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Animal Welfare Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Communicate with management, producers and others as needed. * Able to work independently in a ... Animal welfare or animal husbandry exposure required. * Computer proficiency required. * Possess ...

Communicate with management, producers and others as needed. * Able to work independently in a ... Animal welfare or animal husbandry exposure required. * Computer proficiency required. * Possess ...

Animal Welfare Auditor II

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Communicate with management, producers and others as needed. * Able to work independently in a ... Animal welfare or animal husbandry exposure required. * Computer proficiency required. * Possess ...

Animal Welfare Auditor II

Des Moines, IA · Remote

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Communicate with management, producers and others as needed. * Able to work independently in a ... Animal welfare or animal husbandry exposure required. * Computer proficiency required. * Possess ...

Showing results 21-40

Animal Welfare Manager information

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$29K

$58.7K

$81.5K

How much do animal welfare manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal welfare manager in the United States is $58,681.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an animal welfare manager do?

As an Animal Welfare Manager, your daily responsibilities often include overseeing animal care operations, ensuring compliance with welfare guidelines, managing staff and volunteers, and coordinating intake or adoption processes. You may also be involved in developing and implementing animal care protocols, handling budgeting or resource allocation, and working with external partners like veterinarians and local authorities. The role requires a blend of administrative work, team leadership, and hands-on interaction with animals. By maintaining high standards of animal welfare and efficient operations, you play a crucial role in supporting both the animals and the organization's mission.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an animal welfare manager?

To thrive as an Animal Welfare Manager, you need expertise in animal care, welfare regulations, and management practices, typically supported by a degree in animal science, biology, or a related field. Familiarity with animal management software, shelter databases, and relevant certifications such as Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) is often advantageous. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help foster a positive team environment and effective advocacy for animal welfare. These capabilities are critical for ensuring compliance, operational efficiency, and the well-being of animals under your care.

What is an animal welfare manager?

An Animal Welfare Manager is responsible for overseeing the care, treatment, and well-being of animals in shelters, research facilities, or other organizations. They develop and enforce policies to ensure humane treatment, manage staff and volunteers, and coordinate with veterinarians and other professionals. Additionally, they may educate the public on animal welfare issues and advocate for policy changes. This role requires knowledge of animal behavior, health, and legal regulations. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for success in this position.

More about Animal Welfare Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Welfare Manager jobs? Cities with the most Animal Welfare Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Welfare jobs? The most popular types of Animal Welfare jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Welfare Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Welfare Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Animal Welfare Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,681 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Veterinarian - Local Animal Welfare Officer

Elanco Animal Health

Fort Dodge, IA • On-site

Other

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Elanco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Local Animal Welfare Officer

At Elanco – it all starts with animals! As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.

Making animals' lives better makes life better – join our team today!

Your Role:

Local Animal Welfare Officer

As the Local Animal Welfare Officer, you will be a key member of the Fort Dodge site, serving as a site veterinarian for our Research & Development and Manufacturing & Quality teams. In this critical role, you will be responsible for providing excellent veterinary care, ensuring local compliance with all animal welfare regulations, and supporting our global Animal Welfare organization's mission through policy development and accreditation activities.

Your Responsibilities:

  • Provide veterinary leadership and hands-on clinical care for animals in the Research & Development and Manufacturing & Quality departments, including herd/colony health monitoring and emergency treatments.
  • Serve as the designated Local Animal Welfare Officer (LAWO), ensuring site compliance with all regulatory guidelines, leading USDA inspections, and supporting AAALAC accreditation visits.
  • Drive the development and implementation of the site's animal welfare program, including creating and reviewing SOPs, training personnel on clinical and husbandry procedures, and providing guidance on best practices.
  • Support the global Animal Welfare organization by leading and participating in projects related to policy development, programmatic improvements, internal inspections, and third-party accreditation efforts.
  • Collaborate with site leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure robust biosecurity, biocontainment, and overall animal welfare program success, including participation in facility design and renovation projects.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):

  • Education: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from an accredited institution.
  • Experience: A minimum of 3 years of experience in an animal welfare-regulated environment within the Animal Health industry, including direct experience with third-party animal welfare accreditation processes (e.g., AAALAC) and a strong understanding of pre-clinical and clinical models.
  • Licensure: A current license to practice veterinary medicine in the United States and the ability to obtain licensure in the state of Iowa.
  • Technical Skills: Strong field and laboratory clinical skills.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):

  • Certifications: Diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM).
  • Experience: Prior experience conducting facility audits and deep familiarity with USDA regulations, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and the Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching.
  • Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, work independently, and navigate complex situations within multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Communication Skills: Advanced verbal and written communication skills, with a particular strength in conflict management.

Additional Information:

  • Travel: 10-20%
  • Location: Fort Dodge, IA - On-Site Work Environment

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrecognized groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!

Elanco Benefits and Perks:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:

  • Multiple relocation packages
  • Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)
  • 8-week parental leave
  • 9 Employee Resource Groups
  • Annual bonus offering
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Up to 6% 401K matching

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.


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