Supervisor Animal Services

Position Details

• Job Category: Animal Care & Control
• Division & Section: Municipal Licensing & Standards, MLS Toronto Animal Services
• Work Location: 399 The West Mall
• Job Type & Duration: 1 FT Permanent
• Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
• Posting Period: 02-Sep-2026 to 17-Sep-2026
• Affiliation: Non-Union

Major Responsibilities

• Develops, reviews, amends and implements policies and procedures as required.
• Participates in the development and implementation of operational plans (harmonization of services city-wide).
• Supervises, motivates and trains assigned staff, ensuring effective teamwork, high standards of work quality and organizational performance, continuous learning and encourages innovation in others.
• Supervises the day-to-day operation of all assigned staff including the scheduling, assigning and reviewing of work.
• Authorizes and coordinates vacation and overtime requests.
• Monitors and evaluates staff performance, approves salary increments, hears grievances and executes disciplinary action when necessary.
• Provides input into and administers assigned budget, ensuring that expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget limitations.
• Makes recommendations and assists the manager in effective planning, implementation and delivery of animal services.
• Recommends, reviews and delivers internal and external programs recommending options and implementing changes as required to improve operational performance and service delivery.
• Ensures the development, implementation and maintenance of a quality assurance program for front-line staff.
• Monitors staff's daily activities to ensure proficiency and effective service delivery.
• Supervises program delivery to ensure compliance with Animal Services by-laws and other related legislation.
• Administers municipal and provincial statutes and ensures delivery to the community using appropriate tools and strategies, such as education on responsible pet ownership and enforcement.
• Represents the City at Tribunal Hearings related to Dangerous Dog Orders under the City of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 349.
• Provides advice and expertise on Animal Services related issues to other city departments, municipalities, provincial and federal agencies, international and non-governmental organizations.
• Liaises with community residents, groups, agencies and councillors to address community needs and deliver programs and services.
• Investigates, establishes and monitors revenue generating programs and partnerships (licenses, Adopt-a-Thons, etc.).
• Develops and delivers outreach programs to promote the human-animal bond.
• Implements technological changes to increase public awareness and track program activities to improve service efficiency.
• Compiles, collates and evaluates statistical data for program tracking and quality assurance.
• Ensures that Animal Care and Husbandry is consistent with best practices and Canadian Council on Animal Care guidelines.
• Creates, implements and supervises regional animal shelter programs and partnerships.
• Establishes and monitors external service delivery contracts including development, review and selection process for Requests for Quotation and Requests for Proposals (e.g., grounds maintenance, veterinary services, emergency care, in-house spay/neuter clinics, microchip contracts).
• Prepares, reviews and edits briefing notes on related issues, responds to public and councillor-generated complaints and inquiries.
• Initiates press releases and responds to media inquiries including on-camera and on-air interviews on a regional basis.
• Represents Toronto Animal Services at community meetings, conferences and seminars; presents papers and facilitates forums nationally and internationally.
• Represents Toronto Animal Services on departmental and city-wide multidisciplinary committees.
• Manages maintenance and repair of the building, housekeeping requirements and projected costs in accordance with provincial regulations, program policy and best practices.

Key Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in disciplines pertinent to the job function (e.g., Veterinary Technology, Police Foundations) from a recognized College or University or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive experience working in an Animal Shelter and enforcement environment.
• Experience delivering animal services and management of animal facilities and operations.
• Experience operating within a regulatory environment at a supervisory level.
• Excellent computer skills and ability to use various applications (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite). Knowledge of animal service-related applications considered an asset.
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills to communicate effectively at all organizational levels.
• Highly developed interpersonal, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise independent judgement and discretion in dealing with confidential matters.
• Familiarity with relevant employment legislation including Employment Standards Act, Human Rights Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act.