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Animal Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care Lead

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$26.32 - $32.70/hr

The Animal Care Lead (ACL) acts as a hybrid operational lead and Subject Matter Expert (SME) within the research facility. This position combines animal husbandry duties with administrative support ...

As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the health, care, and presentation of our live animals while driving sales, customer experience, and ...

As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the health, care, and presentation of our live animals while driving sales, customer experience, and ...

Animal Care Specialist

Rochester, MN · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

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 ...

Animal Care Specialist

Rochester, MN · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

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 ...

Animal Care Specialist

Burnsville, MN

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

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 ...

New

As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the health, care, and presentation of our live animals while driving sales, customer experience, and ...

Animal Care Specialist

Rochester, MN · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

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 ...

Animal Care Specialist

Chaska, MN · On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

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 ...

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Animal information

See Minnesota salary details

$9

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$27

How much do animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal in Minnesota is $20.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $24.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What careers work with animals?

There are a number of exciting careers in which you work with animals on a daily basis. Some of the more well-known careers are zoologist and veterinary doctor. As a zoologist, you can work with a wide variety of wild animals in a zoo setting. While zoos are the most common setting, there are a wide variety of research settings in which you can work as well. As a veterinarian, you take care of domestic animals in a pet hospital or vet clinic. You can also work with farm animals. Some lesser known career options are marine biologist, animal trainer, pet groomer, and dog warden. There are also careers for people that would be interested in breeding animals such as dogs and cats.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal caretaker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Caretaker, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and handling techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with animal management software, feeding protocols, and cleaning equipment is typically required. Compassion, patience, and strong observational skills help caretakers respond effectively to animal needs and recognize health issues early. These skills ensure animal well-being, safe environments, and effective daily operations in shelters, zoos, or veterinary facilities.

What is the difference between Animal vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAnimalVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsNone or basic animal handling certificationsLicensed or certified, often requiring an associate degree
Work EnvironmentZoos, farms, pet stores, research labsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, clinics
Industry UsageAnimal care, research, educationMedical support in veterinary settings
Common Search IntentAnimal care roles, animal handling jobsVet tech jobs, veterinary support roles

Animal roles focus on general care, handling, and management of animals across various environments. Veterinary technicians specialize in supporting veterinarians with medical procedures, diagnostics, and patient care in clinical settings. While both work with animals, veterinary technicians require specific certifications and work primarily in veterinary practices, whereas animal roles are broader and include diverse environments.

What careers can I have with animals?

Careers with animals include roles such as veterinarian, zookeeper, animal trainer, wildlife rehabilitator, and pet groomer. These jobs often require specific training, certifications, or degrees, and may involve working in environments like clinics, zoos, shelters, or outdoor settings.

What are some common challenges faced by animal caretakers in a shelter environment?

Animal caretakers in shelters often face challenges such as managing a high volume of animals, addressing diverse medical and behavioral needs, and coping with emotionally demanding situations like animal surrenders or adoptions. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as caretakers frequently collaborate with veterinarians, volunteers, and adoption counselors to ensure the well-being of each animal. Additionally, maintaining cleanliness and safety standards in a fast-paced environment can be physically demanding but is crucial for disease prevention and animal comfort.

What are animal jobs?

Animal jobs refer to occupations that involve working directly or indirectly with animals. These roles can include veterinarians, animal trainers, zookeepers, animal shelter workers, wildlife biologists, and pet groomers, among others. People in animal jobs may care for, study, train, or protect different species of animals in various environments. These careers often require a passion for animal welfare and may involve both physical and emotional demands. Some positions may also require specialized education or certifications.

What types of careers work with animals?

Careers that work with animals include roles such as veterinarians, zookeepers, animal trainers, wildlife rehabilitators, and pet groomers. These jobs often require knowledge of animal behavior, health, and care, and may involve working in clinics, zoos, shelters, or outdoor environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Animal jobs in Minnesota are:
What job categories do people searching Animal jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Animal jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Animal jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Animal job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,881 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Shelter Animal Care Technician - Part-Time

Animal Humane Society

Golden Valley, MN • On-site

$16.75/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Animal Humane Society rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

407th of 771 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Do you have a passion for the care of animals? Do you enjoy interacting with all animals, including dogs, cats, critters, and birds? Come work as a part-time Animal Care Technician for Animal Humane Society, where caring for animals isn’t just a job – it’s our passion. We are on a mission to compassionately and responsibly create a more humane world for animals and their people.

Description
The Animal Care Technician is responsible for providing humane and compassionate care to all types of shelter animals, ensuring that animals have a safe and clean environment, drinking water, and food.

