veterinarian

veterinary technician

executive assistant

adoption manager

construction project manager

Big Dog Ranch Rescue

The administrative management cannot be trusted. During COVID-19, they have been laying off employees left and right. Although the company raised almost a million dollars recently, (including the small business loan to keep employees) they are NOT keeping employees, but instead, "laying them off" and replacing them. If that is not insult to injury, they ask you to train your replacement. Unbelievable.

Your manager will not have your back and you cannot trust a word of what he/she says. They will backstab you right after promising you the world. I was given roles that were not even in my job description, yet, I still completed the tasks and MORE. At the end, my manager (who isn't familiar with anything I knew how to do, but demanded things) treated me poorly and had me working 12-hour days, 7 days a week to complete all tasks. And I did it. I asked for help, but he/she did not know how to do anything that he/she was managing. Also unbelievable.

I'd recommend for any applicant to stay away. You receive very little pay, get to work LONG hours - including weekends - there are no boundaries. The mission is not even about the dogs at this point. In fact one of the managers and a rude employee do not even like dogs. I do not understand how this place still exists with the dishonest use of money and lack of care for GREAT employees. I used to think the world of some of the management, but then their true colors came out.

The organization’s mission is inspiring, but unfortunately, the internal environment does not reflect it. Once you’re part of the team, it becomes clear that poor management, lack of accountability, and favoritism overshadow the good work being done.

Many dedicated employees who truly cared about the animals and the mission have either left or been terminated because leadership refuses to address the mess. Favoritism is common, and communication between departments is often disrespectful or unprofessional.

While the animals are the heart of the organization, some of the practices behind the scenes are deeply concerning. Sick dogs are sometimes listed as healthy , and intake decisions often seem based on adoptability or personal connections rather than fairness or compassion.

The organization also sells donated items at marked-up prices, which feels contrary to the mission’s spirit. The focus has shifted from genuine rescue work to image management and revenue.

Bottom line: The mission is beautiful in theory, but the leadership and culture make it a difficult and emotionally draining place to work.

A typical day is staring off with morning clean where we have to mix harmful chemicals that make you cough and make your eyes burn. Then we are give the responsibility to take care of the animals while management and other hire ups move animals around without letting normal kennel staff know and then later blaming them for their mistakes. People have to learn how to do their own things and find their own and best way to manage dogs and other situations without proper training from management. Management is also TERRIBLE at hold and designing schedules and will switch you or forget called days off from weeks in advance. The managers also talk bad about each other and can’t find way to get along making employees pick teams and it creates a toxic work environment causing stress against managers unless you are a favorite. 

I’m a credentialed veterinary nurse with 6 years experience and was pretty excited when I went in for a working interview. Everything was great - I showed them my skills, assisted in severe surgeries and worked an almost 15 hour day. I was hired on the spot and told to come back the next day. I worked a whole week (8-12 hour shifts) and was also called and ask to come in that Saturday which I did and worked another 5 hours. Then they told me they’d call me with the rest of my schedule. When I didn’t receive a call/text/email, I sent out multiple emails, calls, and texts just inquiring what happened. They never got back to me. I completely understand if they somehow decided I wasn’t the right candidate but it would’ve been nice to at least know and better yet, not be strung along to work a 6 hour week with no intentions on paying me. I worked hard for my skills and my time is valuable. Come to find out they have done this to several other people. Just be careful and make sure you won’t be used for your time without pay. 

The animal lover that I am, I always thought I would love to work at Big Dog Ranch.  When I became unemployed, I looked on the website and was so excited to see a job that was perfect for me.  I called the ranch and left a message.  The next day I was contacted by the Director of Philanthropy and we had a short phone interview.  Within a few days she invited me to come to the ranch for an "in-person" interview where I was introduced to the entire management team.  When I received an offer of employment, they worked with me on a salary and start date that would appeal to me which I really appreciated.  I absolutely love the mission and see how hard management and staff works to fulfill it.  Everyone seems very nice and helpful.  I have heard it can be very stressful during season and the hours can be very long; however, I know that is expected when working for a non profit. It's such a great feeling to see so many dogs be placed into loving, happy homes!

I’m a veterinary nurse with 4 years experience. I thought the idea of working for a rescue would be amazing. They had me come in for a working interview and to my own fault, I worked for 13 hours. It was good work, I was in three surgeries, and had multiple hospitalized patients. I was asked to come back the next day. I was told I had the job at 18$/hr  and they were excited for me to join. I worked four days of 12 hour shifts and by the end of the week they told me they’d call me with next weeks schedule. Multiple attempts to call them, e-mail them, etc. and nothing. I completely understand if they decided on another candidate but they shouldn’t have had me work four 12 hour shifts. I worked hard for my credentials and worked hard when I went to work for them. The least they could do was send an e-mail. They never compensated me even after multiple calls and emails. Turns out, I met one nurse and one kennel tech who both had exact same situations. Just be careful when putting yourself out there.

I would never expect mess to happen at a rescue dog ranch..Apparently people here, including management staff, like to lie on people. I was told by someone (who doesn’t even work here by the way), that I wasn’t doing specific things at this job. I literally only been there for a week, and haven’t grasped everything yet because there was still buildings I haven’t went to yet which held different things. I was also still a trainee, so I only did what was told because I didn’t want to step out of line. I guess that didn’t work out since I was lied on by one of the staff members that I wasn’t doing my job. 

I tried speaking up for myself, but literally keep getting interrupted by the manager…

I just feel like people need to learn not disrespect others, especially when they won’t even allow it to happen to them..

The current president & board cares only about the becoming the biggest rescue and not the health of the pets. The kennel staff has a high turn over rate, with many bites because there is no training involved. Terribly understaffed which leads to make shift rules. Management openly talks about how much each person is making,  who will be fired, personal information about staff members and do not care who hears it. You will work over 50 hours a week, and never get paid for it because management will dodge your repeated attempts to approve your overtime, or just straights up refuses. There are no set rules or guidelines to how to properly do your job.

Big Dog Ranch is a great place to work. I can’t say enough good things about this place. You get to be around dogs every day which is fun. You witness real miracles happen with some of these dogs that we save in terrible condition. Being able to see these dogs heal and eventually get adopted is the best feeling. And being a part of the mission is what makes me want to come in to work every day. Days can be really busy and challenging, there’s always a lot going on.. but overall it's a really great environment here, the campus is beautiful, and it's fun and rewarding being around dogs all day long! 



This place is truly unlike any other. The leadership team here is driven and passionate about the mission. Work environment is comfortable and flexible and very much working in a family unit. It is unique and exciting and extremely rewarding to be part the team. No two days are the same at Big Dog Ranch and there is ample space to move and grow and climb within the company if you  are driven towards it. This job has given me a new life and a healthy and happy work/home life balance that I never thought I'd find.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Veterinarian 1 salary reported	$162,500 per year
Veterinary technician 2 salaries reported	$20.00 per hour
Executive assistant 1 salary reported	$90,000 per year
Adoption manager 2 salaries reported	$19.00 per hour
Construction project manager 1 salary reported	$112,500 per year

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