Shelter Manager

Shelter Manager

Position Summary:

The Shelter Manager leads daily operations within the shelter, ensuring animals receive appropriate 
care, staff remain aligned with performance expectations, and departmental goals are consistently 
met. This position requires strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and the ability to balance 
people and animal needs with limited resources. You’ll be responsible for flow-through planning, 
training, and performance coaching, while working closely with other departments to maintain a 
high standard of care and safety.

Key Responsibilities

● Facilitate animal flow and pathway planning to align with the shelter’s available resources and
capacity for care
● Oversee daily shelter operations including animal intake, outcomes, and general care
● Coordinate with other teams to manage stressors, disease control, and quality of life in the 
shelter environment
● Develop training and programs to promote understanding of shelter-based animal care, 
behavior, and safe handling
● Make recommendations regarding animal outcomes including adoption, foster, medical or 
behavioral intervention, transfer, or euthanasia
● Provide feedback, coaching, and support to staff to meet performance expectations and 
shelter demands
● Address employee work style, pace, and collaboration to align with organizational needs
● Monitor and ensure daily fulfillment of animals’ physical and behavioral needs, as well as 
safety protocols
● Implement and enforce policies and procedures related to animal husbandry, medical care, 
behavior, and sanitation
● Maintain accurate records of animal care and outcome activities
● Collaborate with the Executive Director on goal-setting and strategic improvements
● Prepare and present progress reports on shelter operations and departmental performance
Minimum Qualifications
● Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Science, or a related field, or equivalent
combination of education and experience
● 3–5 years of experience in animal care, field services, or shelter management
● Strong leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to delegate, coach, and hold staff 
accountable
● Knowledge of animal health, behavior, and shelter operations including sanitation and safety 
practices
● Comfortable working in a fast-paced, emotionally charged environment with competing
priorities
● Excellent verbal and written communication skills
● Proficient in Microsoft Office and shelter management software
● CPDT-KA, CDBC, or CSB-D preferred but not required
● Passion for animal welfare and the ability to lead a diverse team
Physical Demands
This role requires both administrative and physical work. The employee must be able to:
● Move throughout the shelter for extended periods
● Lift, carry, or position items weighing up to 50 pounds
● Work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions
● Handle exposure to loud noise, animal waste, cleaning chemicals, and the risk of bites or 
scratches
● Stoop, kneel, crouch, climb ladders, and communicate clearly with staff and the public