Animal Care Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of animal welfare and environmental consciousness, the focus on Animal Care Managers has never been more significant.

As our awareness of animal needs and rights grows, the demand for skilled individuals who can oversee, enhance, and protect our animal care systems intensifies.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Animal Care Manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the inner workings of animal care management,

You’ve found the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Animal Care Manager job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Animal Care Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Animal Care Managers oversee the daily operations of animal facilities, ensuring that the animals are cared for appropriately, and that the facility remains clean and safe.

They also coordinate with staff, volunteers, and potentially customers, depending on the nature of the facility.

Here are the duties and responsibilities of an Animal Care Manager:

• Manage and coordinate the daily operations of the animal care facility
• Ensure the health and well-being of all animals by overseeing their feeding, grooming, and medical care
• Recruit, train, supervise and evaluate staff and volunteers
• Develop and implement animal care protocols and procedures
• Manage the facility’s budget and resources, including animal food, medical supplies, and cleaning materials
• Conduct regular inspections to ensure that the facility meets health and safety regulations
• Coordinate with veterinarians for regular and emergency animal health check-ups
• Communicate with the public or potential adopters, if applicable
• Handle any administrative tasks associated with the operation of the facility
• Stay updated with the latest best practices in animal care and welfare

 

Animal Care Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Animal Care Manager to oversee the health and wellbeing of our animals.

This role involves supervising the care of animals, coordinating with veterinarians, and managing animal care staff.

The ideal candidate has a strong love for animals, experience in a relevant role, and excellent management skills.

Ultimately, the Animal Care Manager ensures the welfare of our animals and adherence to all relevant animal care regulations.

 

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily care of animals in the facility
• Coordinate with veterinarians for regular check-ups and emergency situations
• Develop and implement protocols for feeding, cleaning, and general animal care
• Manage, train, and supervise animal care staff
• Ensure compliance with animal welfare laws and regulations
• Manage animal adoption processes and records
• Address visitor inquiries and provide animal-related information
• Coordinate volunteer activities and public visits
• Ensure the facility is clean and well-maintained

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an Animal Care Manager or similar role in animal care
• Knowledge of animal behavior and care
• Familiarity with animal health and wellness, and understanding of common illnesses and treatments
• Excellent managerial and training skills
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Passion for animal welfare
• A degree in animal science, veterinary medicine or related field is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Opportunity to work with animals
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Animal Care Manager
• Work Environment: Animal shelter or sanctuary. The role involves direct contact with animals and may require working on weekends or holidays.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of the facility.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Animal Care Manager Do?

An Animal Care Manager typically works for various establishments such as zoos, animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or animal research facilities.

Their primary role is to ensure the health, safety and well-being of animals under their care.

They are responsible for overseeing daily operations, including feeding, cleaning, and providing medical care to animals.

They may also be involved in developing diets, observing behavior, and providing enrichment activities to enhance the animals’ physical and mental well-being.

Animal Care Managers often work closely with veterinarians and other animal care staff to maintain the overall health of the animals.

They may also coordinate rescue efforts for injured or abandoned animals.

In addition to their work with animals, Animal Care Managers often have administrative duties such as managing budgets, maintaining records, and ensuring compliance with animal welfare laws and regulations.

They also interact with the public, educating visitors about animal behaviors, conservation issues, and the work they do in caring for animals.

In some settings, Animal Care Managers may be involved in research or conservation efforts, helping to protect and preserve animal species.

Overall, their work requires a deep understanding of animal behavior, nutrition, and healthcare, as well as strong management skills.

 

Animal Care Manager Qualifications and Skills

An accomplished Animal Care Manager should possess a blend of technical knowledge, compassion for animals, and management acumen.

