Dog Handler

Dog Handler

About

At Top Dog, we’re redefining pet care in the heart of Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Our boutique daycare and overnight facility is designed to feel like a second home—safe, enriching, and thoughtfully curated for city dogs. Top Dog is a founder-led, self-funded company—not backed by private equity or institutional investors. This allows us to prioritize what matters most: exceptional care, strong team culture, and long-term relationships with our clients and community. We’re building something special from the ground up, and we’re looking for passionate animal lovers who want more than just a job—they want to be part of a purpose-driven team shaping the future of pet hospitality.

Position Overview

Top Dog is seeking a skilled, dependable Dog Handler to join our start-up team. This role is ideal for someone with professional dog handling experience who thrives in an active tame based environment while continuing to work hands-on with dogs.

You’ll play a key role in supervising playgroups, supporting enrichment activities, and maintaining Top Dog’s high standards for safety, cleanliness, and guest experience.

Core Responsibilities

Startup & Launch (Pre-opening)

• Partner with leadership to execute facility launch
• Participate in on-site pre-launch training sessions & complete all training modules
• Support trial runs, mock days and soft opening

Dog Care & Supervision

• Supervise group play and individual interactions. Read and respond to canine body language
• Monitor dog behavior, intervene appropriately to de-escalate high energy situations to maintain a safe environment.
• Implement enrichment activities (puzzles, sensory play, confidence building)
• Assist with feeding (close attention to diet/client instructions & monitor intake to report concerns), water breaks, and rest periods
• Provide individualized attention and care for dogs in our care.
• Help with capturing content of dogs in assigned playgroups

Facility & Safety Standards

• Follow all safety and sanitation protocols
• Clean & sanitize play areas, suites, and common spaces
• Assist with dog transitions between areas
• Assist with emergency procedures when needed (i.e. first aid, dog altercations)
• Document basic behavior notes & escalate to leadership when appropriate

Team Support

• Work collaboratively with leadership
• Follow direction and seek feedback to improve skills
• Support leadership in opening and closing procedures
• Maintain a calm, positive, professional attitude

Client Experience

• Greet pet parents warmly during drop-off and pick-up
• Share basic updates about dogs’ day, direct complex questions or concerns to leadership
• Represent Top Dog with professionalism and warmth

Qualifications & Skills for the Job

Required

• Comfortable handling dogs of all sizes and temperaments and a passion for working with dogs.
• Strong work ethic, reliability and punctuality
• Ability to stand, walk, and lift up to 50 lbs. throughout shift
• Comfortable in a fast paced, start-up environment with a willingness to wear multiple hats.
• Willingness to learn dog behavior and handling skills
• Ability to function well independently and at times of a stressful environment.
• Weekend and holiday availability
• 18 years or older

Preferred

• 6 months prior experience handling dogs in a group setting (personal, volunteer, shelter, or daycare)
• Interest in animal behavior or pet care careers
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Willingness to assist/support grooming staff with bathing needs (training provided)

What We Offer

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Training and mentorship
• Clear growth path with opportunities for advancement within a fast-growing boutique brand
• Meaningful work caring for dogs in a supportive team-first culture

Schedule

• Full and part time roles available, some early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays

How to Apply
At Top Dog, we take a thoughtful approach to building our team.
To be considered, please complete our application here: https://forms.gle/B4orURbkcji7qP6Q9

Applications submitted through really without completing this step will not be reviewed.

Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $19