Job Overview
We’re a fast-growing, professional dog training and boarding company located on 23 acres. We don’t babysit dogs — we structure, train, and care for them at a high standard. Weekends are required. On-site housing is a possibility for the right candidate at market rents.
Our mission is simple: help owners have dogs they can take anywhere without embarrassment.
We run a clean, organized, no-drama facility. We expect professionalism from our team and deliver excellence to our clients.
We’re looking for a Kennel Manager who takes ownership, leads from the front, and treats animal care like a responsibility — not a hobby.
Responsibilities
- Supervise daily kennel activities, including feeding, cleaning, and exercising animals to maintain cleanliness and comfort.
- Handle dog training sessions to promote good behavior and socialization among pets.
- Provide and oversee professional pet grooming services.
- Coordinate intake and discharge of pets while maintaining accurate records of their health status and special needs.
- Manage inventory of pet supplies, medications, and grooming products to ensure readiness at all times.
- Deliver exceptional customer service by addressing client inquiries, updating them on their pets’ status, and offering pet care advice.
- Perform heavy lifting when necessary to transport animals or equipment safely within the facility.
Role Summary
The Kennel Manager oversees the daily operation of our kennel and training facility, ensuring:
- Dogs are safe and properly cared for
- Staff are trained, accountable, and efficient
- The facility is clean, organized, and inspection-ready
- Clients feel confident and informed
Your job is to keep dogs safe, staff aligned, and the building running tight.
Key ResponsibilitiesAnimal Care & Welfare
- Oversee daily feeding, watering, medications, potty breaks, and exercise
- Monitor dog behavior and health; escalate concerns immediately
- Ensure proper kennel rotations and stress management protocols
- Maintain safe dog handling procedures at all times
Operations & Cleanliness
- Own opening and closing procedures
- Enforce strict sanitation standards (kennels, yards, bowls, laundry, equipment)
- Ensure facility remains organized and odor-free
- Manage inventory of food, cleaning supplies, and equipment
- Submit orders before supplies run low
Staff Leadership
- Schedule and supervise kennel technicians
- Ensure proper weekend and holiday coverage
- Train team members on SOPs for safety, cleaning, and dog handling
- Hold staff accountable to performance standards
- Run quick team huddles and maintain a positive, no-drama environment
Client Experience & Admin
- Professionally greet clients at drop-off and pick-up
- Provide clear updates on dogs’ stay and behavior
- Ensure accurate record-keeping (feeding, meds, notes, incidents)
- Coordinate smoothly with trainers and front desk staff
What Success Looks Like
- Zero preventable injuries or lost dogs
- Kennels and yards consistently clean and organized
- Staff know what to do without constant micromanagement
- Clients trust us long-term and leave positive reviews
- The facility runs smoothly even when busy
Experience
- Requirements
- 2+ years in a kennel, daycare, shelter, vet clinic, or similar environment
- 1+ year in a leadership or supervisory role preferred
- Confident handling dogs of all sizes and temperaments
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, sometimes loud environment
- Able to lift 50 lbs and work on your feet for extended periods
- Willing to work weekends, evenings, and holidays (rotating schedule)
- Highly reliable, detail-oriented, calm under pressure
- Strong communication and team leadership skills
Pay: $23.00 - $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
Application Question(s):
- Are you regularly available to work holidays and weekends as part of your regular schedule?
- How many years of full-time, professional experience working with dogs in a kennel, daycare, shelter, or veterinary setting do you have?
- How many people have you directly supervised in a work setting?
- In 2–3 sentences, describe the busiest animal-care environment you’ve worked in and your role there.
- If your application is selected to move on to the next step in the hiring process list 2 or 3 times you are available for an interview.
- Are you able to reliably commute to our location in Bel Air, MD OR RENT at Market value housing on site?
Work Location: In person
