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Animal Welfare Program Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Santa Barbara Zoo

Animal Care Associate

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$22.60 - $27.60/hr

Assists with supporting the Animal Welfare Program by utilizing digital platforms and software (such as Excel, ZIMS, Microsoft suite) for data management and liaising with Zoological Managers

Santa Barbara Zoo

Animal Care Associate

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$22.60 - $27.60/hr

Assists with supporting the Animal Welfare Program by utilizing digital platforms and software (such as Excel, ZIMS, Microsoft suite) for data management and liaising with Zoological Managers

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Animal Handling Specialist

Tar Heel, NC · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

... manage comprehensive animal welfare audits. You'll serve as a crucial link between the plant and ... program, as needed. * Facility Maintenance & Operations: Monitors condition of facilities and ...

Smithfield Foods

Animal Handling Specialist

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

... manage comprehensive animal welfare audits. You'll serve as a crucial link between the plant and ... program, as needed. * Facility Maintenance & Operations: Monitors condition of facilities and ...

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Animal Welfare Program Manager information

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$38.5K

$107.5K

$157K

How much do animal welfare program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal welfare program manager in the United States is $107,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Animal Welfare Program Manager do?

An Animal Welfare Program Manager oversees and implements programs designed to ensure the humane treatment and well-being of animals in various settings, such as shelters, research facilities, or agricultural operations. Their responsibilities include developing animal care policies, monitoring compliance with animal welfare regulations, training staff, and conducting inspections or audits. They may also coordinate outreach and education initiatives to promote animal welfare standards within the community.

What are some common challenges Animal Welfare Program Managers face when implementing new animal care protocols?

Animal Welfare Program Managers often encounter challenges such as staff resistance to change, limited resources, and the need to balance animal care standards with operational constraints. Successfully implementing new protocols often requires effective communication, comprehensive staff training, and ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance. Collaboration with veterinarians, animal caretakers, and regulatory agencies is essential to address concerns and adjust protocols as needed, ensuring the well-being of animals while meeting organizational goals.

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

To thrive as an Animal Welfare Program Manager, you need a solid background in animal science, welfare practices, and program management, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in animal care or advocacy. Familiarity with regulatory compliance systems, data management tools, and animal welfare auditing standards is typically required. Strong leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help you excel in stakeholder engagement and team coordination. These skills ensure programs are effectively implemented, compliant with regulations, and deliver positive outcomes for animal well-being.

What is the difference between Animal Welfare Program Manager vs Animal Shelter Coordinator?

AspectAnimal Welfare Program ManagerAnimal Shelter Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in animal science, biology, or related field; experience in program managementHigh school diploma or equivalent; experience with shelter operations
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, government agencies, or advocacy groupsAnimal shelters, rescue organizations, or municipal shelters
Employer & Industry UsageFocuses on program development, policy implementation, and advocacyHandles daily shelter operations, animal care, and adoption processes
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in animal welfare management and policyLearning about shelter operations and animal care roles

The Animal Welfare Program Manager typically oversees broader initiatives, policy development, and advocacy efforts within animal welfare organizations. In contrast, the Animal Shelter Coordinator focuses on daily shelter operations, animal care, and adoption processes. Both roles are vital in the animal welfare industry but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Animal Welfare Program Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Welfare Program Manager jobs? Cities with the most Animal Welfare Program Manager job openings:
What states have the most Animal Welfare Program Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Welfare Program Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Welfare Program Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Welfare Program Manager jobs are:
Animal Welfare Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Welfare Program 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, with an average salary of $107,460 per year, or $51.7 per hour.
Director of Statewide Animal Welfare Hotline & Investigations

Director of Statewide Animal Welfare Hotline & Investigations

Big Dog Ranch Rescue

Loxahatchee Groves, FL • On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

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Job description

Director of Statewide Animal Welfare Hotline & Investigations

Big Dog Ranch Rescue (BDRR)
Palm Beach County, Florida

About Big Dog Ranch Rescue

Big Dog Ranch Rescue is one of the nation's largest cage-free, no-kill dog rescue organizations, dedicated to rescuing dogs, advancing animal welfare, and developing innovative programs that create lasting change for animals nationwide.

