Senior Manager, Service Dog Programs | Accepting ApplicationsPUPPIES ARE JUST ONE OF THE JOB PERKSWe’re an organization driven by passionate people – that happens to include puppies who grow up to change lives every single day. We expect excellence from ourselves and our team, but we have fun too. Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) breeds, raises and trains fully certified assistance dogs. Our hearing and service dogs (mobility & PTSD) provide life‑changing independence to those with disabilities. Our accredited facility dogs work with community professionals, such as teachers, RCMP and psychologists, to help support wellness in our community.
We’reproud to be the first fully accredited member of Assistance Dogs International in Canada.
OVERVIEWPacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) is seeking a
Senior Manager, Service Dog Programs. At PADS, we’re dedicated to changing lives, one dog at a time. We are looking for a passionate and experienced Senior Manager to oversee our Service Dog Programs and help us deliver exceptional assistance dogs to our waiting clients.
ABOUT USAt PADS, we foster a constructive, cooperative, and welcoming team setting. Our commitment is to cultivate an empowering environment for our team. We value a sustainable work-life balance and believe that work should be fun We approach challenges with a growth mindset, striving for improvement and innovation. As a Senior Manager, you’ll embody PADS’ core values, including a commitment to compassion, transparency, and the ethical treatment of dogs.
ABOUT OUR TRAINING PHILOSOPHYPADS’ training philosophy is relationship – centered, and based on current, evidence-based training methods and follows a Least Invasive Minimally Aversive (LIMA) approach. We follow the 5 Domains Model of Animal Welfare,



encompassing Nutrition, Workplace, Health, Behaviour and Mental State, to ensure the well‑being of the animals in our care.
ABOUT THE POSITIONTheSeniorManager,Service Dog Programs works under the supervision of the Director,Programs to oversee the operations of the Service Dog Program and develop strategies for departmental efficiencies and growth.
TheSeniorManager,Service Dog Programs is responsible for ensuring staff are supported such that quality dogs are efficiently produced and matched with clients. This position develops dog training protocols and supervises apprentices as they move through the stages of apprenticeship and into Instructorship. They ensure qualified dogs are placed with clients and clients are supported throughout the placement. TheSeniorManager,Service Dog Programs reviews dog Release Requests and determines suitability for service work as well as monitors the welfare of the dogs in the Service Dog Program. They are also responsible for keeping accurate records in Salesforce to maintain ADI compliance and facilitate access to information across departments.
WHAT YOU’LL DOHR and Staffing Duties
Maintain adequate staffing and supervision for organized departmental operations. Hire and train as necessary.
Ensure all training staff have access to the knowledge, skills and supplies needed to successfully train dogs




Facilitate establishing priorities and setting employee’s personal performance and development goals
Motivate and offer productive feedback to employees. Maintain regular Performance review cycle and recommend salary adjustments.
Supervise, train and evaluate employees in the apprentice/instructor training program and Kennel Coordinator. Ensure staff learn and follow PADS training curriculum and procedures and safety standards while working with service dogs and other campus animals. Work cooperatively and support team members.
Ensure that apprentice instructors receive proper instruction in PADS approved and standardized training techniques to meet the requirements for advancement through apprenticeship to full Instructorship.
Oversee field trip plans for training staff
Canine Training and Management Duties
Through daily direct observation, ensure that dogs in training make adequate progress and meet organizational standards for appropriate assistance dogs.
Supervise the care and welfare of dogs in Service Dog Program, including ensuring sitting arrangements are made when necessary
Review and adjudicate Release Requests for dogs in Service Dog Program and provide instruction on written release documentation and adoption recommendations
Ensure accurate Salesforce records for all dogs in Service Dog Program
Allocate dogs to Trainers to ensure balanced strings. Manage string sizes as necessary
Facilitate Client‑Dog matching. Coordinate selection of candidates invited to Team Training based on evaluations of temperament and skill level of dogs in training
Administrative/Other Duties
Develop and maintain a semester system to ensure efficient flow of quality dogs through Service Dog Program
Overse

📌 Senior Manager, Service Dog Programs (Toronto)
🏢 Pacific Assistance Dogs Society
📍 Toronto