French is the primary working language at the SPCA de l’Outaouais. Fluency in spoken and written French is required for this position.

Job Summary

The Animal Health Manager will work closely with the Chief Veterinarian to coordinate, provide guidance, and carry out daily operational activities related to animal care, biosecurity, and sanitation, as well as to ensure strict adherence to animal welfare protocols.

Under the direction of the Chief Veterinarian, the Animal Health Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and supervising all animal care at the shelter, with the exception of veterinary procedures and care. The person in this position ensures compliance with established protocols, procedures, and standards to guarantee quality of care, animal welfare, biosecurity, and regulatory compliance. They provide direct guidance for the animal health team (animal caretakers, assistant technicians, and animal health technicians) and work closely with various departments to promote consistent and optimal care for the animals.

Job Type

Permanent, full-time position (5 days/week – 40 hours), at the managerial level, based on-site at the SPCA de l’Outaouais in Gatineau.

Salary

Starting annual salary of $61,360 to $67,450 depending on experience (determined according to the current pay scale).

What We Offer

· Attractive employee benefits and a group insurance program;

· 4 weeks of annual vacation;

· Flexible work arrangements;

· A caring, collaborative work environment focused on animal welfare;

· Opportunities for professional development and continuing education;

· The chance to directly contribute to a mission that makes a tangible impact in the community.

Main Responsibilities

Management and leadership of the animal health team:

· Provide guidance, motivate, guide, and evaluate animal caretakers, assistant technicians, and animal health technicians under your supervision;

· Ensure effective scheduling of work shifts, allocation of daily tasks, and performance monitoring;

· Rigorously track attendance, absences, and HR records in accordance with internal policies;

· Provide daily operational support, resolve on-site issues, and foster a healthy and collaborative work environment;

· Plan, organize, and lead ongoing training sessions on care, best practices, and internal protocols;

· Actively participate in the recruitment, onboarding, integration, and training of new staff in their department;

· Monitor the department’s budget, obtain and analyze bids, and ensure the procurement of supplies necessary for the smooth running of operations;

· Assist with billing for services rendered and data entry in accordance with contractual obligations with MAPAQ and municipalities.

Supervision of Care and Biosafety:

· Oversee the quality of daily basic care provided to housed animals (feeding, habitat maintenance, enrichment);

· Oversee the implementation of care protocols established by the veterinary team (intake examinations, vaccinations and administration of antiparasitic treatments, daily treatments, and euthanasia);

· Ensure the implementation and strict adherence to sanitation, hygiene, and biosafety protocols;

· Actively collaborate with the chief veterinarian on the development, review, and updating of care protocols.

Compliance, Quality, and Accountability:

· Ensure that facilities and practices comply with MAPAQ standards (Animal Welfare and Safety Act) and CNESST regulations, while promoting best practices in animal welfare at the shelter;

· Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to the quality of care, efficiency, and sanitation at the shelter;

· Actively participate in MAPAQ inspections as well as the organization’s internal audits;

· Produce regular operational reports for their immediate supervisor regarding performance indicators.

Cross-Sector Coordination and Liaison:

· Collaborate closely with the animal care pathway to ensure optimal flow and care for each animal during their stay;

· Support logistics and animal care during post-patrol interventions, seizures, or cases of abuse, and track boarding care costs;

· Actively participate in animal coordination meetings and interdepartmental operational discussions to ensure an integrated approach to animal welfare.

Desired Profile

Requirements

· College diploma in veterinary health technology or a related field;

· Experience in team management or coordination in an animal facility, clinic, or shelter;

· Strong knowledge of shelter operations, including managing large numbers of animals, prevention, biosecurity, and related operational challenges;

· Strong interest in animal welfare as well as in the continuous improvement of practices in shelter medicine and animal population management;

· Excellent communication, writing, and analytical skills in French;

· Bilingualism (French/English) is considered an asset.

Desired Skills

· Inspiring leadership, strong team spirit, and excellent interpersonal skills;

· Demonstrated ability to manage a team in a high-volume, emotionally demanding environment;

· Strong organizational skills, professional rigor, and the ability to manage priorities;

· A solution-oriented approach, proactivity, and sound professional judgment;

· Resilience, empathy, and a strong commitment to the organization’s animal protection mission.

To Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter to:

· emplois@spcaoutaouais.ca

· Deadline: July 24, 2026, at 11:00 p.m.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.