Welfare Manager

Dogs Trust; Wymeswold; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Dogs Trust is seeking a Welfare Manager in our Loughborough centre to lead a small team delivering veterinary care and behaviour modification for dogs in our care. You will drive compassionate decisions through specialist rehabilitation, aiming for successful rehoming.

The role requires accredited canine behaviour expertise, strong leadership, and a passion for rehoming, with responsibility for staff development and partner collaboration.

Qualifications

• Accredited clinical dog behaviourist (CCAB, CAB) with extensive canine behaviour and welfare experience.
• Proven leadership and track record of developing high-performing teams.
• Strong communication skills and ability to influence diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a small team to deliver veterinary care and behaviour modification for dogs in our care.
• Act as a balanced advocate for behavioural and veterinary needs to achieve the best outcomes for each dog.
• Oversee staff and volunteer training in behaviour and dog handling, ensuring SOPs and safety guidelines are followed.
• Develop and implement tailored behaviour modification plans for dogs with complex needs and monitor progress toward rehoming.
• Support professional development of Behaviour Officers, Dog Welfare Assistants, and Supervisors through mentoring and workshops.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure consistent behavioural support before, during, and after rehoming.

Job description

Welfare Manager

Application Deadline: 30 October 2026

Department: Rehoming

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Loughborough

Compensation: £34,252 per year, plus benefits

Description

Are you ready to make a lasting impact on the lives of dogs and the people who care for them?

We're looking for a Welfare Manager to take charge of the welfare journey for every dog in our centre. In this pivotal role, you will drive timely, compassionate decisions through expert behavioural and veterinary rehabilitation, ensuring each dog progresses toward their forever home.

What does this role do?

As Welfare Manager, you'll:

• lead, coach and develop a small team to deliver high-quality veterinary care and behaviour modification for dogs in our care,
• act as a balanced advocate for both behavioural and veterinary needs to achieve the best outcomes for each dog,
• oversee staff and volunteer training in behaviour and dog handling, ensuring all colleagues work within SOPs, legal, and health and safety guidelines,
• develop and implement tailored behaviour modification plans for dogs with complex needs and monitor progress towards successful rehoming,
• support professional development of Behaviour Officers, Dog Welfare Assistants, and Supervisors through mentoring, assessments, and workshops,
• collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure consistent, informed behavioural support before, during, and after rehoming.

Could this be you?

As an accredited clinical dog behaviourist (CCAB, CAB) with extensive experience in canine behaviour and welfare; including behaviour modification, clinical assessment, and risk management, you will have proven expertise in safely handling and rehabilitating dogs across a range of breeds and behavioural profiles. With a strong track record of leading, developing, and managing high-performing teams, you will also be a skilled communicator, who is able to influence and engage a variety of audiences. Above all, you'll be passionate about rehoming, and have a commitment to the aims and objectives of Dogs Trust.

What does this team do?

Our rehoming centres house thousands of dogs each year until they can find a loving new home and the success of our centres wouldn't be possible without our dedicated team of staff and volunteers, there is a real family-community within each of our centres. Come rain or shine, our team are out in all weathers to make sure the dogs have the best possible life. Dealing with thousands of visitors each month, our rehoming centres are the face of Dogs Trust, and we pride ourselves on our staff providing the very best in customer service.

Interviews will be held at our Loughborough Rehoming Centre.