Boston Adoption Center - Behavior Manager

Job Details Posting Details Posted on August 17, 2026 Locations Showing 1 location MSPCA Headquarters Boston, MA 02130, USA On-site Animal Behavior Full-Time Requisition #: MSPCA004097 Description This is a full-time 40 hour a week position The MSPCA-Angell is currently seeking an experienced animal behavior training professional with excellent teamwork skills to join our Boston Adoption Center Team. This is a unique opportunity to work with the largest team of animal shelter behavior professionals in New England, committed to using science based approaches to changing animal behavior. Our behavior team has received national recognition and recently became a shelter partner of the prestigious ASPCA Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship Program. The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $75,000, with flexibility based on qualifications, experience, and other relevant factors.

THE POSITION:

The Behavior Manager works to ensure the behavioral wellbeing of the animals supported by the adoption center while also moving animals through the adoption center in a timely and efficient manner. The Behavior Manager also: Acts as a resource to shelter staff through effective supervision, training and coaching Supports adoption center staff with behavior‑related tasks including but not limited to intake, evaluations, euthanasia decision making, creating and implementing training and behavior modification plans, low stress handling techniques, playgroups, and enrichment. Oversees behavior evaluations and training plans to enhance animal adoptability. Advises staff on best methods of facilitating appropriate matches for animals with more challenging behaviors in need of additional behavioral support Provides pre‑adoption counseling and hands‑on training for prospective adoptions, and post‑adoption support for families who are struggling with their animal at home. Works with the behavior team across all shelter locations to accomplish all of these tasks.

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least 2 years of experience working or volunteering directly with animals under the supervision of behavior professional, as well as, creating and implementing training/behavior modification plans. We are looking for applicants who have earned aCCPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, IAABC or other accredited professional dog training certification.

WHO WE ARE:

The MSPCA is one of the oldest and most venerable humane organizations in the world and the largest animal welfare organization in New England- caring for and placing over 11,000 animals annually across our four adoption centers. At our Boston Adoption Center, we care for over 2,000 animals each year with a 92% live release rate. Take a virtual tour of our adoption center! The MSPCA also has the largest animal relocation program in New England - transporting thousands of cats and dogs from overpopulated animal shelters across the country to Massachusetts, where each animal receives medical care, enrichment, and behavior training prior to adoption. Our animal relocation network, combined with the MSPCA-Angell’s veterinary and adoption center resources, works to protect the largest number of animals possible. We value our connections to communities and organizations, and serve as a resource to protect the largest number of animals possible.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

We believe that a diverse workforce is integral to our organizational culture, and that employing a workforce with varied and unique perspectives that emerge from racial, gender, sexuality, religious, linguistic, neurological, physical and other differences fuels our ability to fulfill our organizational mission, surpassing our goals and visions. The MSPCA-Angell needs a diverse, well‑supported workforce of staff and volunteers to best understand and serve our patients, clients, and communities. We are committed to attracting and retaining a highly talented diverse workforce for our future and appreciate your interest in pursuing a career at the MSPCA-Angell.

OUR BENEFITS:

Our compensation package includes health, dental and life insurance, 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, paid holidays, sick, and vacation time, employee discounts for pet health care, and free on‑site parking. Qualifications Skills Required Previous Animal Handling Experience Advanced Education Required Bachelors or better. Experience Required 2 years: Experience working or volunteering directly with animals, ideally of different species, sizes, and temperaments, under the supervision of a behavior professional. CCPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, IAABC or other accredited professional dog training certification 2 years: Experience creating and implementing training/behaviormodification plans. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Courageous Parents Network