Paperwork
An animal shelter manager spends much of his workday doing paperwork. Not only are animal shelter managers responsible for timecards, bookkeeping and other staff-related paperwork, they must also do all of the paperwork concerning the animals in their care. This includes documenting medical procedures, the number of and reasons for animals being euthanized and the number of animals adopted from and left at the shelter. Animal shelter managers also provide paperwork to local government agencies involving abuse and neglect, as well preparing evidence for court cases.
Hiring Staff
An animal shelter manager can spend part of her workday hiring staff. Depending on the size of the shelter, the animal shelter manager will hire kennel staff, animal behaviorists, veterinary technicians, veterinarians and groomers. She may also be involved in the hiring of support staff such as receptionists and public relations and fundraising teams.
Recruiting Volunteers
An animal shelter manager can spend some of her workday recruiting volunteers. There may be group meetings or individual meetings with people interested in helping at the shelter. Animal shelter managers work within the community to promote the shelter's volunteer program. This may include television and radio appearances as well as speaking at schools, civic organizations and churches.
Training
An animal shelter manager likely spends some of the workday training staff and volunteers. He is responsible for ensuring that each employee and volunteer working directly with the animals knows what is expected. He may write training manuals or hold training classes and seminars.
Fundraising
An animal shelter manager often spends part of his workday fundraising. He contacts businesses, government agencies and other nonprofit organizations and individuals, asking for financial assistance for the shelter. He may hold town hall-like meetings to publicize the needs of the animal shelter.
Education
An animal shelter manager can spend some of his workday educating potential adoptive families. He may also teach community workshops and seminars regarding responsible pet ownership, the importance of spaying and neutering pets, and educating the community about animal causes and rights.
With the Animals
An animal shelter manager spends part of her workday working with animals. She spends time assisting with medical procedures, euthanasia of animals, feeding, grooming, and cleaning kennels, runs and cages. She assists with new animals that come in. Depending on her training, she may also assist in deciding which animals are adoptable and in the training of those animals.
Public Relations
An animal shelter manager spends part of her workday promoting the shelter and its animals. She may make television appearances, or give interviews to newspapers and other publications. Animal shelter managers spend hours in the community getting the word out about the shelter, its needs, and the animals available for adoption--as well as promoting other animal causes in which the shelter participates.
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