The specific skills and qualifications required may include:

• A deep understanding of animal behavior and well-being, along with the ability to identify signs of distress, illness, or injury in a variety of animal species.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for building relationships with staff members, volunteers, stakeholders, and the public, as well as for handling queries and complaints.
• Leadership and team management skills to oversee, train, and motivate a diverse team of animal care staff and volunteers.
• Strategic planning and organizational abilities to ensure the smooth running of daily operations, including feeding, cleaning, medical care, and enrichment activities for the animals.
• Problem-solving skills to handle unforeseen circumstances or emergencies related to animal health and safety.
• Knowledge of local and national animal welfare legislation and regulations to ensure compliance at all times.
• Physical stamina and ability to work in various environmental conditions, as the role often involves manual tasks and outdoor work.
• Experience in veterinary care or animal biology can be advantageous, as well as a certification in animal care or management.

 

Animal Care Manager Experience Requirements

Animal Care Managers often have a degree in an animal-related field such as Animal Science, Veterinary Technology or Biology.

This education provides them with a solid theoretical foundation, while internships or part-time jobs in veterinary clinics, zoos, shelters or pet stores offer practical experience.

Entry-level candidates for the Animal Care Manager position may have 1 to 3 years of experience working directly with animals, often in roles such as an Animal Care Attendant, Vet Technician, or Animal Handler.

This experience allows them to understand the basic needs of different species and to learn how to manage animal-related emergencies.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience may have held roles such as an Animal Care Supervisor or Assistant Manager.

These positions often involve more responsibility, including the supervision of staff, the implementation of animal care protocols, and the management of facilities.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of animal care operations.

These candidates are likely prepared for the broad responsibilities of an Animal Care Manager, which can include staff training, budgeting, coordinating with veterinarians, and ensuring the overall wellbeing of animals in their care.

 

Animal Care Manager Education and Training Requirements

Animal Care Managers typically require a bachelor’s degree in animal science, veterinary science, zoology, or a related field.

They must also have practical experience, ideally gained through internships, volunteering, or work placements in animal shelters, zoos, veterinary clinics, or wildlife rehabilitation centers.

A comprehensive understanding of animal behavior, nutrition, health, and welfare, as well as administrative skills, is critical for this role.

Knowledge in first aid for animals can be beneficial.

For higher level roles or certain specialized settings, a master’s degree in animal science, veterinary science, or a related field may be necessary.

Certifications in animal care, such as those offered by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS), can be advantageous and may increase job prospects.

Continuous professional development is important in this role as it requires staying abreast of the latest research and developments in animal welfare and care.

 

Animal Care Manager Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Animal Care Manager is $46,610 (USD) per year.

However, the actual income can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience in the field, the location of employment, and the type and size of the employing organization.

 

Animal Care Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Animal Care Manager need?

An Animal Care Manager should possess excellent communication and leadership skills, as they are in charge of a team of animal care staff.

They need to have a good understanding of animal behavior and welfare, and a working knowledge of animal health and diseases.

Problem-solving skills, decision-making ability, and organizational skills are also crucial for this role.

 

Do Animal Care Managers need a degree?

While not always a requirement, some employers prefer candidates with a degree in animal science, veterinary technology, zoology, or a related field.

Practical experience in animal care, either through previous jobs or internships, is usually required.

Some positions may also require certification from a recognized institution.

 

What should you look for in an Animal Care Manager resume?

An Animal Care Manager’s resume should demonstrate relevant experience in animal care or management roles.

Look for indications of leadership skills, such as previous roles where they managed a team.

Their resume should also show a solid understanding of animal health and welfare, and any certifications or degrees related to animal care are a big plus.

 

What qualities make a good Animal Care Manager?

A good Animal Care Manager is compassionate and has a genuine love for animals.

They are calm under pressure, able to make sound decisions during emergencies.

They should have good leadership skills and be able to motivate their team.

Organizational skills are also important, as they often have to juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities.

 

Is it difficult to hire an Animal Care Manager?

Hiring an Animal Care Manager can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

The ideal candidate would have a combination of education, experience in animal care, and management skills.

As such, attracting and retaining qualified candidates may require offering competitive compensation, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive work environment.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unmasked the unique and rewarding role of an Animal Care Manager.

And guess what?

It’s not just about feeding and grooming animals.

It’s about providing compassionate care, ensuring welfare, and making a difference in their lives.

With our go-to Animal Care Manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to make a move.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to meticulously curated job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every interaction with animals is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s shape a world full of compassion and care. Together.

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