About the Role
Are you a canine behavior expert with a knack for leadership? Our established Mukilteo dog daycare and boarding facility is looking for a dedicated Manager to lead our small but mighty team of six. This is a part -time position to start
This is a pivotal role where you will take the reins from the Owner-Operator, ensuring our high standards of care, safety, and "Fear Free" philosophy continue to thrive. You won't just be behind a desk; you’ll be the heartbeat of the facility—shaping playgroups, greeting clients, mentoring staff, and building lasting relationships with our local community of dog parents.
Core Responsibilities
- Team Leadership: Manage, schedule, and mentor a team of 6 staff members. You will be responsible for "training the trainer," helping our team refine their group management skills and maintain a calm, controlled environment.
- Canine Safety & Behavior: Oversee the creation of balanced playgroups based on size, temperament, and play style. You must be an expert in reading subtle dog body language to prevent overstimulation or conflict.
- Guidance: Ensure all staff utilize positive reinforcement and low-stress handling techniques. We believe in "Fear Free" care and expect our manager to champion these values daily.
- Selective Client Management: Act as the primary point of contact for our community. You will conduct thorough evaluations for new dogs to ensure they are a healthy and safe fit for our social environment.
- Integrity in Enrollment: We believe in finding the "right" dogs for our program rather than "stacking in" as many guests as possible. You are empowered to decline or refer out dogs that may find a daycare environment too stressful, ensuring a calm atmosphere for both our guests and your staff.
- Quality over Quantity: We aren't a high-volume "warehouse" style daycare. We focus on a medium-volume, curated pack to limit stress and maximize safety.
- Professional Communication: Provide honest, nuanced, and professional feedback to owners regarding their dog’s behavior, progress, and suitability for group play.
- Reservation Oversight: Manage the booking calendar with a focus on maintaining safe staff-to-dog ratios and balanced group dynamics.
- Facility Operations: Manage the daily flow of check-ins/outs, maintain high sanitation standards, and report directly to the owner on facility health and team performance.
- Opportunity for full-time after 90 days
Required Qualifications
- Experience: Minimum 2+ years in a professional dog handling environment (daycare, training) and prefer 1+ years in a supervisory/leadership role.
- Body Language Mastery: Advanced ability to interpret canine communication and intervene proactively. This can be through experience, training or schooling!
- Communication Skills: Ability to translate "dog behavior" into clear, empathetic updates for pet parents.
- Technical Savvy: Comfortable using kennel management software for reservations and client communication.
- Physical Stamina: Ability to be on your feet for long periods and handle dogs of all sizes (up to 100+ lbs).
- Management experience- Demonstrated leadership skills. We dont just tell people what to do we help them be successful
Why Join Us?
- Direct Impact: You are taking over for the owner and will have a significant voice in how the facility operates.
- Small Team Environment: No corporate red tape—just a dedicated team of five and a supportive owner.
- Community: We serve a wonderful group of local Mukilteo dogs and owners who treat us like family. We in return treat them as family and thrive in this small community.
- Health insurance (when full time)
- 2 weeks paid vacation
- bonus opportunities
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter via indeed or to [email protected] detailing your experience with dog daycare, boarding and group play management and why you believe you are ready to make the jump into management!
Pay: $25.00 - $29.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- On-the-job training
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
