Animal Care Manager - Shelton

Animal Care Manager - Shelton

Shelton, WA

Full time

The Animal Shelter Manager oversees daily shelter operations, ensuring high standards of animal care, customer service, and team engagement. This role blends strategic leadership with hands‑on responsibility to foster a safe, nurturing environment for animals and the community.

The Humane Society of Mason County (HSMC) is a non‑profit organization providing assistance and care to displaced or abused animals including control of pet and feral population. Additionally, the organization is working to provide an animal shelter for unwanted companion animals. HSMC was founded in 1986 by a group of dedicated volunteers, many animals have been fostered over the years. In response to community need and spearheaded by a local veterinarian, 2004 brought efforts to revitalize the organization.

Growing our network of local supporters, and strengthening our volunteer base, we were able to hire our first two employees in 2022, and began performing low cost affordable spay and neuter services to the public. HSMC now manages a small facility in Belfair, offering low cost veterinary services and performing over 75 spay and neuter surgeries weekly! HSMC's facility also offers a pet food pantry and resource center for pet owners and community members.

HSMC has an extensive foster program housing over 100 animals in care at any given time, dedicated to providing medical care and finding forever homes. Our future includes a significantly expanded facility, new partnerships throughout the area and expanded service throughout Mason County.

• Lead and coach staff and volunteers in best practices, emotional intelligence, and accountability
• Develop clear goals, workflows, and team culture that supports collaboration and respect
• Oversee intake, health protocols, behavior assessments, and housing for all shelter animals
• Coordinate veterinary care, vaccination schedules, and special needs plans for animals in care
• Uphold hygiene, safety, and ethical standards in all areas of shelter care
• Manage the adoption program, ensuring matching is thoughtful and humane
• Lead outreach initiatives, foster recruitment, and pet retention efforts
• Serve as a public ambassador, representing the shelter with transparency and empathy
• Prepare operational reports, track key metrics, and manage inventory
• Ensure compliance with state and county regulations, grant reporting, and safety protocols
• Collaborate with executive leadership on budget planning and funding strategies
• Perform other duties, as assigned

• 1–3 years of direct experience in animal care, shelter work, or rescue operations.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s license and clean driving record
• Ability to pass the medical clerks testing requirements per Washington state.
• Experience leading small teams

• Proven experience in animal welfare, veterinary services, or shelter management
• Strong leadership capabilities with focus on emotional intelligence and adaptability
• Excellent organizational, communication, and decision‑making skills
• Knowledge of Washington State animal care standards and nonprofit operations
• Proficiency with shelter management software (e.g., Clinichq, Shelterluv) is a plus
• Must be comfortable administering injections and medications.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Compassionate and empathetic approach to working with animals and people.
• Ability to meet deadlines, juggle multiple and competing priorities, and maintain a positive, engaging atmosphere
• Ability to quickly, calmly, and efficiently adjust to changes in direction and re‑prioritize work
• Extensive knowledge and experience on handling various types of animals who may be frightened, aggressive or in need of medical care.
• Experience with conflict resolution
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills; authentic team player

All employees of HSMC are expected to embrace the organizational mission of providing a second chance for companion animals. In…