Director of Animal Pathways

Forsyth Humane Society

Job Description

The Director of Animal Pathways provides leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for all animal care and intake operations at Forsyth Humane Society (FHS). This position oversees the shelter intake process and daily animal care provided by Animal Care Technicians, ensuring that all animals are housed humanely, cared for appropriately, and moved efficiently through the shelter system.

The Director of Animal Pathways plays a critical role in supporting animal population health, shelter flow, and operational efficiency, directly contributing to FHS’s mission to save lives and promote compassion in action.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Animal Care and Shelter Operations

-Oversee the daily operations of the kennel technician team, ensuring animals receive proper feeding, cleaning, housing, enrichment, and care according to shelter best practices.
-Ensure that all animal care protocols, including sanitation, disease prevention, enrichment, and humane handling, are implemented consistently and updated regularly.
-Lead the development of enrichment and behavior support practices for animals in shelter care to maintain physical and mental well-being.

2. Intake Operations Management

-Manage the intake process for all incoming animals, including owner surrenders, stray animals, transfers, and returns.
-Ensure thorough and compassionate intake procedures, including behavioral evaluations, accurate data entry, and effective shelter population management.
-Coordinate with the Medical Operations and Lifesaving Services teams to prioritize animal flow from intake through medical care, foster placement, or adoption.

3. Staff Leadership and Development

-Supervise the Animal Care Supervisors, Intake & Transfer Coordinator, and Animal Care Technicians.
-Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and evaluate animal care and intake staff, providing ongoing coaching, professional development, and performance management.
-Foster a positive, compassionate, and accountable work environment that supports high-quality animal care and collaborative teamwork.

4. Facility and Resource Management

-Ensure shelter facilities, kennels, and intake areas are clean, safe, well-maintained, and welcoming to the public.
-Manage ordering and inventory of animal care supplies, cleaning materials, equipment, and enrichment resources.
-Monitor and maintain shelter safety standards and emergency preparedness.

5. Cross-Departmental Collaboration

-Work closely with the Medical Operations, Lifesaving Services, and Community
-Engagement teams to ensure coordinated animal flow, shelter capacity management, and alignment with lifesaving goals.
-Actively participate in leadership meetings to inform strategic planning and shelter operations decision-making.

6. Data Management and Reporting

-Maintain accurate records related to animal intake, daily care, population metrics, and animal movement.
-Monitor shelter census trends, length of stay, and operational performance to improve efficiency and outcomes.
-Provide regular reports on animal services operations to the Vice President of Integrated Animal Care and leadership team.

This is a full time job