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Animal Care Manager Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Passionately Pets

Animal Care Specialist

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Passionately Pets is seeking an animal care specialist in Shirlington (22206) for pet sitting and ... Communicate with management Schedule * Weekdays, weekends, and holidays as needed * Visits ...

Passionately Pets

Animal Care Specialist

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Passionately Pets is seeking an animal care specialist in Shirlington (22206) for pet sitting and ... Communicate with management Schedule * Weekdays, weekends, and holidays as needed * Visits ...

Passionately Pets

Animal Care Specialist

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$28/hr

Passionately Pets is seeking an animal care specialist in Shirlington (22206) for pet sitting and ... Communicate with management Schedule * Weekdays, weekends, and holidays as needed * Visits ...

Passionately Pets

Animal Care Specialist

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$28/hr

Passionately Pets is seeking an animal care specialist in Shirlington (22206) for pet sitting and ... Communicate with management Schedule * Weekdays, weekends, and holidays as needed * Visits ...

Passionately Pets

Animal Care Specialist

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Passionately Pets is seeking an animal care specialist in Shirlington (22206) for pet sitting and ... Communicate with management Schedule * Weekdays, weekends, and holidays as needed * Visits ...

Bioqual Inc

Animal Caretaker

Rockville, MD · On-site

This includes tasks in animal care, sanitation, operations support, quality control and technical ... Manager * Monitor and record humidity and temperature in appointed rooms daily, noting unusual ...

Bioqual Inc

Animal Caretaker

Rockville, MD · On-site

$19.85 - $23/hr

This includes tasks in animal care, sanitation, operations support, quality control and technical ... Manager * Monitor and record humidity and temperature in appointed rooms daily, noting unusual ...

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Animal Care Manager information

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 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 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 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 commonly searched types of Animal Care jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Animal Care jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Animal Care Manager jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Animal Care Manager job openings:

Animal Care Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Care Manager job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Animal Care Supervisor

Washington, DC • On-site

Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA)
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA)external

$22/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Starting at $22.00 per hour


About the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA)


For more than 150 years, the Humane Rescue Alliance has championed the protection of animals, support for people, and service to the community. With campuses in the District of Columbia and New Jersey, along with the nation’s leading pet transport initiative, it stands as the largest and most comprehensive animal services provider in the region. Each year, HRA transforms the lives of tens of thousands of animals through rescue and adoption, humane protection, access to medical care, innovative community programs, and legislative leadership. Its broad reach and deep expertise enable HRA to reimagine traditional sheltering and address the most complex challenges facing animals and the people who love them.  

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Operations Manager & Director, the Animal Care Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the animal care department and ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare at Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA).

This role provides direct supervision, leadership, and development of all Animal Care staff, ensuring consistency in care, cleanliness, enrichment, and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures.

The Animal Care Supervisor serves as a key operational leader, ensuring efficient workflow, staff accountability, and a safe, humane environment for all animals.

The Role: What You’ll Do

Leadership & Supervision

  • Directly supervise, coach, and support all Animal Care staff & Leads, ensuring accountability and high performance. 
  • Create and maintain daily staff schedules to ensure proper coverage and operational efficiency. 
  • Lead onboarding, training, and continuous development of Animal Care team members. 
  • Conduct regular check-ins, performance feedback, and assist with performance evaluations. 
  • Foster a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented work environment. 
  • Address staff concerns, resolve conflicts, and escalate issues to the Operations Manager as needed. 

Animal Care Oversight

  • Oversee and ensure completion of all daily animal care tasks including feeding, cleaning, enrichment, and monitoring. 
  • Ensure all animal housing areas meet HRA’s standards for cleanliness, safety, and enrichment. 
  • Monitor animal health and behavior, ensuring timely communication with Medical and Behavior teams. 
  • Ensure accurate and timely documentation in systems such as PetPoint.
  • Maintain compliance with all animal welfare regulations and organizational policies. 

Operations & Coordination

  • Manage daily workflow and task assignments to ensure efficiency and consistency across shifts. 
  • Identify operational gaps and implement solutions to improve processes and outcomes. 
  • Coordinate with Facilities to address maintenance and repair needs. 
  • Ensure supplies and inventory for animal care are adequately stocked and maintained. 
  • Serve as primary point of contact for Animal Care operations in the absence of the Operations Manager.

Behavior & Enrichment Support

  • Ensure implementation of daily enrichment plans and behavior support strategies. 
  • Collaborate with Behavior team on interventions, playgroups, and assessments. 
  • Support staff in safe animal handling practices, including Fear Free® techniques. 

Customer & Public Interaction

  • Support adopters, fosters, and volunteers with animal care and behavior guidance as needed. 
  • Represent HRA professionally when interacting with the public and community partners. 

Compliance & Safety

  • Ensure staff adhere to all safety protocols, animal handling procedures, and regulatory requirements. 
  • Maintain a safe working environment for staff, volunteers, and animals. 
  • Respond appropriately to emergencies, including animal incidents and facility concerns. 

General Responsibilities

  • Perform hands-on animal care duties as needed to support team operations. 
  • Handle animals of all temperaments, including sick, injured, or aggressive animals. 
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Operations Manager or Director. 
Physical Requirements & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

  • Basic knowledge of animal restraint and handling techniques and general animal safety practices, including recognizing animal breeds and behavior patterns.
  • Basic understanding of canine and feline behavior, animal health, and positive reinforcement training methods.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills with the ability to multi-task.
  • Passion for the St. Hubert’s& HRAmission, and for caring for all animals regardless of age, breed, temperament, or species, and supporting and educating members of the public, free of judgment or bias.
  • Work collaboratively and with confidence in a high-stress, fast-paced work environment.
  • Ability to work effectively, both independently and in a team environment, in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures. Ability to be flexible, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize. 
  • Ability to positively interact with colleagues, coworkers, and community members from widely varied backgrounds with integrity and honesty throughout the position,maintainingconfidentiality.
  • Reliability,a high levelof integrity, and punctuality are essential.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; bilinguala plus.
  • Highly motivated and creative with experience and a passion for connecting with current and future clients.
  • Able to work well under pressure, in emotionally charged situations and handle confrontation politely and professionally while finding a solution
About You: Skills & Qualifications
  • Minimum 2-year animal welfare or animal related experience
  • Fear Free®certified required or must obtain within30 daysof employment 

Apply