Animal care and welfare manager

This occupation is found in a wide range of settings within the animal care sector. Animal care and welfare managers may typically be employed by animal charities, pet care services, pet retailers, entertainment and education.

The work is carried out individually or as part of a team in places such as kennels and catteries, animal welfare centres, farm parks, grooming salons rehabilitation centres, retail outlets and during the transportation of animals.

They may work for small independent employers through to national pet businesses and could specialise in one or more species.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to plan and manage the husbandry needs of domestic and/ or wild animals in their care. They will problem solve and deal with issues arising relating to the animal’s welfare. They ensure that the welfare needs of individual animals are met and that colleagues are appropriately engaged. They will adapt and prepare for the needs of the individual animal, taking accounts of things such as their life stage, condition or behaviour.

The animal care and welfare manager will provide a customer service and deal with client complaints. They will gather information from the customer to support the care and provide advice when appropriate.

Typically, an animal care and welfare manager will provide the animals with sustainable, enriching environments and keep the animals in good physical and mental health. They plan and implement suitable groups to prevent conflict and ensure stress free environments, recognising where social contact is not appropriate.

An animal care and welfare manager will conduct welfare assessments and prepare plans to meet the bespoke needs of the animal. They ensure accommodation and husbandry requirements are met.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a range of stakeholders using a variety of communication styles. These may typically include customers, clients, veterinary professionals, licensing officers, service providers, product suppliers and manufacturers. They may also liaise with other animal care professionals and industry bodies. They will share technical knowledge with peers and will support newly appointed carers or volunteers.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for providing care to animals in accordance with appropriate legislation, regulations and organisational policies. They oversee the day to day running of the business, working autonomously, planning and carrying out the daily working schedule. They support or supervise others on their team. They will report and maintain necessary records in relation to the animals, their welfare, and the maintenance of relevant equipment.

Often working with a variety of species or breeds, they are responsible for detailing nutritional and accommodation requirements which are implemented by colleagues.

They have a responsibility to operate in a sustainable manner, adopting environmentally sustainable working practices. They will maintain a professional and safe working environment in line with legislation and company policies and take responsibility for themselves, animals and others. They will be responsible for handling and storing equipment in accordance with company policy/ safety requirements. They will ensure that equipment is disinfected appropriately, and that cleanliness and bio security are maintained. They will dispose of waste materials in line with regulatory requirements.

An animal care and welfare manager will have responsibility for handling confidential data and may take payments for services provided. They will also deal with standard customer queries.

They will adhere to legal requirements relevant to their setting and including the Animal Welfare Act 2006, Vet Surgeons Act 1966. They have a responsibility to work safely in accordance with health and safety regulations and company policies.