Animal Care Manager

Job Summary Your energetic leadership will ensure the highest standards of animal welfare, staff coordination, and client service. Join our dynamic team as an Animal Care Manager, where you will lead and oversee the daily operations of our animal care facility. The Animal Care Manager oversees the daily care and welfare of animals within the shelter, ensuring adherence to established protocols for housing, nutrition, enrichment, sanitation, and behavioral support. This position works collaboratively with the Animal Flow Manager, Veterinarians, Animal Treatment Manager, and Director to provide exceptional animal care while supervising staff, supporting volunteers, and maintaining a safe, healthy shelter environment. . Essential Duties and Responsibilities Animal Care and Welfare Oversee the daily care of all animals in the shelter, ensuring they receive appropriate medical care, enrichment, and behavioral support. Collaborate with the Animal Flow Manager, Veterinarian, and Animal Treatment Manager to ensure timely treatment plans and continuity of care. Assign animal housing according to shelter protocols, considering health, behavior, and population management needs. Ensure all animal enclosures are cleaned and maintained in accordance with shelter sanitation and infection control protocols. Monitor and oversee feeding programs for dogs and cats to ensure adequate nutrition, support animal health, and minimize resource waste. Ensure daily enrichment activities are provided to support the physical and behavioral well-being of animals. Maintain a working knowledge of ASV Guidelines, Fear Free Shelter principles and updates that occur in animal welfare and then apply these standards to daily operations and decision-making. Maintain knowledge of common shelter diseases and pathogens and provide guidance to staff and volunteers on disease prevention and population health management. Behavioral and Pathway Planning Participate in behavioral assessments, plans and discussions, ensuring behavioral needs and concerns are effectively communicated to relevant staff. Serve as an active member of the Pathway Planning Team, contributing to placement decisions, individualized behavior and training plans, and behavioral euthanasia evaluations when necessary. Support efforts to identify and implement positive outcomes for animals requiring specialized placement or intervention. Staff Leadership and Development Develop and manage staff schedules to ensure adequate operational coverage. Supervise, direct, coach, and evaluate assigned staff, including performance management, employee counseling, disciplinary actions, and performance reviews. Coordinate, assign, and review work; monitor progress; and ensure established standards of quality and efficiency are met. Collaborate with leadership to develop and deliver staff training and professional development opportunities. Ensure staff demonstrate competency in infection control practices, animal handling, adoption counseling, and shelter operations. Foster a positive work environment that encourages professional growth, teamwork, and job satisfaction. Volunteer Coordination Work closely with the Animal Flow Manager to provide guidance, training, and supervision for animal care volunteers, including dog walkers, cat socializers, and enrichment program participants. Ensure volunteers receive accurate information regarding animal needs, handling protocols, and shelter procedures. Customer Service and Shelter Operations Serve as Manager on Duty and oversee intake and placement procedures in the absence of the Animal Flow Manager and Director. Provide exceptional customer service to visitors, adopters, fosters, and callers by explaining shelter policies and procedures in a professional and compassionate manner. Maintain a basic working knowledge of all animals currently in shelter care to effectively counsel potential adopters and foster caregivers. Process incoming mail, donations, and other administrative tasks as needed. Assist with additional shelter operations and special projects as assigned. Workplace Culture Ensure compliance with all shelter policies and procedures, as well as applicable laws, regulations, and standards related to animal welfare, workplace safety, and shelter operations. Promote and maintain a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the organization. Maintain a supportive and positive work environment built on teamwork, respect, compassion, and professional growth. Employees are expected to contribute to a culture of collaboration, open communication, and excellence in animal welfare. Additional Responsibilities Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and operations of the shelter. Manage front desk responsibilities including client check-ins, appointment scheduling, and providing pet care guidance with professionalism and enthusiasm. Train and mentor staff on animal handling techniques, veterinary terminology, and safety protocols to maintain a knowledgeable and confident team. Ensure proper documentation of medical records, treatment plans, and laboratory results in compliance with clinic policies. Maintain a safe environment by implementing animal restraint procedures and ensuring all staff are trained in emergency response protocols. Qualifications Proven experience working with animals in a kennel or veterinary setting; veterinary technician or assistant experience is highly valued. Strong knowledge of animal husbandry, animal behavior and veterinary terminology. Demonstrated ability to handle diverse animals including dogs, cats, and equines with confidence and compassion. Experience administering medications, performing animal restraint techniques, catheterization, and aseptic procedures. Familiarity with procedures related to veterinary care and pet health diagnostics. Excellent communication skills for front desk duties and team leadership; ability to educate clients on pet care needs effectively. Ability to manage multiple responsibilities efficiently while maintaining a lively, positive attitude that motivates others. Join us in making a difference by providing exceptional care for animals while leading a passionate team dedicated to their well-being!

Pay:

$20.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Experience:

Animal welfare: 3 years (Preferred) Ability to

Commute:

Troy, VA 22974 (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person