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Work Animal Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Burnsville, MN · On-site

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Burnsville, MN · On-site

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Burnsville, MN · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Rochester, MN · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Rochester, MN · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

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Work Animal information

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How much do work animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for work 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 is a work animal?

Work animals, also known as draft or working animals, are animals that are trained to perform tasks for humans, such as carrying loads, plowing fields, herding livestock, or providing transportation. Common work animals include horses, donkeys, oxen, dogs, camels, and elephants. These animals have been essential in agriculture, transportation, and other industries throughout human history, especially before the advent of modern machinery. Today, work animals are still used in many parts of the world, particularly in rural or developing areas.

What are some of the key challenges faced by work animal caretakers, and how can they be addressed to ensure animal welfare and productivity?

Caretakers of work animals often encounter challenges such as preventing overwork, managing injuries, and providing proper nutrition and rest. Balancing workload with the animal's physical capabilities is critical to maintaining health and productivity. Effective communication with veterinarians and regular health assessments help in early detection of issues, while ongoing training ensures animals are handled safely and humanely. Building strong relationships with the animals and understanding their behavior also contributes to a safer and more productive work environment.

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

To thrive as a Work Animal, essential traits include physical strength, stamina, trainability, and a temperament suited to working closely with humans, with selection often based on breed and health. Training typically involves learning to use harnesses, respond to commands, and operate within specific environments or alongside machinery. Patience, reliability, and responsiveness are crucial soft attributes that make a work animal excel in tasks such as farming, transport, or service work. These qualities ensure safety, efficiency, and harmonious collaboration between animals and their handlers in demanding work settings.

What is the difference between Work Animal vs Service Animal?

AspectWork AnimalService Animal
Credentials/CertificationsTypically no formal certification, but may require trainingMust be trained and certified according to ADA standards
Work EnvironmentRural, agricultural, or specialized settingsPublic spaces, indoor and outdoor environments
Employer/Industry UsageUsed in farming, transportation, or entertainment industriesAssists individuals with disabilities in daily activities
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles of working animalsAssistance for disabled individuals

Work animals are trained to perform tasks in agricultural or specialized settings, often without formal certification. Service animals are specifically trained to assist individuals with disabilities and must meet strict certification standards. While work animals are used in industries like farming, service animals are permitted in public spaces to aid their handlers. Both play vital roles but serve different purposes and environments.

What are popular job titles related to Work Animal jobs in Minnesota?

For Work Animal jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Work Animal jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Work Animal jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Work Animal jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Work Animal job openings:

Work Animal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Work Animal job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote 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

$16.75/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 hours ago

Animal Humane Society rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

408th of 772 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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