JobTitle:CanineCareAssistant/EnrichmentSpecialist ReportsTo:StoreManager&Owner
The Canine Care Assistant is responsible for the care and supervision of dog play groups, boarding guests, ensuringasafeandenrichingenvironmentforalldogs.Thisrolerequiresstrongteamwork, consistent and effective communication, attentiontodetail,andapassionforpositivereinforcementtrainingmethods.Theposition involves physical activity, cleaning duties, and direct interaction with dogs and their owners.
· Superviseandengagewithdogplaygroups,ensuringsafeinteractionsandpositive socialization.
· Administer food, medications, and other necessary care fordogs, following specific instructions.
· Maintainanorganizedandsanitaryenvironmentinplayareas,kennels,and commonspaces. Perform cleaning duties, including picking up waste, mopping, disinfecting surfaces, doing laundry, washing dishes and vacuuming.
· Transportdogstoandfromownersandensure asmoothcheck-inandcheck-out process in a friendly and professional manner.
· Observe, assessanddocument dog behavior, notingany changes, incidents, or concernstobe reported to management. Stepping in when necessary to redirect play and prevent conflicts, be proactive and not reactive. Followall companypolicies andsafety guidelines toensure a secure environment for both dogs and staff.
· Assist with enrichment services, including training exercises, and one-on-one interaction sessions. Upholdpositivereinforcement techniquesandensurethatallinteractionsalignwith fear-free training principles.
· Supportteammembersandcontributetoacollaborativeandefficientworkplace.
· Passionforworkingwithdogs!!!!
· Abilitytolearn dogbehaviorandhandlingtechniquesthroughourtraining procedures.
· Abilitytoliftatleast50lbs. Requiring physical stamina and endurance. Frequentbending,lifting,walking,andhandlingofdogsofallsizes, temperaments andbreed.
· Employeesarerequiredtowork some weekendsandholidays, early morning/afternoon and evening shifts inallweather conditions, aspartofayear-roundoperation.
· Strongattentiontodetailandabilitytofollowcareinstructionsaccurately.
· Team-orientedattitudewithawillingnesstocollaborateandsupportco-workers.
· Effectivecommunicationskillsforreportingbehavioralobservationsandproviding updates to management.
· Abilityto problem-solveandmakequickdecisionsin afast-pacedenvironment.
· Comfortable with cleaning tasks, including waste disposal, kennel sanitation, and laundryduties.
· Previous experience with dogs (such as pet ownership, animal care, daycare/training,orveterinaryassistance)isaplusbutnot required.
· Willingnesstoundergoon-the-jobtrainingandcompleteminimumtraining requirements.
· ReliableTransportation.
· Win-WinMentality–Workstowardsolutionsthatbenefitboththedogsandthe team.
· Accountability & Ownership – Takes full responsibility for assigned duties and follows through on commitments.
· Collaboration&Teamwork–Works effectivelywith co-workers and communicates respectfully.
· EmotionalIntelligence–Recognizesandrespondstotheneedsandbehaviorsof dogs and people.
· Problem-Solving & Quick Thinking – Makes informed decisions when handling unexpectedsituations.
· Attention to Detail – Ensures feeding, medication, cleaning, and behavioral observations are completed properly.
· Reliability & Dependability – Arrives on time, follows schedules, and completes tasks with minimal supervision.
· Teachable & Strong Desire to Learn – Open to feedback and actively seeks knowledge and skill development.
· CustomerService–Providesfriendlyandprofessionalservicetodogowners.
· PositiveReinforcementTraining–Supportsafear-free,reward-basedtraining approach.
· Opportunitiesforgrowthandadvancement.
· Hands-on experience in a structured, positive-reinforcement-based dog care environment.
· Employeediscounts for daycare/boarding/grooming. Additionalbenefitsbasedonroleandemploymentstatus.
· Asupportiveandteam-focusedworkenvironment.
ThisjobdescriptionoutlinesthegeneralnatureandkeyresponsibilitiesoftheCanine CareAssistantposition.Dutiesandresponsibilitiesmaychangeasneededtosupport the needs of the facility.