Benefits (see additional benefits below):
  • Paid Time Off
  • 4 Floating Holidays (per full calendar year)
  • 401k Retirement Plan with a 4% company match

Schedule: Part-time; up to 29 hours/week.
Weekend availability required (Saturday and/or Sunday)
Shifts will be between the times listed below.
Open = Sun-Sat: 7:00am - 3:30pm
Close = Sat, Sun, Mon: 9:30am - 6:00pm | Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri: 11:30am - 8:00 pm

Location: Golden Valley, MN

Essential Functions
Animal Care:
  • Prepare and distribute food and water to all animals per dietary needs.
  • Perform daily cleaning and sanitization of transfer cages, litter boxes, kennels and animal areas including cleaning up animal feces, urine, vomit and other debris.
  • Monitor animals’ wellbeing, including appearance, appetite, hydration, stools, vomit and activity, reporting any health concerns or behavioral changes.
  • Safely handle animals of varying sociability in a variety of ways including walking, restraining, placing in transport crates, etc. using appropriate PPE procedures.
  • Handle animals who may have transmittable illnesses to other animals and humans, following proper handling, quarantine and PPE procedures.
  • Move animals throughout the shelter as needed.
  • Interpret animal body language, read animal cage cards and communication boards.
  • Escalate animal concerns and communicate directly with appropriate department regarding concerning animal appearance or behavior in a timely manner.
Shelter Support:
  • Assist in enrichment programs for animals in shelter.
  • Assist Veterinary Services with fecal/urine collection of animals.
  • Assist with animal restraint for transportation, medical procedures, collection of animal waste and euthanasia as required.
  • Collaborate with other departments and assist as needed.
General Cleaning:
  • Utilize approved chemicals to clean animal and non-animal areas.
  • Operate dishwasher, washing machine and dryer.
  • Remove garbage and recycling as needed.
  • Sweep and mop animal areas.
Communication and Culture:
  • Communicate in a positive and professional manner with customers, other employees, and volunteers.
  • Promote a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion to make AHS a more welcoming environment for employees, volunteers, customers, and the community.
Technology:
  • Accurately update animal records in PetPoint.
  • Manage and view work schedule in Makeshift.
  • Clock in and out of shifts using Paycor.
  • Monitor AHS email and other messaging software.
Other duties as assigned.

Additional Information:
Schedule and Attendance
Required to be on time to scheduled shifts during operational hours which may include evenings, weekends and holidays.
May be required to work at a different site based on department needs.
May be required to attend occasional off-site meetings and events.
Attend and participate in regular team meetings and one-on-one meetings with direct leader.

Work Environment
Environment can be dirty, wet, warm and humid.
Exposure to zoonotic diseases and pests such as fleas and ticks.
Possibility of being bitten or scratched.
Exposure to unpleasant odors, chemicals and noises, including barking.
May be exposed to extreme weather conditions including but not limited to cold, heat, rain and snow when outside.

Experience:
Animal handling experience preferred.

Skills:
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong attention to detail, multi-tasking and time-management skills.
Proficient with computers, specifically a working knowledge of Microsoft products.

Physical Demands:
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. unassisted and 100+ lbs. assisted.
Prolonged periods of standing and walking.

Emotional Demands:
Ability to be emotionally resilient while working in a shelter setting.
Must be comfortable handling a variety of animals with a wide range of behavioral and medical needs, including the use of humane euthanasia.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this role. Duties, responsibilities and requirements may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits
About AHS
Every year, Animal Humane Society provides direct care and services to help thousands of animals in need across Minnesota.
As one of the nation's leading animal welfare organizations, AHS is transforming the way shelters care for animals and engage their communities. From innovative medical and behavior programs to investments in outreach and advocacy, we’re advancing animal welfare and creating a more humane world for animals everywhere.
Why Work Here
  • Make a difference in the lives of animals and people
  • Join a team of coworkers who love animals as much as you do
  • Work-life balance
  • Unique animal adoption benefits and discounts on veterinary care and pet supplies
  • Health insurance coverage for full-time staff includes the following: medical, dental, vision, health savings account, flexible spending account for health care expenses and dependent care, voluntary accident insurance; critical illness insurance; hospital indemnity insurance; employee- paid supplemental life; employee-paid accidental death amp; dismemberment; and long-term disability insurance.
  • Employer-paid benefits for full-time staff includes the following: basic life insurance, basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
  • Support for student loans: we are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer
  • Mental Health and Counseling Support: all employees have access to our Employee Assistance Program with 3 free counseling sessions per year
  • 401k with 4% company match for part-time and full-time staff
  • Nine paid holidays for full-time staff
  • Paid floating holidays for part-time and full-time staff (up to 4 days per year based on start date)
  • Paid Time Off for part-time and full-time staff (amount is based on hours worked and FTE status)
  • Paid parent leave for full-time staff

Our Organizational Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:
As an organization dedicated to making the world a more humane and compassionate place for animals, we know that people are at the heart of all that we do. Animal Humane Society’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity is essential to our mission and shapes our culture, our work, and the services we provide.
At AHS we embrace and honor the inherent dignity and diverse experiences of our team members, volunteers, board members, partners, clients, and visitors, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, or income. Working together to instill equity and inclusivity within our organization will allow us to better serve the people and animals of Minnesota and ultimately have a positive impact on animals in our care.

What Animal Humane Society employees say

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