Canine Kennel Lead

Canine Kennel Lead-Humane Society of Walden

The Canine Kennel Lead oversees the daily care, enrichment, behavior, and placement of dogs at the Humane Society of Walden. Working alongside the Executive Director, Shelter Coordinator and Animal Care team, this position helps ensure dogs receive consistent care, exercise, enrichment, behavioral support, and appropriate placement while providing day-to-day leadership for the canine program.

Report to: Executive Director

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily canine care and help ensure all dogs receive safe, clean, and consistent care.
• Train and support Animal Care staff and volunteers on canine care, handling, enrichment, and established HSW protocols.
• Provide daily exercise, enrichment, socialization, and behavioral support for dogs in HSW’s care.
• Facilitate and assist with canine playgroups and appropriate dog-to-dog interactions.
• Conduct and document behavioral observations and assessments to help identify individual needs and appropriate placement.
• Work one-on-one with dogs on basic skills, leash manners, confidence building, and identified behavioral needs.
• Develop and maintain enrichment activities and programming that support dogs’ physical and emotional well-being.
• Become familiar with each dog’s personality, behavior, history, and needs to assist with adoption and foster matching.
• Ensure adoptable dogs have current photos and accurate, comprehensive adoption profiles.
• Process dog adoption applications and guide prospective adopters through the adoption and meet-and-greet process.
• Communicate known behavioral information and observed behaviors clearly and objectively to prospective adopters.
• Coordinate resident-dog introductions when appropriate for prospective adopters.
• Work with the Shelter Manager to evaluate canine intake requests based on available space, resources, and the individual dog.
• Coordinate/transport spay & neuter appointments and veterinary visits as needed.
• Maintain accurate intake, medical, vaccination, behavior, and placement records.
• Collaborate with staff to identify dogs who may benefit from foster placement, additional behavioral support, or other placement options.
• Assist with surrender prevention by providing resources and guidance when appropriate.
• Participate in off-site adoption events and community programs as needed.
• Communicate canine program needs, concerns, and individual animal updates to the Shelter Coordinator.
• Assist with general shelter operations and other duties as needed.

Skills & Qualifications

Strong knowledge of canine behavior and body language is preferred, along with experience working with dogs in a shelter, rescue, training, veterinary, boarding, or similar environment. The Canine Program Lead must be comfortable handling dogs of varying sizes, temperaments, medical needs, and behavioral histories.

The position requires strong communication and organizational skills, the ability to provide direction and training to others, and the ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations. HSW utilizes humane, positive handling and training practices.

Must be available to work at least one weekend day per week and be able to lift up to 50 pounds, stand and walk for extended periods, and work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Any questions please email Executive Director at ryan@waldenhumane.org. If you are interested in the position please email a resume and cover letter! Thank you

Pay: $16.00 - $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35.0 – 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $17