Enrichment Specialist - Canine Care Assistant

Job Title:

Canine Care Assistant /Enrichment Specialist

Reports To:

Store Manager&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.

The position 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 company policies andsafety guidelines toensure asecure environment for both dogs and staff.
• Assist with enrichment services, including training exercises, and one-on-one interaction sessions. Upholdpositivereinforcementtechniquesandensurethatallinteractionsalignwith fear-free training principles.

• Passion for working with dogs!!!!
• Ability to learn dog behavior and handling techniques through our training procedures.
• Abilitytoliftatleast
  50lbs. Requiring physical stamina and endurance. Frequent bending,lifting,walking,andhandlingofdogsofallsizes,temperaments andbreed.
• Employeesarerequiredtowork some weekendsandholidays, early morning/afternoon and evening shifts inallweatherconditions, aspartofayear-roundoperation.
• Strongattentiontodetailandabilitytofollowcareinstructions accurately.
• Team-orientedattitudewithawillingnesstocollaborateandsupportco-workers.
• Effectivecommunicationskillsforreportingbehavioralobservationsandproviding updates to management.
• Abilityto problem-solveandmakequickdecisionsin a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable with cleaning tasks, including waste disposal, kennel sanitation, and laundry duties.
• Previous experience with dogs (such as pet ownership, animal care, daycare/training,orveterinaryassistance) isaplusbutnotrequired.
• Willingnesstoundergoon-the-jobtrainingandcompleteminimumtraining requirements.
• Reliable Transportation.
• Support team members and contribute to a collaborative and efficient workplace.

• Win-Win Mentality –Workstowardsolutionsthatbenefitboththedogsandthe team.
• Accountability & Ownership – Takes full responsibility for assigned duties and follows through on commitments.
• Collaboration&Teamwork –Works effectively with co-workers and communicates respectfully.
• Emotional Intelligence –Recognizesandrespondstotheneedsandbehaviorsof dogs and people.
• Problem-Solving & Quick Thinking – Makes informed decisions when handling unexpected situations.
• 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.
• Customer Service–Providesfriendlyandprofessionalservicetodogowners.
• Positive Reinforcement Training –Supportsafear-free,reward-based training approach.

• Opportunitiesforgrowthand advancement.
• Hands-on experience in a structured, positive-reinforcement-based dog care environment.
• Employee discounts for daycare/boarding/grooming. Additionalbenefitsbasedonroleandemployment status.
• Asupportiveandteam-focused work environment.

Thisjobdescriptionoutlinesthegeneralnatureandkeyresponsibilitiesofthe Canine Care Assistant position.

Dutiesandresponsibilitiesmaychangeasneededtosupport the needs of the facility.