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Posted July 31, 2026

Animal Care Lead

Humane Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, IN, US Full Time
19USD per hour

Job Description

Job Description
Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Employee discounts
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave

Are you passionate about animal welfare and ready to lead a team dedicated to providing exceptional care? Humane Fort Wayne is seeking an Animal Care Lead to oversee the daily operations of our Animal Care team. This hands-on leadership role ensures every animal receives outstanding care while supporting staff, volunteers, and adopters in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

What You'll Do

Lead Daily Animal Care

  • Supervise and support the Animal Care team, ensuring high-quality care for every shelter animal.
  • Assign daily tasks and adjust priorities based on shelter needs.
  • Monitor animal health, behavior, enrichment, and quality of life.
  • Ensure kennels and animal spaces remain clean, safe, and welcoming.

Support Animal Welfare

  • Assist with admissions, transfers, foster placements, adoptions, and housing assignments.
  • Participate in enrichment activities, behavior observations, and canine playgroups.
  • Identify medical or behavioral concerns and communicate with shelter leadership and medical staff.

Coach & Develop Staff

  • Provide daily coaching, mentorship, and training to Animal Care team members.
  • Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive workplace culture.
  • Help onboard new employees and provide ongoing performance feedback.

Shelter Operations

  • Maintain accurate documentation and animal records.
  • Assist with scheduling, inventory management, and operational projects.
  • Ensure compliance with shelter policies, safety standards, and animal welfare best practices.
  • Serve as a positive ambassador for Humane Fort Wayne with adopters, volunteers, and community partners.

What You Bring

  • At least two years of experience in an animal shelter, humane society, or similar animal welfare organization.
  • Leadership or supervisory experience with a passion for coaching others.
  • Strong knowledge of animal behavior, husbandry, and humane handling practices.
  • Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining compassion for both people and animals.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and lift up to 50 pounds throughout the day.
  • Comfortable working in all weather conditions and an active shelter environment.

Why Join Humane Fort Wayne?

As an Animal Care Lead, you'll play a key role in shaping the daily lives of shelter animals while mentoring a dedicated team that shares your commitment to compassionate care. If you're ready to lead by example and make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you!

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