Stay & Play Lead
Role Overview
The Stay & Play Lead is responsible for overseeing the daily operation of the Stay & Play department, ensuring every dog receives safe, individualized, and enriching care while supporting and coaching the team assigned to the department. This is a working leadership position, meaning the Lead actively participates in daily Stay & Play activities while also directing workflow, maintaining quality standards, and serving as the primary point of communication between Stay & Play, management, and other departments.
The Stay & Play Lead is expected to model Central Bark’s standards for safety, customer service, Fear Free handling, and positive reinforcement while fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.
Key Responsibilities
Department Leadership
- Lead the day-to-day operations of the Stay & Play department during assigned shifts.
- Delegate tasks and adjust priorities throughout the day to ensure all dogs receive timely care.
- Monitor department workflow and redistribute assignments as needed to maintain efficiency.
- Serve as the primary resource for Stay & Play staff by answering questions, providing direction, and assisting with problem-solving.
- Coach and mentor team members through real-time feedback and hands-on support.
- Communicate department updates, concerns, and operational needs to management.
Dog Care & Enrichment
- Independently manage daily schedules, including potty breaks, enrichment activities, feedings, medications (when applicable), and report cards.
- Safely manage 8–16 Stay & Play dogs while maintaining individualized care and attention.
- Plan and adapt enrichment activities based on each dog’s personality, energy level, behavior, and emotional state.
- Monitor each dog’s physical and behavioral wellbeing throughout the day and adjust activities as needed.
- Ensure all handling follows Fear Free and positive reinforcement principles.
Quality & Safety
- Ensure all Stay & Play dogs receive complete, accurate, and timely care.
- Verify that report cards, notes, and daily documentation are completed accurately before dogs depart.
- Monitor cleanliness and organization of Stay & Play yards, kennels, equipment, and common areas.
- Identify safety concerns and take immediate action to resolve or escalate them.
- Respond appropriately to incidents involving dogs and ensure all required documentation is completed.
Communication
- Coordinate closely with Front Desk regarding arrivals, departures, special instructions, and parent communication.
- Communicate with Group Play, Grooming, Training, and Management to ensure smooth transitions between departments.
- Keep management informed of behavioral concerns, operational challenges, staffing needs, or customer issues.
- Ensure important information is clearly communicated between shifts.
Team Support
- Foster a positive, collaborative work environment.
- Lead by example through professionalism, reliability, and accountability.
- Assist in training new Stay & Play team members and reinforcing department procedures.
- Help identify opportunities to improve efficiency, enrichment programs, and overall guest experience.
Required Qualifications
- Previous professional experience working with dogs in a daycare, boarding, veterinary, training, or similar environment.
- Demonstrated ability to safely handle dogs of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
- Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions under pressure.
- Comfortable leading, coaching, and supporting coworkers throughout the shift.
- Commitment to Fear Free handling and positive reinforcement training methods.
Core Competencies
- Leadership & Accountability
- Leads by example, supports teammates, and takes ownership of department success.
- Team Development
- Coaches employees, reinforces standards, and encourages continuous learning.
- Organization & Time Management
- Prioritizes competing responsibilities while maintaining high-quality care.
- Problem Solving & Decision Making
- Makes informed decisions that prioritize dog safety, team efficiency, and guest satisfaction.
- Communication
- Shares information clearly with coworkers, management, and other departments.
- Dog Behavior & Welfare
- Recognizes stress signals, adjusts care appropriately, and promotes safe, enriching experiences for every dog.
- Positive Reinforcement
- Ensures all interactions align with reward-based, Fear Free handling principles.
Work Environment
- Work is performed indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Frequent walking, standing, bending, lifting, kneeling, and handling dogs of all sizes and temperaments.
- Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds and assist with larger dogs when necessary.
Schedule
This position follows a rotating leadership schedule and is cross-trained across multiple departments.
A typical week includes:
- 3 Stay & Play Lead shifts
- 1 Front Desk Lead shift
- 1 Group Play shift
Cross-training allows leaders to support the entire facility while maintaining expertise in their primary department.
Benefits
- Paid training
- Employee discount
- Health insurance eligible positions
- Opportunities for professional development and advancement
- Supportive, team-oriented culture focused on exceptional pet care
Pay: $14.00 - $16.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
