Kennel Caretaker, Social Media Internship

Kennel Caretaker Position – Fall/Winter 2026 Season

Start Date:

Aug 2026

Compensation:
Private cabin housing for Kennel Caretaker duties.

Additional paid hours are available at the Trailside Cafe, assisting with sled dog tours, and various general labor jobs. All additional hours receive $15/hour.

Hours:

~15 hours/week for kennel caretaker duties.

Additional hours in the cafe, tours, and more can be up to 40 hours a week when available. Additional hours are not mandatory.

This is a unique opportunity to live and work in the heart of Alaska. The Alaska Dog Center is seeking dedicated Kennel Caretakers for the 2026 summer season to support our non‑profit Hanging Up the Harness (HUTH) sled dog adoption program.

As the Kennel Caretaker, you’ll be responsible for the daily care and enrichment of up to 12 retired sled dogs. These dogs are part of our HUTH sled dog adoption non‑profit and are learning how to adjust to life as pets. You’ll help them build essential skills like walking on leash, sleeping indoors, mastering recall, and more. Some of these dogs may continue to participate in light tour work with our guides, but your focus is on their long‑term well‑being and successful transition to retirement.

• Socialize and provide enrichment through free running, exercise, and indoor time
• Feed and clean up after the dogs twice daily
• Work on basic training and pet‑life skills (leash walking, indoor time, recall, etc.)
• Monitor health and behavior, and report concerns
• Maintain a clean and organized dog yard

• Private cabin housing next to the dog yard with electricity, heat, and high‑speed internet included. Access to the bathhouse which has a shower, dog wash station, sauna, and washer/dryer.
• One meal a day from our cafe (when the cafe is open during the summer season. Basic food staples provided during the off season).
• Opportunity to learn to mush with our experienced guides, if desired
• Opportunity to pick up additional paid hours at our cafe, assisting with sled dog tours, and performing various other general labor jobs around the property.
• Time to explore the surrounding wilderness, work on creative projects, or pick up a second remote job. This position has a flexible schedule and allows for additional work locally, remotely, or with us at the cafe and other general labor jobs.

• Comfortable working outdoors even in poor weather conditions
• Responsible, self‑motivated, and able to work independently
• Experience with dogs (sled dog experience is a bonus, but not required)
• Must be physically capable of lifting 50 lbs.
• Fall season must be able to commit from Aug 2026‑Oct 2026 (with the opportunity to stay on through winter for the right individual)
• Winter season must be able to commit from Nov 2026‑Apr 2027 (a little flexibility is acceptable).

This is a unique opportunity to live in a peaceful setting, bond with incredible animals, and be part of their next chapter in life. If you love dogs and want to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you!

Are you a creative storyteller with a passion for animals, food, and adventure? Want to spend a few weeks in Alaska making a real impact for a nonprofit and two small local businesses? Join us for a unique Social Media & Marketing Internship supporting Hanging Up the Harness (HUTH), The Alaska Dog Center, and Trailside Cafe.

• HUTH is a nonprofit that helps retired sled dogs transition into pet homes.
• The Alaska Dog Center offers sled dog tours, dog gear, and sled dog education in Willow, AK, the dog mushing capital of the world.
• Trailside Cafe is a seasonal cafe serving locals and travelers with fresh, delicious food and drinks. Together, we’ve created a community centered around sled dogs, hospitality, and storytelling.

• Collaborate with management to build a long‑term social media strategy.
• Create a cohesive content calendar across three brands.
• Help with designing flyers, signage, and other promotional materials.
• Organize and archive digital assets.
• Assist with brainstorming and executing campaign ideas.
• Capture and edit photos and videos for content and campaigns.
• Contribute to…