Job Summary
The Dog Care Manager oversees dog welfare, supervises dog care staff and volunteers, and manages rescue intakes. Responsibilities include directing medical treatment plans, leading behavior assessments, coordinating rescue logistics, and training dog care staff and volunteers. This full-time role blends leadership with hands-on comprehensive daily care, health, and welfare practices required to maintain a dog’s well-being, including medical coordination and community engagement.
Job Responsibilities and Duties:
Leadership & Volunteer Management
· Supervise, train, and schedule Dog Caregivers and Volunteers, with a strong emphasis on safety.
· Recruit, train and mentor foster caregivers to expand the rescue’s capacity for in-home care.
· Lead the team and make fast, decisive calls during dog care emergencies.
· Conduct weekly status meetings with the Executive Director and daily staff check-ins.
Dog Care & Health Management
· Oversee all daily dog care procedures: feeding, hydration, and kennel sanitation.
· Create and implement daily enrichment and basic behavior modification plans to improve dog adoptability and decrease shelter stress.
· Implement custom canine nutrition plans based on individual needs, age, and medical restrictions.
· Manage regular dog health checks and ensure strict adherence to medical treatment plans.
· Administer medications, prescription supplements, and routine injections.
Adoption & Community Support
· Assist the adoption team by assessing dog-to-adopter matches and conducting meet-and-greets.
· Educate the public on safe dog handling practices and act as an advocate for the rescue in the community.
· Address public inquiries, educate potential adopters, and resolve customer concerns professionally.
Rescue Intake & Veterinary Coordination
· Act as main point of contact for animal transport and shelter transfers.
· Perform health and behavioral evaluations for all prospective dog intakes.
· Coordinate incoming surrenders, strays, and animal control cases.
· Schedule and assist with veterinary visits and implement post-intake quarantine protocols.
Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
· Maintain a strong understanding of local, state, and federal animal welfare regulations and licensing laws.
· Ensure kennel operations, intake procedures, and holding periods fully align with legal requirements and safety standards.
· Prepare facility records and physical spaces for routine regulatory or shelter licensing inspections.
Administrative & Kennel Operations
· Maintain accurate canine medical files, intake paperwork, and shelter database records.
· Manage inventory, placing orders for dog food, preventative medications, and kennel supplies.
· Assist as needed in hands-on kennel cleaning, dog walking, enrichment, and facility maintenance, including dog yards.
· Ensure all training tools, crates, and medical equipment are sanitized and in good condition.
Qualifications:
Experience: 4+ years of hands-on dog care, handling, or rescue experience; 2+ years of veterinary assistant or supervisory experience strongly preferred.
Licensure: Veterinary Technician Certification is preferred.
Physical & Environmental: Must be able to lift 40 - 50 pounds, handle strong/large dogs, and work outdoors in all weather conditions. Possess the mental fortitude to manage the emotional toll of rescue work in a positive, professional manner.
Skills: Deep understanding of canine behavior, body language, safe handling techniques, and shelter sanitation protocols. Familiarity with shelter management software and basic digital tools. Highly organized with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Dependability: Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Values: Reliable, self-motivated team player deeply committed to canine rescue, The Sanctuary at Haafsville’s mission as a NO Kill shelter, and the animal welfare movement.
Job Details & Compensation:
Job Type: Full-Time (40 hours per week)
Annual Salary: $55,000 - $62,000 annually, including generous PTO
Availability: Typical workweek – Tuesday-Saturday, with flexibility to work holidays/varying shift times, as needed for animal emergencies.
Location: On-site (The Sanctuary at Haafsville, 901 Nestle Way, Breinigsville, PA 18031)
Pay: $55,000.00 - $62,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
