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Animal Wellness Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care Specialist

Rochester, MN · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Complete and verify required animal care tasks, including hourly animal health checks, wellness documentation, maintenance logs, and incident reports. * Ensure proper handling, documentation, and ...

Complete and oversee hourly animal health checks, wellness cards, and required documentation. * Ensure proper handling, care, and documentation of adoption animals. * Act immediately and ...

Complete and oversee hourly animal health checks, wellness cards, and required documentation. * Ensure proper handling, care, and documentation of adoption animals. * Act immediately and ...

Animal Care Specialist

Rochester, MN · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Complete and verify required animal care tasks, including hourly animal health checks, wellness documentation, maintenance logs, and incident reports. * Ensure proper handling, documentation, and ...

... animal nutrition and health, bioindustrial, road safety salt and Cargill joint ventures. * Job Type ... Health and Wellness Incentives * Paid Vacation and Holidays * 401(k) with Cargill matching ...

... animal nutrition and health, bioindustrial, road safety salt and Cargill joint ventures. * Job Type ... Health and Wellness Incentives * Paid Vacation and Holidays * 401(k) with Cargill matching ...

... animal nutrition and health, bioindustrial, road safety salt and Cargill joint ventures. * Job Type ... Health and Wellness Incentives * Paid Vacation and Holidays * 401(k) with Cargill matching ...

... animal nutrition and health, bioindustrial, road safety salt and Cargill joint ventures. * Job Type ... Health and Wellness Incentives * Paid Vacation and Holidays * 401(k) with Cargill matching ...

... animal nutrition and health, bioindustrial, road safety salt and Cargill joint ventures. * Job Type ... Health and Wellness Incentives * Paid Vacation and Holidays * 401(k) with Cargill matching ...

... animal nutrition and health, bioindustrial, road safety salt and Cargill joint ventures. * Job Type ... Health and Wellness Incentives * Paid Vacation and Holidays * 401(k) with Cargill matching ...

... animal nutrition and health, bioindustrial, road safety salt and Cargill joint ventures. * Job Type ... Health and Wellness Incentives * Paid Vacation and Holidays * 401(k) with Cargill matching ...

... animal nutrition and health, bioindustrial, road safety salt and Cargill joint ventures. Job Type ... Benefits: • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Insurance • Health and Wellness ...

... animal nutrition and health, bioindustrial, road safety salt and Cargill joint ventures. Job Type ... Benefits: • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Insurance • Health and Wellness ...

... animal nutrition and health, bioindustrial, road safety salt and Cargill joint ventures. Job Type ... Benefits: • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Insurance • Health and Wellness ...

... animal nutrition and health, bioindustrial, road safety salt and Cargill joint ventures. Job Type ... Benefits: • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Insurance • Health and Wellness ...

... animal nutrition and health, bioindustrial, road safety salt and Cargill joint ventures. Job Type ... Benefits: • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Insurance • Health and Wellness ...

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Animal Wellness information

See Rochester, MN salary details

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How much do animal wellness jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal wellness in Rochester, MN is $16.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $17.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Animal Wellness, and why are they important?

To thrive in Animal Wellness, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, health, and nutrition, often supported by a degree in animal science, veterinary technology, or a related field. Familiarity with animal care software, laboratory equipment, and relevant certifications such as Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) are typically required. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help professionals connect with both animals and their owners. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the well-being of animals and fostering trust with clients and colleagues.

What is the highest paying job in animal welfare?

The highest paying jobs in animal welfare are often senior roles such as veterinary directors or animal shelter executives, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong management skills, and may involve overseeing large organizations or specialized medical services for animals.

What is animal wellness?

Animal wellness refers to the overall health and well-being of animals, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional aspects. It involves proper nutrition, regular veterinary care, mental stimulation, exercise, and a safe, comfortable environment. Animal wellness professionals aim to promote a high quality of life for animals through preventive care, early detection of health issues, and education for pet owners. This holistic approach benefits not only pets but also animals in shelters, farms, and wildlife settings.

What can I do with a degree in animal health?

A degree in animal health prepares individuals for roles such as veterinary technician, animal care specialist, or animal health researcher. These positions often require knowledge of animal biology, medical procedures, and sometimes certification or licensing, and may involve working in clinics, laboratories, or animal shelters.

What is the highest paying job for working with animals?

The highest paying jobs in animal wellness typically include veterinary specialists such as veterinary surgeons, anesthesiologists, or oncologists, who often earn six-figure salaries. These roles require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience, and often involve working in private practices, research, or teaching environments.

What qualifications do you need to be an animal welfare officer?

Animal welfare officers typically need a relevant qualification such as a diploma or degree in animal science, veterinary technology, or a related field. They should also have knowledge of animal behavior, welfare standards, and often require good communication skills; some roles may require certification or training in animal handling or first aid.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in animal wellness, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in animal wellness often encounter challenges such as managing diverse animal behaviors, balancing the needs of multiple animals at once, and effectively communicating with pet owners about care routines and health concerns. These challenges can be addressed by staying updated on animal behavior training, developing strong organizational skills, and fostering clear, empathetic communication with clients. Additionally, teamwork and collaboration with veterinarians, trainers, and other animal care specialists are essential to ensure the best outcomes for animals under their care.

What is the difference between Animal Wellness vs Animal Care Specialist?

