Wanna join our pack?
Great news! We are now looking to add a new dog handler to our pack.
If you think you have what it takes, please read the job description below and click on the button to fill out an application.
Dog Handler Job Description
General Summary of Job
The Dog Handler is responsible for the supervision, control and management of daycare and boarding dogs and ensuring the safety of the playgroup. The Dog Handler is also responsible for the maintenance and cleaning of the playrooms, play yards and other areas of the facility as assigned. The Dog Handler works under the supervision of and reports to the Manager, Assistant General Manager or General Manager on duty. Dog Handlers are expected to report for their shifts a minimum of 10 minutes prior to the posted start time. May be required to work overtime, weekends and holidays.
Primary Duties
A. Dog Management:
Interact with dogs in playgroups using appropriate toys and tools to ensure safe levels of play and minimizing stress levels of all dogs in playgroup. Maintain visual observation of dogs at all times and spread attention and play among all dogs in playgroup.
Control level of play by following dog management and control procedures and instructions.
Use proper dog handling techniques and tools including use of obedience commands, rewards, positive reinforcement, appropriate corrections, slip leads, Gentle Leaders, belly bands, etc.
Ensure you know all dogs in the playgroup and can properly identify them.
For all dogs in playgroup, report any unusual behavior, eliminations and injuries immediately to the supervisor on duty.
Manage special needs and highly reactive dogs as instructed by supervisor on duty.
Ensure staff that relieve you for shift change know all dogs in the group, special needs dog status and any unusual behaviors or concerns you have been managing during your shift. If the next shift staff is not available, leave written notes.
Keep a working 2-way radio with you at all times when managing dogs. Request backup coverage prior to leaving the playgroup.
Ensure that clean, fresh water is available in the playroom and play yards frequently throughout your shift.
DO NOT LEAVE DOGS ALONE! Notify coworkers if you must leave the playgroup for any reason, and ensure that coverage is available.
B. Cleaning & Maintenance:
Safety and management of dogs in playgroups is always top priority. As time and activity level of playgroups allow:
Keep exterior play yards and interior playrooms free of feces and urine at all times; clean up, mop and disinfect.
Vacuum and mop playroom floor daily.
Sanitize toys, equipment, buckets, and bowls regularly.
Wash bedding, pads, mats, etc. regularly.
“Wysiwash” all exterior surfaces (gravel, artificial turf, grass, play equipment, etc.).
Report any broken or defective equipment to supervisor on duty.
Clean, dust, wash playroom walls monthly or more frequently as needed.
Change water in mop bucket as needed, using Trifectant and an appropriate amount of Eliminator (1 cup) or similar.
Empty indoor and outdoor waste receptacles whenever full and place in trash bins for pickup.
Job Requirements
The Dog Handler must be able to read and write, lift at least 25 lbs., use a personal computer and two-way radio, stand and walk for extended periods, and bend frequently.
High school graduate or GED preferred.
Good oral communication skills.
Previous work experience demonstrating dependability.
Previous experience providing animal care preferred.
Self-motivated, independent worker with strong work ethic.
Proven ability to follow instruction and learn new techniques/theories.
Ability to work in a team environment.
Demonstrated flexibility and proven coping skills.