Service Dog Training Manager

American Humane Society is seeking an experienced Service Dog Training Manager in South Florida. This position will be on-site and reports directly to the Director, Sanctuary and Military Affairs Programming. American Humane Society is committed to fostering a welcoming workplace. As we seek to fill this position, we encourage high-performing applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

For nearly 150 years, American Humane Society has led the way in protecting animals and strengthening the bonds between animals and people. We respond first when animals need rescue, shelter, or protection. Through our groundbreaking programs – from our “No Animals Were Harmed®” certification in Hollywood to our farm and conservation welfare standards – we set the highest level of care and compassion in animal protection.

Working at American Humane Society means being part of something bigger. With offices in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Palm Beach, we provide a supportive, professional environment where your work makes a real difference in animals’ lives.

Position summary :
The Service Dog Training Manager will be based at American Humane’s Sanctuary in Palm City, FL, the flagship training location for service dogs for the Pups4Patriots (P4P) program. The Manager, in collaboration with the Director, Sanctuary and Military Affairs Programming, is responsible for managing and conducting the day-to-day operational activities of all service dog-related training programming at the American Humane Sanctuary. In order to ensure consistent application of service dog training standards and programmatic activity across the organization, the Manager will also consult and work closely with the VP, Companion Animal Welfare.

Responsibilities :

• Acquire dogs who meet the temperament and physical criteria for the Pups4Patriots service dog program
• Establish a robust foster program for dogs to be raised in homes in the local community
• While service dogs-in-training are housed on Sanctuary property, work with the Sanctuary Care Manager to provide daily kennel care following established procedures for nutrition, exercise, enrichment, grooming, cleaning/sanitation
• In conjunction with Sanctuary Care Manager, maintain the safety and sanitation of canine kennels, training areas and canine quarantine area
• Ensure service dogs-in-training receive proper veterinary care
• Train service dogs in obedience skills, public access skills, and tasks to assist with PTS and TBI, according to American Humane’s standards
• Train appropriate dogs to serve as family support dogs or facility/station dogs and aid in adoptions/placements
• Maintain daily canine care and training records electronically
• Provide regular training updates including photos and videos for internal and external audiences
• In conjunction with the Director and Program Manager, pair Sanctuary-trained service dogs with approved applicants
• Conduct handler training, assist handler/dog in successfully completing the American Humane Service Dog Assessment and provide ongoing support to graduates
• Host training retreats for program graduates
• Host community engagement opportunities such as novel handler training, Canine Good Citizen practice, etc. so dogs get experience working with non-trainers and volunteers can help with hands-on dog training
• Help recruit eligible veteran and first responder applicants in the region
• Serve as a key Sanctuary ambassador by delivering regular donor presentations and demonstrations to visiting guests and participating in AH-related events
• Perform other duties as required by the organization and the Director

Essential experience, knowledge, skills and abilities :

• Five or more years of experience in dog training and care required
• Two or more years of experience working for an Assistance Dogs International accredited agency is desired
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s level degree in Animal Science preferred
• Experience and maintaining a kennel
• Knowledge of military culture and mental health diagnoses
• Experience working with veterans/first responders and operating service dog programs
• Experience and ease in public speaking
• Excellent customer service skills with ability to problem-solve, adapt quickly and demonstrative diplomacy
• Conducts oneself with a high level of professionalism and responsiveness
• Operates with a high level of personal integrity and discretion, maintaining confidentiality and using sound judgment
• Detail oriented, well organized and able to handle logistical coordination of many initiatives in a rapidly changing environment
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills; active listening
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) able to quickly learn and adapt to new software or database systems

Direct reports :

• None currently, with possibility to have direct reports in the future depending on program need

Physical demands and work environment :

• Position will be based at the American Humane Sanctuary in Palm City, FL, no exceptions
• Must be comfortable being around animals, particularly dogs
• Walk 3 to 5 miles a day, on average
• Local travel for training service dogs will be frequent and periodic travel, including out of state and possible international travel will be likely, estimate 25%
• A valid driver’s license and insurability are required
• Vehicle that can safely be used to transport dogs to train in public on a daily basis
• Ability to obtain a US passport
• Weekend and evening work hours required
• Exposure to potential animal hazards such as animal bites and zoonosis.
• Ability to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stopping, crouching, pushing, pulling, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting up to 50 pounds individually. Exposure to unpleasant odors, sounds, chemicals, and inclement weather
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee will regularly be required to:
  • Look at and work on a computer screen for extended periods
  • Talk, hear and exchange information over the telephone, video screen and in person

American Humane Society’s core values define our workplace, and these values serve as the cornerstone for interactions in advancing our mission and institutional goals. Employees are expected to adhere to all organizational policies and to act as role models, demonstrating American Humane Society’s core values:

• Compassion – Being kind and caring in our interactions with others.
• Accountability -Holding ourselves to the highest standards. Following through on commitments and owning our actions, behavior, and decisions.
• Respect for All – Being professional, listening to others and honoring diversity in all its forms.
• Loyalty to Mission – Staying focused on our purpose and our mission – our nation’s most vulnerable depend on us.
• Sustainability -Contributing to being a great place to work and achieving our shared mission and goals to make a difference, now and in the future.
• Honesty, Integrity, Trust – Demonstrating transparency, as trusted stewards of donor resources, supporting our leadership and one another.

American Humane Society (AHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to fostering a welcoming, supportive workplace where our work makes a real difference in animals’ lives.

Job Details:

• Title: Service Dog Training Manager
• Type: Full-Time
• Location: Palm City, FL
• Compensation: $55,000 - $70,000 annually, depending on experience