AspectAnimal WellnessAnimal Care Specialist
CredentialsCertifications in animal health, nutrition, or wellness programsBasic animal handling and care certifications
Work EnvironmentVeterinary clinics, wellness centers, holistic practicesAnimal shelters, kennels, pet stores, farms
Employer & IndustryVeterinary practices, pet wellness companies, holistic health providersAnimal shelters, pet care facilities, farms

Animal Wellness professionals focus on preventive health, nutrition, and holistic care to improve animals' quality of life. In contrast, Animal Care Specialists primarily handle daily care, feeding, and basic health needs. Both roles require animal handling skills, but Animal Wellness emphasizes health optimization and wellness programs, often with specialized certifications.

What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Animal Wellness jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Animal Wellness job openings:
Animal Care Specialist

Animal Care Specialist

Petco

Rochester, MN • On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Petco rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 631 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

430th of 727 rated retailers


Job description

Want to help pets live their best lives?
We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.
Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and people.
  • Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.

  • Foster the Fun - Connect & Bond. Our Passion for pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through distinct experiences, products, and services.

  • Let's Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as One Petco team. We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.

About Petco:
We're proud to be "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years - from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood - the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we're here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. 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.
As a Companion Animal Specialist, you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC).
You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding customer experience by combining deep animal-care knowledge with strong operational discipline. This role is ideal for someone passionate about animal welfare who enjoys teaching others and contributing to a collaborative team environment.
What You'll Do
Pet First
  • Ensure the health, safety, and proper care of all companion animals and aquatic life in accordance with Petco standards, policies, and procedures.
  • Complete and verify required animal care tasks, including hourly animal health checks, wellness documentation, maintenance logs, and incident reports.
  • Ensure proper handling, documentation, and care of relinquished and adoption animals.
  • Serve as the primary resource for animal care education for customers and PCC partners.
  • Adhere to and promote all safety, animal welfare, and loss prevention procedures.

Foster the Fun
  • Deliver knowledgeable, compassionate, and solution-focused service to customers.
  • Actively support customer interactions using Petco's selling model.
  • Promote a culture of teamwork, inclusion, and collaboration across the PCC.
  • Mentor and educate partners on animal care standards, maintenance routines, and best practices.
  • Maintain professional, clean, and well-presented animal habitats and aquatic areas.

Let's Go!
  • Support the achievement of department sales, margin, and shrink goals.
  • Ensure merchandise is stocked, priced, and displayed to Petco standards, with a primary focus on companion animals and aquatics.
  • Efficiently order live animals, supplies, and related merchandise in partnership with the sales team to support inventory integrity and business goals.
  • Analyze inventory data and identify opportunities to improve in-stock levels, shrink, and operational efficiency.
  • Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts.
  • Assist with opening and closing procedures as assigned.
  • Perform additional duties and special projects as needed to support Pet Care Center operations.

Key Responsibilities
Animal Care & Maintenance
  • Verify all animal care and maintenance tasks are completed according to established schedules.
  • Perform routine housekeeping duties, including cleaning habitats and tanks, sweeping and mopping floors, dusting, and facing merchandise.
  • Ensure compliance with all regulatory, operational, and safety standards.

Customer Experience & Sales Support
  • Process register transactions accurately and efficiently.
  • Evaluate customer needs and escalate concerns to the Leader on Duty when appropriate.
  • Support Omni-channel and in-store initiatives through consistent execution and customer engagement.

What Success Looks Like
  • Animals are healthy, safe, and cared for to Petco's highest standards.
  • Customers trust the team's expertise and return for guidance and solutions.
  • Animal habitats and aquatic areas are clean, compliant, and visually appealing.
  • Inventory and merchandising support sales while minimizing shrink.
  • Partners feel supported and informed through shared animal-care knowledge.

What You Bring
Experience & Skills
  • Minimum of 1 year of experience working with or caring for companion animals and aquatic life.
  • Strong knowledge of animal care, husbandry, and maintenance practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to educate others and communicate effectively.
  • Strong customer service mindset with an aptitude for selling behaviors.
  • Basic business, math, and inventory management skills.
  • Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
  • High school diploma or GED preferred.
  • Completion and ongoing maintenance of the Petco Animal Care Certification Program required.

Essential Functions & Work Environment
This role is performed in a Pet Care Center retail environment and requires active engagement on the sales floor.
  • The role requires frequent standing and walking, as well as bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting.
  • Ability to safely lift and move merchandise, supplies, or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Regular engagement with customers on the sales floor, including providing customer assistance and performing cashiering and point-of-sale transactions.
  • Must be able to work in proximity to animals, including exposure to animal dander, odors, noises, and cleaning chemicals.
  • Flexible availability to support Pet Care Center operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.
Why You'll Love It Here
  • Purpose-driven work that makes a difference for pets and people.
  • A welcoming, inclusive team environment.
  • Opportunities to learn, grow, and explore career paths.
  • A fun, fast-paced role where no two days are the same.

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.
The pay ranges outlined below are presented in accordance with state-specific regulations. These ranges may differ in other areas and could be subject to variation based on regulatory minimum wage requirements. Actual pay rates will depend on factors such as position, location, level of experience, and applicable state or local minimum wage laws. If the regulatory minimum wage exceeds the minimum indicated in the pay range below, the regulatory minimum wage will be the minimum rate applied.
$13.00 - $22.00
Starting Rate:
$15.00
Hourly or Salary Range will be reflected above. For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO -see https://careers.petco.com/us/en/key-benefits
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