Animal Shelter Manager

An Animal Shelter Manager oversees the daily operations at a facility for animals that are in need of care. You’ll care for animals until permanent care can be found. Animal Shelter Managers lead a team of workers so you might have to organise rosters, training and staff recruitment. You might also be involved with duties such as feeding, watering and exercising animals and cleaning their enclosures.

Animal Shelter Managers need to have good leadership skills and be able to communicate well with a team of staff. You’ll need to be organised and have good administration skills. You need to be skilled at working with animals and be able to liaise with potential new animal owners.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $90,116
Skill level Beginner

How do I become a animal shelter manager?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended
ACM30122

Certificate III in Animal Care Services
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
9 - 21 months
$0 - $12,978
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Kennel Attendant Kennel Hand
Equine Veterinary Nurse Cattery Attendant Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Sheep Shearer Wool Worker Animal Shelter Manager Animal Management Officer Animal Trainer Veterinary Emergency Nurse Animal Welfare Officer Animal Health Officer Animal Technician
+ 14 more
ACM40418

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
12 - 24 months
$0 - $21,546
  • Completed Certificate III (AQF Level 3) or above in an animal science discipline OR
  • Completed Certificate II in Animal Studies or equivalent qualifications OR
  • Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience
Additional requirements may apply.
Equine Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Nurse Cattery Attendant
Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Animal Shelter Manager Veterinary Emergency Nurse Wildlife Rehabilitator Animal Welfare Officer Veterinary Technician Veterinarian
+ 9 more
  • Completed Certificate III (AQF Level 3) or above in an animal science discipline OR
  • Completed Certificate II in Animal Studies or equivalent qualifications OR
  • Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience
Additional requirements may apply.
Equine Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Nurse Cattery Attendant Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Animal Shelter Manager Veterinary Emergency Nurse Wildlife Rehabilitator Animal Welfare Officer Veterinary Technician Veterinarian + 9 more
ACM20121

Certificate II in Animal Care
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
4 - 12 months
$0 - $7,448
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Kennel Attendant Wildlife Carer
Zoo Keeper Equine Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Nurse Cattery Attendant Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Sheep Shearer Wool Worker Animal Shelter Manager Animal Management Officer Animal Trainer Animal Welfare Officer Animal Nutritionist Wildlife Officer
+ 15 more

Bachelor of Science (Animal Science)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $88,800
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Nutritionist Animal Welfare Officer Animal Scientist
Animal Health Officer Veterinary Technician Sheep Shearer Wool Worker Animal Shelter Manager Animal Management Officer Veterinarian
+ 7 more

Bachelor of Veterinary Technology
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $32,160
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Technician Veterinary Technician Veterinary Technologist
Equine Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Nurse Animal Shelter Manager Animal Management Officer Animal Trainer Animal Behaviourist Veterinary Emergency Nurse Veterinarian
+ 8 more

Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour)
On Campus
3 years
$0 - $32,100
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Behaviourist Animal Welfare Officer Wildlife Officer
Zoo Keeper Animal Control Officer Animal Shelter Manager Animal Management Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Animal Trainer
+ 7 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Animal Control Officer

An Animal Control Officer enforces animal welfare laws, capturing strays, investigating mistreatment, and working in shelters while ensuring effective communication.

Avg yearly income $78,520
Skill level Beginner

Animal Shelter Attendant

An Animal Shelter Attendant cares for lost or neglected animals by feeding, exercising, grooming, and cleaning, while also needing strong people skills.

Avg yearly income $70,460
Skill level Beginner

Animal Management Officer

An Animal Management Officer rescues mistreated animals, enforces laws, investigates breaches, and prepares reports while ensuring clear communication.

Avg yearly income $78,780
Skill level Beginner

Wildlife Management Officer

A Wildlife Management Officer conserves wildlife and their habitats by conducting surveys, assessing health, and promoting sustainable practices.

Avg yearly income $73,580
Skill level Beginner

Animal Welfare Officer

An Animal Welfare Officer ensures humane treatment of animals by investigating abuse, enforcing laws, and promoting proper care and welfare practices.

Avg yearly income $79,300
Skill level Advanced

Wildlife Officer

A Wildlife Officer manages and protects wildlife and habitats, monitoring populations, enforcing laws, and educating the public on conservation efforts.

Avg yearly income $81,432
Skill level Beginner

Common questions

How much does an Animal Shelter Manager earn?

In Australia, a full time Animal Shelter Manager generally earns $1,733 per week ($90,116 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for an Animal Shelter Manager?

There are currently 16,500 animal attendants in Australia and many of them work in an animal shelter. This industry is expected to see an increase in employment numbers in coming years. Animal Shelter Managers usually work in larger cities and towns where animal shelter facilities are located.

Source: The Labour Market Information Portal – 2019 Occupation Projections

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become an Animal Shelter Manager?

If you’re planning a career as an Animal Shelter Manager, consider enrolling in a Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services. This course will give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this career with topics such as caring for animals and basic training techniques.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

Most popular animal welfare and veterinary courses

12th April 2022)

Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers

10th November 2023)

How to start a career in Veterinary Nursing

7th September 2021)

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