Through a newly funded statewide initiative, BDRR is launching Florida's Animal Welfare Hotline, a centralized reporting and case-management program designed to assist citizens, support law enforcement, and improve the identification and referral of animal welfare concerns across the state.

Position Overview

The Director of Statewide Animal Welfare Hotline & Investigations will lead the development, management, and operation of Florida's Animal Welfare Hotline. This individual will oversee complaint intake, case review, investigative research, referral coordination, and statewide agency engagement.

The ideal candidate will possess strong investigative, analytical, and organizational skills and be capable of evaluating complaints involving animal cruelty, neglect, commercial breeding operations, animal fighting, hoarding situations, fraud, regulatory violations, and other animal welfare concerns.

This role will serve as a central liaison between the public, animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and regulatory agencies.

Key Responsibilities

Hotline Operations

● Oversee the daily operation of Florida's Animal Welfare Hotline.

● Review, triage, and assess incoming complaints and reports.

● Develop and implement intake protocols, case management procedures, and reporting standards.

● Ensure complaints are handled professionally, confidentially, and efficiently.

● Manage case tracking and follow-up processes.

Investigations & Case Development

● Conduct preliminary investigations and fact-gathering related to reported animal welfare concerns.

● Review supporting documentation.

● Research applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

● Analyze complaints to determine jurisdiction, severity, and appropriate referral pathways.

● Prepare detailed investigative summaries and case reports for review and referral.

Statewide Referral & Agency Coordination

● Develop and maintain a comprehensive statewide directory of animal welfare enforcement agencies and stakeholders.

● Establish standardized referral protocols for routing cases to the appropriate local, state, or federal authority.

● Build and maintain relationships with:

○ Animal Control Departments

○ Sheriff's Offices

○ Municipal Police Departments

○ State Attorneys

○ Veterinary Boards

○ Wildlife Agencies

○ State Regulatory Agencies

○ Federal Enforcement Agencies

○ Animal Welfare Organizations

● Coordinate referrals and facilitate communication among agencies when necessary.

● Develop escalation procedures for complex, multi-jurisdictional, or high-priority cases.

Data Management & Reporting

● Maintain accurate records and case files.

● Track complaint trends, referral outcomes, and enforcement activity.

● Develop monthly, quarterly, and annual program reports.

● Identify emerging animal welfare issues and recommend strategic responses.

● Utilize data to improve hotline efficiency and statewide impact.

Program Development

● Assist in the continued development and expansion of the hotline program.

● Create investigative protocols, training materials, referral guides, and decision trees.

● Identify opportunities to improve reporting, response coordination, and public engagement.

Qualifications

Required

● Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.

● Minimum of five years of experience in investigations, law enforcement, regulatory compliance, legal services, animal welfare, or a related field.

● Exceptional organizational and analytical skills.

● Strong written and verbal communication abilities.

● Ability to evaluate complex information and make sound recommendations.

● Experience managing sensitive and confidential information.

Preferred

● Experience conducting investigations or case reviews.

● Background in law enforcement, prosecution, regulatory enforcement, compliance, or animal welfare.

● Knowledge of Florida animal welfare laws and regulatory frameworks.

● Experience working with government agencies, animal control departments, shelters, or rescue organizations.

Technology & Innovation

The ideal candidate will be highly proficient with technology. Experience implementing technology-driven workflows and reporting systems is strongly preferred.

Desired Characteristics

● Mission-driven and passionate about animal welfare.

● Strong attention to detail.

● Excellent judgment and discretion.

● Ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously.

● Self-motivated with strong problem-solving abilities.

Impact

This position offers a unique opportunity to build and lead one of Florida's most significant animal welfare initiatives. The Director will play a critical role in connecting citizens with the appropriate authorities, improving statewide coordination, and helping ensure animal welfare concerns receive proper review and attention.