Director, Behaviour and Training

Who We Are

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is a registered charity and has been operating for over 150 years. The Society provides care, comfort, and compassion to animals in need in communities across Ontario; we value all animals and advocate to treat them with respect and kindness. We strive to keep pets and families together and do so through a variety of community support services.

Opportunity & Impact

The Director, Behaviour & Training, is a key member of the Operations Team who will implement and launch the new provincial strategic direction for all behavioural programming across Ontario SPCA Animal Centres, including the development of a Provincial Behaviour Certification Program and the establishment of consistent, evidence-based standards for animal behaviour assessment, enrichment, handling, training, and community-facing behaviour services.

The Director ensures that all behaviour-related initiatives are grounded in a clear theory of change, supported by a defined program structure, and measurable through defined KPIs.

Working closely with Operations, Clinical Services, Provincial Operations Managers, Centre Managers, Humane Education, and external behaviour specialists, the Director ensures the organization delivers humane, trauma-informed, Fear Free–aligned, behavioural care that enhances animal well-being, reduces length of stay, supports successful adoptions, and supports the retention of pets in their home.

Why You Should Join Our Team

• Be part of an energetic team environment with others who share your passion for animal wellbeing
• Competitive compensation package including medical, dental and vision benefits
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• 64 hours of paid sick time per year
• 4 weeks of vacation to start
• Opportunities for professional development
• Primarily remote work and Provincial travel
• Discount on Ontario SPCA apparel, Paws & Give merchandise, Virtual pet care, and pet food too

A Typical Day

• Act as the provincial behavioural expert for the organization, providing strategic input for all canine and feline behaviour initiatives.
• Lead the full development of a multi-level Behaviour Certification Program, including competencies, curriculum design, delivery model, practicum requirements, and evaluation mechanisms.
• Develop and maintain the Ontario SPCA Behaviour Program Manual, including Tier model, assessment tools, documentation standards, and case-management pathways.
• Establish clear systems for tracking FAS+F levels, behaviour risk, safety planning, and intervention strategies.
• Oversee development of shelter behaviour tools including sociability assessments, handling tests, reactivity measures, and functional behaviour analyses.
• Develop and implement public-facing behaviour resources and guides including workshops, group training classes, pre/post adoption counselling, and at-risk guardian support.
• Engage external partners (municipalities, AWS, veterinarians, Peterborough HS) to strengthen referral pathways and shared learning opportunities.
• Provide expert consultation for complex behaviour cases, risk assessment, enrichment strategies, and placement decisions.
• Oversee training of Clinic and Centre teams in humane handling, safety equipment, behaviour plans, and stress-mitigation strategies.
• Ensure consistent practices across all Centres through audits, shadowing, coaching, and documentation review.

Set up for Success

• Minimum 7–10 years in companion animal behaviour, with shelter-based experience strongly preferred.
• Advanced, nationally, or internationally recognized behaviour credentials are required, such as:
• IAABC (CABC, CDBC, CCBC, CSB-D/CSB-C)
• CCPDT (CBCC-KA, CPDT-KSA)
• CAAB / ACAAB
• DACVB (Veterinary Behaviourist)
• Additional professional designations or certifications that support program design, animal welfare outcomes, and cross-functional leadership—including KPA-CTP, Fear Free, or equivalent—are considered strong assets.
• Demonstrated expertise in behaviour assessment, risk evaluation, enrichment, stress reduction, and case planning.
• Proven experience designing and scaling behaviour programs, training systems, or certification pathways.
• Experience with curriculum design, evaluation frameworks, or adult learning models.

We Can't Wait to Meet You

Click Apply Now and upload your resume and cover letter.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest in the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society embodies a culture that embraces diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging ("DEIB") and welcomes applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds. Our DEIB practices foster a fair and consistent environment, enabling everyone to feel welcomed, supported and valued in the workplace.

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society provide accommodation during all stages of the recruitment process. Should you require any accommodation, please advise us if you are contacted for an interview and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs. For any questions, suggestions or required documents regarding accessibility in a different format, please contact us at

Our Commitment to a Human-Centered Hiring Process

Our organization complies with Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000, and relevant privacy legislation. While we use technology to help manage applications efficiently, resumes are personally reviewed by a member of our recruitment team. From screening to interviews and final decisions, our process is rooted in a human-centered approach.

Director, Behaviour and Training: New Position