Dog trainer, groomer, and kennel technician

Dog Kennel Care, Grooming & Training Specialist

Seelah Kennels | Adel, Iowa

Position Overview

Seelah Kennels is seeking a dependable, hardworking, and customer-focused team member to assist with daily kennel operations, including dog boarding, grooming, and training. This position is ideal for someone who genuinely enjoys working with dogs, takes pride in maintaining a clean and safe environment, and can provide excellent customer service.

As a small team, every employee plays an important role in our success. We need someone who is flexible, willing to help wherever needed, takes initiative, and can be counted on to show up and complete assigned responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Dog Boarding & Kennel Care

• Feed and water dogs according to individual instructions and schedules.
• Clean, sanitize, and maintain kennels, runs, play areas, and common spaces.
• Walk dogs, provide exercise, and monitor their behavior and overall well-being.
• Administer medications according to provided instructions and established procedures, when trained and authorized.
• Monitor dogs for signs of illness, injury, stress, or unusual behavior and promptly report concerns.
• Follow proper sanitation, safety, and animal-handling procedures.
• Ensure all dogs receive appropriate care, attention, and supervision.

2. Dog Grooming

• Bathe, dry, brush, and maintain dogs according to their grooming needs.
• Assist with nail trimming, ear cleaning, and other basic grooming services as trained.
• Safely handle dogs of different sizes, breeds, temperaments, and coat types.
• Keep grooming equipment, tubs, tables, and work areas clean and organized.
• Communicate professionally with customers regarding grooming services and their pets’ needs.
• Recognize signs of stress or discomfort and prioritize the dog’s safety.

3. Dog Training

• Assist with obedience training, socialization, and basic manners.
• Follow established training plans and instructions.
• Safely handle dogs during individual and group training sessions.
• Reinforce appropriate behaviors using positive reinforcement and consistent techniques.
• Maintain clean and safe training areas.
• Help communicate training progress and recommendations to dog owners.

4. Customer Service

• Greet customers in a friendly, professional, and helpful manner.
• Answer routine questions about boarding, grooming, and training services.
• Assist with customer check-in and check-out procedures.
• Listen carefully to customer instructions regarding their dogs.
• Communicate concerns, special requests, and service updates clearly.
• Represent Seelah Kennels positively and professionally at all times.

5. Cleaning & General Operations

• Complete daily cleaning assignments thoroughly and on schedule.
• Remove waste, wash bedding, disinfect surfaces, and maintain sanitary facilities.
• Keep supplies stocked and work areas organized.
• Assist with laundry, dishes, waste removal, and general facility upkeep.
• Help with opening and closing duties as assigned.
• Assist coworkers with tasks as needed to keep daily operations running smoothly.

Work Schedule & Availability

Flexibility and dependability are essential requirements for this position.

• Must be available to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule based on kennel occupancy and business needs.
• Must arrive on time and be ready to work scheduled shifts.
• Must communicate scheduling conflicts and absences as far in advance as possible.
• Must understand that dogs require consistent care every day, including weekends and holidays.
• Must be willing to help coworkers and take responsibility for assigned duties.

Qualifications & Skills

• Genuine love and respect for dogs and their well-being.
• Dependable, punctual, honest, and responsible.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Willingness to learn and perform boarding, grooming, and training duties.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness.
• Ability to follow directions, safety procedures, and established policies.
• Comfortable handling dogs of different breeds, sizes, and temperaments.
• Previous kennel, boarding, grooming, dog training, veterinary, or animal-care experience preferred.
• Must be physically capable of performing the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including standing for extended periods, cleaning, bending, lifting supplies, and handling dogs safely.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

• Shows up on time and can be counted on.
• Takes pride in doing a job right, even when no one is watching.
• Does not avoid cleaning or other necessary kennel duties.
• Treats customers, coworkers, and animals with respect.
• Notices what needs to be done and takes initiative.
• Stays calm, professional, and patient when things get busy.
• Is willing to learn new skills and accept constructive feedback.
• Understands that animal care is a responsibility, not just a job.

Employment Expectations

Employees are expected to follow all kennel policies, maintain professional conduct, protect customer information, and prioritize the safety and welfare of every dog in our care.

Dependability, teamwork, cleanliness, and excellent customer service are essential to success in this position.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a resume or a summary of their relevant work experience and availability. Please include any previous experience with dogs, animal care, grooming, training, or customer service.

Pay: $12.00 - $18.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $12 - $18