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Dog Rescue Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care Manager

New Germany, MN · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

... to help rescue older dogs whose owners can't care for them anymore. Our workplace is friendly, supportive, and fun. We value everyone's love for animals, encourage learning, and make sure each ...

Animal Care Manager

New Germany, MN · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Ability to receive tips - average $5/$6 per hour We also give 10% of our profits to the Top Dog Foundation to help rescue older dogs whose owners can't care for them anymore. Our workplace is ...

Pet Care Specialist

New Germany, MN · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Additionally, we donate 10% of profits to the Top Dog Foundation, supporting the rescue of "ElderPups" whose owners can no longer care for them. We offer a collaborative, supportive, and fun ...

Animal Care Manager

New Germany, MN · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Ability to receive tips - average $5/$6 per hour We also give 10% of our profits to the Top Dog Foundation to help rescue older dogs whose owners can't care for them anymore. Our workplace is ...

Pet Care Specialist

New Germany, MN · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Additionally, we donate 10% of profits to the Top Dog Foundation, supporting the rescue of "ElderPups" whose owners can no longer care for them. We offer a collaborative, supportive, and fun ...

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Dog Rescue information

See Minnesota salary details

$9

$13

$18

How much do dog rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog rescue in Minnesota is $13.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.26 and $15.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is dog rescue?

Dog rescue refers to the process of saving dogs from dangerous, neglectful, or abusive situations and finding them safe, loving homes. Dog rescue organizations often work to rehabilitate and care for dogs that have been abandoned, surrendered, or found as strays. They provide medical care, foster homes, and adoption services to ensure each dog has the chance for a better life. Many dog rescues also advocate for responsible pet ownership and work to educate the public about animal welfare. The goal is to reduce the number of homeless dogs and help each animal find a permanent, caring family.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in dog rescue?

To thrive in Dog Rescue, you need experience in animal care, knowledge of canine behavior, and often a background in veterinary assistance or animal welfare. Familiarity with animal management software, first aid certifications, and basic handling equipment is typically required. Compassion, patience, strong communication, and crisis management skills help you stand out in this field. These abilities are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of rescued dogs while effectively coordinating adoptions and rehabilitation efforts.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in dog rescue, and how can they be managed?

Dog rescue professionals often encounter emotional challenges, including working with abused or neglected animals and making difficult decisions about their care. Managing high volumes of animals and coordinating with volunteers and adopters can also be demanding. To cope, it's important to practice self-care, seek support from team members, and participate in ongoing training. Building strong communication skills and staying organized can help professionals handle the fast-paced and emotionally charged environment typical of dog rescue organizations.

What is the difference between Dog Rescue vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectDog RescueAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsNone mandatory; experience with animals helpfulOften requires animal care or shelter management training
Work EnvironmentRescue missions, outdoor and varied locationsIndoor shelter facilities, administrative tasks
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, rescue organizationsMunicipal or private animal shelters
Common Search/ComparisonRescue efforts, volunteer opportunitiesAnimal shelter jobs, animal care roles

Dog Rescue involves actively saving dogs from dangerous or neglectful situations, often requiring outdoor work and rescue skills. Animal Shelter Workers typically manage daily care, administrative tasks, and shelter operations. While both roles focus on animal welfare, Dog Rescue emphasizes emergency and outdoor rescue activities, whereas Animal Shelter Workers focus on shelter management and daily animal care.

How do you become a dog rescuer?

To become a dog rescuer, individuals typically volunteer or work with animal shelters, rescue organizations, or shelters that focus on dog rescue. Gaining knowledge of animal care, handling skills, and sometimes obtaining certifications in pet first aid or animal behavior can improve prospects; a compassionate attitude and patience are essential. No formal education is required, but experience with animals and understanding rescue procedures are beneficial.

What are popular job titles related to Dog Rescue jobs in Minnesota?

For Dog Rescue jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Dog Rescue jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Dog Rescue job openings:

Infographic showing various Dog Rescue job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,904 per year, or $13.9 per hour.

