Welfare Manager

Welfare Manager

West Calder Full-Time 28400 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to ensure the welfare of dogs and support their journey to forever homes.
  • Company: Join Dogs Trust, the UK's leading dog charity dedicated to animal welfare.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary of £33,417 plus benefits and professional development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of dogs and their future families.
  • Qualifications: Accredited clinical dog behaviourist with leadership experience and strong communication skills.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and supports personal growth.

The predicted salary is between 28400 - 40000 £ per year.

Overview

Welfare Manager role at Dogs Trust Worldwide. You will take charge of the welfare journey for every dog in our centre, driving timely, compassionate decisions through expert behavioural and veterinary rehabilitation to progress each dog toward their forever home.

Application Deadline: January 20, 2026

Department: Rehoming

Employment Type: Permanent – Full Time

Location: West Calder

Workplace: Onsite

Compensation: £33,417 per year + benefits

Responsibilities

  • 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 & 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.

Requirements / Qualifications

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. You will also have a track record of leading, developing, and managing high-performing teams and be a skilled communicator capable of influencing and engaging diverse audiences.

About Dogs Trust and the Rehoming Department

The Rehoming department helps dogs find their forever homes whether in our network of Rehoming Centres, in foster care, or via the Home Stay scheme. We strive for excellence in rehoming processes and high standards of veterinary and behaviour care through our skilled teams.

We are committed to animal welfare, diversity, and inclusion. If you need adjustments during the application process, please contact us at jobs@dogstrust.org.uk.

How to Apply

To apply for this position please click the APPLY NOW button. Submit a personal statement explaining your interest and suitability for the role.

Additional information

Dogs Trust values diversity and fosters an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, abilities, and cultures. Our colleague networks provide opportunities for real change within Dogs Trust.

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Welfare Manager employer: Dogs Trust Worldwide

At Dogs Trust, we are dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of dogs and their owners, fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture in West Calder. As a Welfare Manager, you will benefit from competitive compensation, professional development opportunities, and the chance to lead a passionate team committed to animal welfare, all while contributing to our mission of ensuring every dog finds a loving home.
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Contact Detail:

Dogs Trust Worldwide Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Welfare Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the organisation! Research Dogs Trust and their mission. Understanding their values and goals will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely passionate about animal welfare.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips on the interview process and what it’s really like to work there, plus it shows your enthusiasm for the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for behavioural questions! Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to handle complex situations with dogs. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the position and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.

We think you need these skills to ace Welfare Manager

Canine Behaviour Expertise
Behaviour Modification
Clinical Assessment
Risk Management
Team Leadership
Staff Development
Communication Skills
Mentoring
Training and Development
Collaboration
Problem-Solving Skills
Knowledge of Veterinary Care
Understanding of Health & Safety Guidelines
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Make sure to clearly express your passion for animal welfare and how your experience aligns with the Welfare Manager role. We want to see your personality come through, so don’t hold back!

Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on your background in canine behaviour and welfare. We’re looking for specific examples of how you’ve successfully handled dogs with complex needs and led teams. Show us what makes you the perfect fit!

Be Authentic and Inclusive: At StudySmarter, we value diversity and authenticity. Don’t be afraid to share your unique perspective and experiences. We want to know how you can contribute to our inclusive culture and make a difference in the lives of dogs and their humans.

Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website by clicking the 'APPLY NOW' button. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Dogs Trust Worldwide

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of canine behaviour and welfare. Familiarise yourself with the latest techniques in behaviour modification and rehabilitation, as well as any relevant legislation. This will not only show your expertise but also your passion for the role.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Welfare Manager, you'll be leading a team, so be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Think of specific examples where you've successfully coached or developed others, and how you’ve handled challenges within a team setting.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life situations. Prepare to discuss how you would handle complex behavioural issues or conflicts within your team. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready to ask. This could be about the organisation's approach to dog welfare or how they measure success in rehoming. It shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.

Welfare Manager
Dogs Trust Worldwide
Location: West Calder

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