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Animal Care Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care Lead

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

Animal Care Reports To: Animal Care Supervisor Location: 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Chamblee, GA ... Collaborate with management on animal placement while exhibiting respect, and celebrating the ...

Animal Care Manager

New Germany, MN · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Now, we're hiring a full-time Animal Care Manager to help make every day great! You'll guide your team in caring for the dogs and making sure they have an amazing time while staying with us. When you ...

Now, we're hiring a full-time Animal Care Manager to help make every day great! You'll guide your team in caring for the dogs and making sure they have an amazing time while staying with us. When you ...

Animal Care Manager

New Germany, MN · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Now, we're hiring a full-time Animal Care Manager to help make every day great! You'll guide your team in caring for the dogs and making sure they have an amazing time while staying with us. When you ...

Animal Care Tech 1

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Supporting the Animal Care Tech Lead and Animal Care Manager as needed. Report changes in animal behavior and health to the office teams so that appropriate notes can be entered into the animal ...

Animal Care Tech 1

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Supporting the Animal Care Tech Lead and Animal Care Manager as needed. Report changes in animal behavior and health to the office teams so that appropriate notes can be entered into the animal ...

Animal Care Tech 1

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Supporting the Animal Care Tech Lead and Animal Care Manager as needed. Report changes in animal behavior and health to the office teams so that appropriate notes can be entered into the animal ...

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Animal Care Manager information

What is an animal care manager?

An animal care manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the daily care and well-being of animals in shelters, zoos, or veterinary facilities. They coordinate staff, ensure proper nutrition and health, and maintain compliance with animal welfare standards, often requiring knowledge of animal behavior and relevant certifications. The role involves managing schedules, training staff, and ensuring a safe environment for both animals and humans.

What is the difference between Animal Care Manager vs Animal Shelter Supervisor?

AspectAnimal Care ManagerAnimal Shelter Supervisor
CredentialsAnimal care certifications, experience in animal handlingAnimal care certifications, supervisory experience
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, rescue organizations, veterinary clinicsAnimal shelters, rescue facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, veterinary clinics, pet organizationsAnimal shelters, rescue agencies
Common Search IntentManaging animal care programs, overseeing staffSupervising shelter operations, staff management

The main difference is that an Animal Care Manager focuses on overseeing animal care programs and ensuring animal well-being, while an Animal Shelter Supervisor manages daily shelter operations and staff. Both roles require animal care experience, but the Animal Care Manager often has a broader scope related to program management.

What are the most common challenges Animal Care Managers face when overseeing a team?

Animal Care Managers often encounter challenges in balancing the needs of the animals with available resources and staff schedules. Managing a diverse team requires strong communication skills to ensure everyone follows protocols and maintains consistent standards of care. Additionally, responding to unexpected situations, such as animal health emergencies or facility issues, can require quick decision-making and adaptability. Building a supportive and collaborative environment helps address these challenges effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Care Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Care Manager, you need expertise in animal husbandry, health monitoring, and supervisory experience, often supported by a degree in animal science or a related field. Familiarity with animal management software, inventory tracking systems, and relevant certifications like Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) is highly valued. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set outstanding managers apart in coordinating staff and ensuring animal welfare. These abilities are crucial for maintaining high standards of care, efficient operations, and a safe environment for both animals and staff.

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

Animal Care Managers and animal welfare officers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with many employers preferring post-secondary education in animal science, biology, or related fields. Relevant experience in animal handling, knowledge of animal behavior, and certifications such as pet first aid or animal care courses are also valuable. Strong communication skills and the ability to work in various environments are important for this role.

What is the highest paying job in the animal industry?

In the animal industry, veterinary surgeons or veterinarians typically earn the highest salaries, especially those specializing in exotic animals or working in private practices. Advanced certifications, specialized skills, and experience can lead to higher compensation, with some top-tier veterinarians earning six-figure incomes. Management roles such as Animal Care Managers generally have lower salaries compared to specialized veterinary positions.

What does an Animal Care Manager do?

An Animal Care Manager oversees the daily operations and staff involved in the care of animals in facilities such as shelters, zoos, or veterinary clinics. They are responsible for ensuring that animals receive proper nutrition, medical attention, and enrichment. Their duties also include supervising animal care staff, maintaining records, enforcing safety and welfare standards, and sometimes participating in the hiring and training of new employees. Animal Care Managers play a key role in ensuring the well-being of animals and the efficient functioning of their facility.

What is the highest paying job in animal care?

The highest paying roles in animal care typically include veterinary surgeons and specialized animal researchers, with veterinarians earning higher salaries due to advanced education and licensing requirements. Senior management positions such as animal care directors or zoo curators also tend to have higher compensation, especially in large organizations or institutions. These roles often require specialized skills, certifications, and experience in animal health or management.
More about Animal Care Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Care Manager jobs? Cities with the most Animal Care Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Care jobs? The most popular types of Animal Care jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Care Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Care Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Animal Care Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution.
Animal Care Manager

Animal Care Manager

Lifeline Animal Project Inc

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$60K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


LifeLine Animal Project rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Position: Animal Care Manager

Department: Animal Care

Reports To: Senior Director of Operations

Location: 1251 Fulton Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30336


Summary:

LifeLine Animal Project is committed to the care and welfare of pets and the people who love them. The values we exhibit as an organization show the strength of our staff, our leadership and our community. We expect all employees to exhibit LifeLine’s core values as we complete daily tasks, provide services to clients and care for our animals.


