Head of Animal Care

Career Guide

A Head of Animal Care leads the daily care, welfare, and husbandry of animals in a facility such as a zoo, aquarium, sanctuary, shelter, or research and breeding center. The role manages animal care teams, sets care standards, coordinates with veterinary staff, and ensures the organization meets welfare expectations and legal requirements.

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Key Responsibilities

Set animal care standards and daily routines for feeding, cleaning, enrichment, and habitat maintenance
Lead, coach, and schedule animal care staff and supervisors
Monitor animal welfare and behavior and adjust care plans when needed
Partner with veterinary teams on preventive care, treatments, and quarantine protocols
Oversee safety practices for staff, visitors, and animals
Manage animal records and reporting for audits and inspections
Plan and manage budgets for staffing, supplies, diets, and equipment
Support animal introductions, transfers, breeding plans, and emergency response
Coordinate training for animal handling and animal care procedures
Contribute to public education programs and staff communication on welfare practices

Top Skills for Success

Team Leadership

Staff Coaching

Scheduling

Budget Management

Stakeholder Communication

Animal Husbandry

Animal Welfare Assessment

Animal Behavior Observation

Enrichment Planning

Habitat Management

Biosecurity Practices

Regulatory Compliance

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Animal Care Director

Director of Animal Operations

Chief Operating Officer

Facility Director

Head of Animal Welfare

Transition Opportunities

Veterinary Practice Management

Animal Welfare Policy Advisor

Conservation Program Manager

Training Manager

Operations Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Budget PlanningPeople ManagementPerformance ManagementIncident ReportingRisk ManagementChange ManagementData TrackingVendor Management

Development SuggestionsBuild management fundamentals alongside animal care expertise. Ask to own a budget line, lead staffing plans, and run safety reviews. Create a simple scorecard for welfare indicators, training completion, and incident trends. Seek mentorship from operations leaders and veterinary leadership to strengthen cross-team decision making.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelTypically not an entry-level role. First-time leaders often fall near 55000 to 80000 per year depending on facility size and region.

Mid LevelCommon range is 75000 to 110000 per year for established heads in medium to large facilities.

Senior LevelCommon range is 100000 to 160000 per year for large, complex organizations or multi-site leadership.

Growth Trend

Stable demand overall, with stronger competition for roles in well-funded zoos and aquariums. Growth is supported by increased focus on animal welfare standards, safety, and professionalization of care teams.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Accredited zoosPublic aquariumsWildlife sanctuariesAnimal sheltersRehabilitation centersResearch and breeding centersNature parksRescue organizations

Industry Sectors

Zoos and aquariumsAnimal welfare and rescueConservation and educationResearch and breedingPublic sector parks and recreationNonprofit organizations

Recommended Next Steps

Document leadership impact with clear examples such as improved welfare outcomes, reduced incidents, or stronger staff retention

Strengthen safety and compliance knowledge relevant to your facility and region

Practice structured staff routines such as daily briefings, weekly check-ins, and clear handover notes

Build a basic reporting dashboard for care quality, staffing coverage, and supply usage

Develop a facility-wide enrichment and training plan with measurable goals

Network with leaders at comparable institutions to benchmark staffing models and care standards

Prepare a portfolio that includes care protocols, training materials, and examples of team improvements