Associate Veterinarian-Bloomington, MN

VCA Animal Hospitals

Bloomington, MN • On-site

$100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 660 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

Join us as an Associate Veterinarian, DVM at VCA Bloomington Animal Hospital in Bloomington, MN, and you'll quickly discover that you're well supported by world-class medicine, technology, facilities, and a talented team. You'll be empowered to do your best work with a team you can count on. At VCA, the future of veterinary medicine is in our hands.
Students and new graduates are encouraged to apply and will receive dedicated mentorship
Questions? Please email Laurel Norman at laurel.norman@vca.com
Why Join Our Team?
  • State-of-the-Art Facility: Our 9,000 sq. ft. AAHA-accredited hospital follows low-stress practices and features a spacious surgical suite, six exam rooms, a large treatment area, and a welcoming lobby.
  • Advanced Equipment: We are equipped with DR radiology, a surgical laser, a therapy laser, and ultrasound to provide high-quality care.
  • Established & Trusted: Serving the Bloomington community for over 50 years, we have built long-standing relationships with generations of pet families.
  • Collaborative Environment: Our team fosters a supportive and engaging atmosphere, ensuring high medical standards and patient care.
  • Referral & Specialty Support: We have access to top-tier referral and specialty hospitals in the metro area for comprehensive patient care.
  • Top-rated schools & affordable housing
  • Outdoor recreation: Explore Fort Snelling State Park, enjoy hiking/biking trails, or ski at Buck Hill
  • Shopping & entertainment: Home to Mall of America, one of the largest shopping centers in the U.S.
  • Convenient location: Close to Minneapolis International Airport and the Twin Cities
  • Lakes & trails: Located in Minnesota, the state of 10,000 lakes, with endless outdoor activities

Schedule
  • Full-time position
  • Part-time position
  • Open six days a week
  • No on-call hours
  • Flexible schedule: Work 3-4 days/week (Monday-Friday) with a rotating Saturday shift

Cases
Diverse case exposure, including wellness, surgery, internal medicine, and urgent care
Community Partnerships
  • Pet Haven
  • All Dog Rescue
  • Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest
  • Rabbit Rescue of Minnesota

Who we look for
  • People obsessed with pets and their care
  • Dedicated experts who want to provide world-class medicine
  • Collaborators who enjoy teaching others and working as a team
  • Curious lifelong learners who want to grow and thrive for a dynamic and fulfilling career
  • Empathetic partners who develop strong client and Associate relationships built on trust

Total Rewards
As a VCA Associate, eligible full-time employees will be rewarded with a comprehensive package, including:
Compensation
  • Salary is negotiable based on experience, skills, knowledge, abilities and other relevant credentials. The annual salary range for this position is $100,000 to 150,000. Salary range listed is based on a 40 hour work week.
  • This position may also be eligible for other variable pay programs.

Health & Well-being
  • Innovative Associate health and well-being resources (Headspace app, Fidelity financial wellness tool, and access to additional mental health resources including Lyra Health)
  • 401k retirement savings plan with company match
  • Health/dental/vision insurance, infertility and gender affirmation benefits
  • Paid parental, vacation and sick leave

Professional Development
  • Continuing Education Allowance and paid Continuing Education Days
  • WOOF University - offering abundant CE for Doctors and the care team
  • Opportunities to participate in a robust Clinical Studies program

Discover Additional Benefits Benefits | VCA (vcacareers.com) (open link in new window)
Qualifications
  • A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, from an accredited university or equivalent
  • Licensure in good standing to practice in (MN), or the ability to obtain
  • A commitment to practicing the highest standard of medicine and upholding the veterinary code of ethics

About VCA
VCA is a leader in veterinary care and is committed to taking care of the future of veterinary medicine. With a network of 1,000 animal hospitals, we impact pets, people and our communities by delivering world-class medicine with hometown care to over 4.5 million pets annually.
Trusted and empowered, our 35,000 Associates collaborate and unleash their unique power to achieve the best outcomes. With access to endless resources, we continuously learn and share knowledge to build fulfilling careers, push our profession forward and make a lasting impact on our shared future.
VCA is part of the Mars Veterinary Health family of brands, working towards A Better World for Pets™. Learn more at www.vca.com or find us on social media.
If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!
The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

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