The Animal Care Manager is responsible for ensuring the humane treatment of animals in our care

and supervising the intake and animal care staff. The Animal Care Manager will facilitate

collaboration among departments and maintain adherence to Standard Operating Procedures

(SOPs) to promote the welfare of all animals in our care. This role requires strong leadership skills, a

passion for animal welfare, and the ability to manage a team effectively.


Essential Job Functions:

This represents a list of essential job duties. Other duties or special projects may be assigned as needed.

  • Uphold the standards and values of LifeLine Animal Project:

Save Lives -- Build Community -- Be Exceptional Stewards -- Be Courageous --

Be Compassionate -- Take Responsibility -- Respect, Embrace and Celebrate Diversity

  • Oversees the physical wellbeing, cleaning, exercise, medical needs and daily emotional

enrichment of animals.

  • Ensures humane animal handling according to established safety policies and procedures.
  • Oversees the operation of the Play Group program.
  • Works in cooperation with the Clinic Manager to initiate medical exams for shelter animals.
  • Ensure team provides excellent assistance to customers by exhibiting respect, and celebrating the diversity of those who are interested in adopting an animal, looking for their lost pet, or bringing an animal to the shelter for housing.
  • Exhibit exceptional stewardship by supporting the cleanliness and organization of the shelter’s walkways, animal areas, and work areas and ensure equipment is properly maintained and operational.
  • Participate in hiring and overseeing training of animal care and intake staff and

develop and implement training protocols.

  • Work within budget guidelines when ordering supplies and hiring staff.
  • Manages supply inventory to include ordering, receiving and distribution.
  • Work with veterinarian(s) to develop and implement disease control, animal health and

sanitation protocols.

  • Take responsibility to conduct department meetings to ensure all staff are up-to-date on shelter and LifeLine information, announcements, and changes.
  • Coordinate shelter maintenance problems with appropriate County personnel.
  • Perform and supervise euthanasia to ensure proper humane techniques are being

followed.

  • Properly maintain drug logs.
  • Produce reports and make presentations to other departments, LifeLine locations, or other

groups as needed.

  • Monitor and evaluate job performance of animal care and intake staff.
  • Coordinate performance evaluation and discipline actions for the animal care staff.
  • Explain and interpret a vast array of information and verify that staff comprehends instructions given whether written or verbal.
  • Be able to look at situations from the perspective of another.
  • Make decisions and take appropriate actions calmly in emergency and life threatening situations.
  • Determine when emergency medical care is needed and administer basic first aid when needed.
  • Courageously lead by example, modeling proper animal handling techniques, safety protocols, and compassionate care.
  • Maintain a good working relationship with Animal Enforcement.
  • Develop and manage programs to further LifeLine’s mission to save lives.
  • Promote a positive team culture based on LifeLine’s Core Values.
  • In conjunction with the Volunteer Services Director, oversee and support the volunteers who aid the animal care teams.
  • Work closely with the Client Services and Volunteer Director in addressing client/volunteer concerns and facilitating resolutions.
  • Help strengthen and build a community of animal welfare advocates by supporting and engaging the volunteers who aid the animal care teams.
  • Collaborates with other departments to accomplish departmental and organizational

goals.

  • Continue education by participating in LifeLine’s 40-hour annual training requirement.
  • Attend managerial meetings and events as needed.
  • Other tasks as assigned.


Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

  • Compassion for animals and the people who love and care for them.
  • Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity.
  • Advanced knowledge of animal behavior, habits, and husbandry.
  • Advanced animal handling skills for large and small animals.
  • Considerable knowledge of animal welfare programs.
  • Ability to prepare and maintain routine work records and reports.
  • Proven ability to effectively supervise the work of assigned subordinates.
  • Certified in humane euthanasia.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 12 hours a day) and to bend and reach to perform assigned work activities.
  • Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. without assistance.
  • Ability to communicate, understand and follow a variety of oral and written instructions/procedures.
  • Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work well in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
  • Comfortable working with dogs and cats of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments.
  • Basic animal medical and behavior knowledge (preferred)
  • Ability to follow safety protocols and handle challenging situations with calmness and professionalism.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with multiple departments to ensure efficient shelter operations.
  • Ability to interact with impounded dogs, cats and other animals including vicious, stray, sick or injured animals.
  • Ability to handle seeing and dealing with animals that have been abused, neglected or treated cruelly.
  • Ability to cope with the emotional impact of possible euthanasia cases.
  • Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and varying shifts based on shelter needs.
  • Must have a means of travel that ensures prompt arrival for work shifts.
  • Must be able to pass a background check.


Education and/or Experience:

Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent.

Two or more years of leadership experience.

A minimum of 1 year experience in shelter or kennel management in an animal shelter that impounds a minimum of 4000 animals a year is required.

Two or more years’ experience in animal related field, animal sheltering, or animal care preferred.

Fear Free Sheltering Preferred.


Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to unpleasant kennel smells. May have to handle dogs and cats that are stray, injured, diseased or vicious.




What LifeLine Animal Project employees say

Hours and flexibility

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