Puppy Program Manager

Canine Companions For Independence; Oceanside (CA); On-site; USD 70,500 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid health coverage

Paid time off

Retirement savings

Community engagement support

Job summary

Canine Companions For Independence is seeking a Puppy Program Manager in Oceanside, CA. This full-time position involves managing volunteer puppy raisers and overseeing daily operations within the puppy program, including support for puppy raisers and ensuring their adherence to program standards.

The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, the ability to manage teams, and experience in dog training. The role offers a salary range of $70,500 to $73,000 annually and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Ability to perform several tasks concurrently and meet deadlines.
• Experience in dog training and behavior, animal health care procedures.
• Ability to manage and motivate staff and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Manage puppy raiser recruitment and training.
• Provide support and communication for puppy raisers.
• Coordinate training workshops for volunteers.

Skills

Time management

Organizational skills

Dog training experience

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Southern California - Oceanside, CA 92057
Position Type: Full Time

At Canine Companions, we’re dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. As an employee, you’ll help provide independence to individuals, while also giving a dog a meaningful job. Our commitment to our mission is reflected in our equally strong dedication to our employees.

Our Employee Benefits

• Employer‑Paid Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits for staff
• Paid Time Off: 14 paid holidays annually, including an Inclusion Holiday, plus 17 paid days off (PTO) during your first year
• Retirement Savings: Employer‑matched 403(b) retirement plan
• Community Engagement: Additional paid hours to volunteer within your community
• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs: Support for both professional and personal well‑being
• Inclusion and Diversity Committee dedicated to ongoing efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace by setting actionable goals and evaluating progress

Employee Testimonial

“I love the ability to see the impact that the dogs have on people's lives. So much love is put into a Canine Companions dog along their journey to becoming a service dog, and the end product is a dog that provides immeasurable love and service to their handler.”
— Apprentice Instructor

About the Position

The Puppy Program Manager manages the regional volunteer puppy raiser population and oversees day‑to‑day operations in the puppy program which consist of puppy placement, puppy raiser support, public awareness and communicates with program and development departments. This position is responsible for providing direct support to puppy raisers through orientation, mentoring, follow‑up, supervision of puppy classes, puppy progress reports and workshops.

Key Responsibilities

• Puppy Raiser Recruitment: Maintain a wait list of screened puppy raisers who agree to follow Canine Companions guidelines. Review incoming applications and ensure phone/home screenings meet standards. Place puppies with approved volunteer puppy raisers. Provide orientation and follow‑up to ensure understanding of responsibilities. Train apprentice instructors about the puppy program during the apprentice rotation, including applicant screening and interviews.
• Puppy Raiser Support: Provide puppy raisers with supplemental info via newsletters, blogs, emails, and local chapter updates. Provide follow‑up for questions or concerns regarding behavior or health via phone, video, or in‑person consultation. Coordinate all communication between the puppy raising community and training staff. Work with portal team and marketing to create effective and timely email communications. Recognize puppy raisers and classes at graduations; provide tours/demos to volunteers and the public.
• Training & Education: Coordinate and lead workshops for volunteers and specialty programs (e.g., training, socialization, healthcare). Supervise and train puppy class instructors and contract trainers. May include direct teaching of puppy classes. Train apprentices on topics like progress report reviews, database use, and graduation procedures.
• Program Oversight & Records Management: Collect and review monthly progress reports; ensure follow‑up and support. Ensure portal is up to date and maintain records of all puppy placements and volunteer interaction. Compile puppy medical and training records for matriculation and prepare files for professional training. Organize puppy matriculation and turn‑in processes. Work with research, breeding, and training departments to create quarterly matriculation lists.
• Canine Health & Behavior: Monitor health of puppies with volunteers: vaccinations, feeding, preventative care. Communicate medical/behavioral issues to relevant departments (vet, training, breeding). Oversee care of puppies in kennels: pre‑placed, in heat, or boarded puppies. Place puppies in foster care when needed.
• Released Dog Program: Oversee placement of dogs released from the program (pre‑turn‑in or during professional training). Supervise puppies in specialty raising programs (prisons, colleges) to ensure adherence to standards. Provide support and maintain records for specialty programs. Coordinate shipment of puppies and/or released dogs to raiser homes.

Qualifications

Must Have

• Ability to perform several tasks concurrently, time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage, train and motivate staff, volunteers, and clients.
• Ability to communicate and maintain confidential information.
• Ability to complete necessary paperwork and meet deadlines.
• Experience with dog training and behavior, animal health care procedures, teaching, public speaking, and disability awareness and sensitivity.

Nice to Have

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in dog handling, training and dog health care experience
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent experience
• Previous experience working in a non‑profit environment that included public speaking preferred.

Compensation

Salary Range: $70,500-$73,000 annually

Inclusion and Diversity Commitment

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.

The base salary range above represents the low and high of the range for this position. Actual salaries will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors, including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees.

Pursuant to local Fair Chance Ordinances, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Accommodation Request: If you need accommodations during the interview process, please let us know. We are committed to ensuring all applicants have equal access to the opportunity to succeed.