Dog Daycare Kennel Worker

Company Overview:Join our dedicated team at The Bark Yard, a leading doggy daycare, training, and boarding facility focused on enriching the lives of dogs in a fear and force-free environment. We specialize in positive reinforcement and create a safe, engaging, and fun atmosphere for our furry guests. Our mission is to provide the highest standard of care, ensuring every dog’s physical, mental, and emotional needs are met.

Job Overview:Kennel Crew plays a key role in ensuring that all dogs receive exceptional care, enrichment, and attention during their stay. This includes providing physical care, mental stimulation, and emotional support in a clean, safe, and structured environment. The ideal candidate is compassionate, detail-oriented, and a team player with a passion for dog behavior and welfare.

Key Responsibilities:

• Dog Walking & Enrichment:
• Perform individual dog walks as needed, ensuring safety and well-being during each walk.
• Facilitate enrichment/play sessions, creating mentally and physically stimulating activities such as structured play, training exercises, and puzzle games.
• Keep accurate records of each dog’s walk and play session, contributing detailed, descriptive reports for their daily report card.
• Observation & Well-being:
• Monitor each dog’s behavior, appearance, and activity level to ensure they are healthy and content.
• Report any unusual behaviors or signs of illness to the team lead or manager, even if it’s just a “gut feeling.”
• Cleaning & Maintenance:
• Clean and disinfect kennels, play areas, and assigned spaces daily to maintain a clean, odor-free environment.
• Perform general cleaning tasks throughout the facility, including outdoor grounds patrol for trash.
• Prepare daily treats (e.g., stuffing Kongs, preparing enrichment snacks) and ensure a full supply of frozen treats.
• Assist in replenishing supplies, taking inventory, and general facility maintenance.
• Client Service:
• Greet clients warmly, addressing both them and their pets by name.
• Escort dogs into their kennels at drop-off and bring them out to their owners at pick-up, ensuring a smooth and positive experience.
• Relationship Building & Enrichment:
• Develop strong relationships with each dog, learning their unique personalities, preferences, and behaviors.
• Participate in ongoing training on dog behavior, positive reinforcement, and enrichment techniques to continuously improve your skill set.
• Safety & Well-being:
• Maintain a secure and hazard-free play environment, addressing any behavioral or safety concerns promptly.
• Ensure all enrichment activities are performed in a safe and structured manner.
• Feeding & Walking:
• Assist with feeding schedules and ensure dogs receive regular walks to meet their physical needs.
• Team Collaboration:
• Work closely with co-workers, fostering a positive and collaborative environment to ensure the smooth operation of the facility.
• Maintain a cheerful, problem-solving attitude, and avoid complaining, negativity, and moodiness on the job.
• Additional Duties:
• Take on other tasks as needed to support team members and contribute to the daily operations of the facility.

Qualifications:

• Passion for working with dogs and a commitment to fear-free, force-free handling.
• Strong observational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Previous experience in animal care, training, or a related field is a plus but not required..
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and be physically active throughout the day

Skills and Experience:

• Experience Working with Dogs: Previous experience working with dogs is preferred but not required, preferably in a daycare, boarding, or training environment. Confidence in handling dogs of all sizes and temperaments, including dogs over 100 pounds, is essential.
• Coachability: Willingness to learn, receive feedback, and apply new skills and techniques.
• Multi-tasking Ability: Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a busy, fast-paced environment.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to think critically and solve problems as they arise, ensuring the well-being of the dogs and smooth operations.
• Strong Communication Skills: Clear verbal and written communication for interacting with team members, clients, and documenting dog behavior, as well as writing dog report cards.
• Flexibility & Adaptability: Comfort with a flexible schedule and adaptability to changing conditions or tasks.
• Positive & Friendly Demeanor: Maintaining a warm, positive, approachable, and professional attitude with both dogs and clients.
• Customer Service: Experience in customer service is valued, particularly when interacting with clients and addressing their concerns or needs.
• Critical Thinking: Ability to assess situations and make thoughtful decisions quickly to ensure the safety and comfort of the dogs in your care.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with fellow staff members in a supportive, dynamic environment.
• Personal Accountability: Responsible for your actions, punctuality, and the care you provide to the dogs.
• Listening Skills: Strong listening skills to understand both client needs and dog behavior.

Work Environment:

• Outdoor Exposure: This role requires working outdoors for extended periods of time, regardless of weather conditions (rain, snow, heat, etc.). Candidates must be comfortable and equipped to work in all types of weather.
• Physically Demanding: The job involves being on your feet for extended periods of time, walking dogs, cleaning, and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds. You will also need to stoop or bend down to clean cabins and other areas.
• High-Activity: The work environment is stimulating and fast-paced, with frequent dog interactions, moving between playgroups, and staying engaged with dogs throughout the day.
• Noise Level: You must be able to tolerate loud barking and a lively atmosphere, as the dogs will often vocalize, especially in group settings.
• Leash Handling: You will be handling dogs on leashes, some of which may pull or be reactive, requiring confidence and control while walking or managing them.
• Flexible Schedule: The schedule may vary depending on operational needs, including weekends, holidays, and occasional evening shifts.

Preferred Certifications & Training:

• Positive Reinforcement Mindset: Understanding and commitment to using positive reinforcement techniques to guide dog behavior and enhance enrichment, or open to learning and adapting.
• Animal Handling: Training or certification in animal handling, particularly in managing dogs of various sizes, temperaments, and energy levels-preferred but not required.
• Dog Grooming: Experience or training in basic dog grooming practices is a plus but not required.
• Dog Body Language: Familiarity with dog body language and behavioral signals to assess and manage interactions appropriately.
• Dog Behavior: Knowledge or certification in dog behavior, socialization, or behavior modification techniques is highly valued.

Company Culture:

At The Bark Yard, we pride ourselves on a collaborative, fast-paced, and family-style environment where everyone’s voice is heard and valued. We believe in the power of teamwork, and our staff members work closely together to create a supportive and fun atmosphere. We are growth-minded and encourage everyone to take initiative and continue their professional development. Whether it's learning new dog care techniques, enhancing customer service skills, or pursuing certifications in animal behavior, we value ongoing education and development.

Schedule:

• Shifts range from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, 7 days a week.
• Typical shifts are 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM or 12 PM - 9 PM.
• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evening shifts is required.

Benefits:

• Competitive pay based on experience.
• 401K
• Health insurance for F/T employees
• Meals provided
• PTO
• Ongoing training and development opportunities in dog care, behavior, and enrichment.
• Positive and supportive work environment.
• Opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of dogs and their owners.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $19