Find out everything you need to know about becoming an Animal Care Manager.

Job Title – Animal Care Manager

Description

An Animal Care Manager, Groomer, Trainer or any animal care service worker provides care for animals. They feed, water, groom, bathe, and exercise pets and other non-farm animals. Job tasks vary by position and place of work. 

Typical Job Activities

Manages all aspects of the day to day animal care operations. Ensures that work is done in a timely fashion and in accordance with established procedures and state laws. Assists with daily activities when necessary
Hires, trains, evaluates, supervises, schedules and directs the activities of the Animal Care staff and volunteers to provide for their growth and to maximize the potential of all employees and volunteers for the good of the organisation including individuals from the Work Release Program assigned to assist with animal care duties
Establishes and maintains an approved standard of care of animals in the shelter as well as the maintenance of shelter facility
Participates as a supportive member of the organisation management team to identify health and safety concerns, temperament issues, safe and humane handling and adaptability of shelter animals
Works collaboratively with all staff members to achieve the completion of daily work assignments, following proper shelter protocols; has accountability for measurable results in these areas
Treats animals humanely, with compassion and concern both on and off the job and transmits these values to others
Regularly participates in and conducts meetings with other members of the staff to share ideas and suggestions designed to improve working conditions and the programs of the organisation
Works with management staff to create and implement various Animal Care protocol and procedures including but not limited to physical examinations, vaccinations, euthanasia and other procedures
Supervises and performs euthanasia in accordance with Society policies and the law of the country; trains personnel in preparation of euthanasia certification
Ensures a high level of communication/supervision with and maintains discipline and prescribed work performance standards of all Animal Care staff
Fosters a team environment by working effectively with all members of the organization to accomplish department and organizational goals and objectives
Establishes and maintains a written equipment and daily operational supply inventory ensuring that necessary tools and resources are readily available to staff when needed
Assures the maintenance and use of shelter operational software, maintaining animal records as required and reviews the work of others on a regular basis to ensure that accurate and timely information is available and current. Is responsible for monthly/yearly animal statistics report
Promotes a positive business relationship with veterinarians outside the shelter
Consistently strives to keep abreast of animal care and welfare issues affecting the organisation and is prepared to act as a spokesperson of the Society as reasonably directed by the CEO
Acts in a confidential capacity as needed by the Director of Operations or CEO
Manages and establishes a standard of care for the foster care program
Provides on call support to respond to shelter emergencies on an as needed basis
Allows regular and timely attendance
Is responsible for assisting the Director of Operations with the development and implementation of the Animal Care Department Business Plan and Annual Budget as approved by the CEO
Is aware of the dynamics of the change process and works to ensure that all Animal Care activities and procedures are reviewed and modified in an effective and efficient manner

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Related Occupations

Animal caretaker
Animal trainer

Educational Requirements

Senior Certificate with matric exemption
To do a certificate in animal care or similar courses
Minimum four years’ experience in animal care working with animals in a veterinary hospital or animal shelter 

Compulsory subjects: None
Recommended subjects: None

What natural skills and/or aptitudes do I need for this occupation?

Have a sense for business
Have good communication skills
Be able to be good at handling animals
Be hard working
Have good judgement

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Employment Opportunities 

Low

Market Competitiveness

Low

Income Potential

Moderate

Self-Employment Opportunities

Moderate

International Employment Opportunities

Moderate

Possible Employers

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
Any animal shelter
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
4Paws Animal Shelter
TEARS
Animal Rescue organisations
Pet shops

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Relevant Contact Details

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
https://nspca.co.za/ 

Animal Welfare Organisation or Animal Shelters
https://www.pethealthcare.co.za

Career Progress and Path

Experience in specific field
Work performance

Possible Career Paths

Specialist career in the specific field

Employment Stability

Moderately stable

Reasons to consider this career

I am very interested in a specific subject or field
I can apply my special skills
I can be of service to people