Puppy Program Manager - Oceanside, CA

CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE, INC. • Oceanside, CA

2d • $70,500 - $73,000 • Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

• 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 Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree