animals, the Animal Welfare Act and guidelines established by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care. Must have above average manual dexterity, stand on feet more than 50% of the time, be able to lift 50 pounds, bend or squat routinely, and work with arms above shoulder level.

1 to 2 years animal handling preferred.

 Incumbent is recommended to be certified by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science after 2 years' experience on the job as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT).

Authorization to work and remain in the United States, without necessity for Mayo Clinic sponsorships now, or in the future (for example, be a U.S. Citizen, national, or permanent resident, refugee, or asylee). Mayo Clinic does not participate in the F-1 STEM OPT extension program. 

What Mayo Clinic employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Mayo Clinic

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Mayo Clinic is the largest integrated, not-for-profit medical group practice in the world. We're building the future, one where the best possible care is available to everyone — and more people can heal at home. Our relentless research turns into earlier diagnoses and new cures. That's how we inspire hope in those who need it most. At Mayo Clinic, experts work together to solve the most challenging unmet needs of patients. Our history of innovation dates back almost 150 years, when brothers Will and Charlie Mayo pioneered an integrated, team-based approach to medicine. Today, that trailblazing spirit drives innovations like Mayo Clinic Platform — which powers new technologies to change how care is delivered to all.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Rochester, MN, US

Year founded

1919

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