Dog Handler - BARK U
Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Work Location: Onsight, King of Prussia, PA 19406 (Required)
Schedule:
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
or
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Reports to: Lodging Manager
Company Overview: BARK U is King of Prussia’s most trusted destination for exceptional dog care. Staffed with certified professionals with a deep understanding of canine behavior and years of experience, BARK U prioritizes safety, enjoyment, and stress-free experiences for dogs.
At BARK U, we offer a comprehensive range of services, including Lodging, Daycare, Grooming, Training, and Transportation, all backed by expertise and dedication.
Position Overview: A Dog Handler at BARK U is responsible for ensuring the safety, well-being, and happiness of the dogs in their care. This role includes supervising playgroups, monitoring dog interactions, and keeping detailed notes on their behavior and health. Handlers are also responsible for cleaning up after the dogs, maintaining cleanliness in both dog and human areas, and ensuring food and water are properly provided. Additional duties include stocking inventory, assisting with feeding schedules, and greeting clients with professionalism and warmth. This position requires attentiveness, patience, and a love for dogs, as well as strong communication skills to provide updates to pet owners and the team. Must be reliable when working shifts, including weekends.
Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver seamless Back of House Bark U operations while ensuring a safe and fun environment.
- Supervise group play and communicate behavior observations to the team, Lodging Supervisor, or Manager (daily report cards, behavior changes, socialization recommendations, etc.) to maintain a safe environment.
- Maintain a clean and sanitized environment by promptly wiping down surfaces, clearing messes, and filling in for housekeeping as needed.
- Distribute meals, treats, and water and ensure the needs of dogs in your care are met (check dog-specific boarding sheets for specific guidance).
- Maintain inventory stock (ie. food bowls, treats, etc. and report if any supplies are required or running low).
- Provide seamless dog transitions, using BARK U procedures (including chip confirmation), between Front and Back of House, including drop-offs/pick-ups and occasional curbside transfers to/from client vehicles.
- Deliver top-tier customer service, including greeting clients in a friendly and positive manner and effectively responding to questions.
- Attend department meetings, reviews, evaluations, etc, for staff to address issues and successes.
- Demonstrate reliability, trustworthiness, and BARK U’s Paws of Excellence.
- Assist the Photographer/content creator by capturing/uploading pictures of dogs during everyday play, holidays, and seasonal months upon request.
- Effectively communicate with the Front of House and all departments, i.e., Grooming and Training, for efficient operations (walkies are on, correct channel, professional communication, responsive to requests and direction, etc).
- Cross-train in other departments (i.e., bathing, transportation, etc.) as deemed appropriate by management and based on business needs.
- Remain responsive to direction and requests to support a smooth, collaborative operation.
- Complete tasks and projects as assigned by leadership.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and handling of large animals (over 50 Lbs)
- Lifting of (up to 30 pounds) dog supplies, box deliveries, and other items as needed
- Repetitive motions, including but not limited to: bending, twisting, squatting, lunging, pushing/pulling.
- Must be comfortable working both indoors and outdoors in all types of weather conditions.
Qualifications & Skills
- 1+ years of experience in animal handling, veterinary, medical, or hospitality preferred.
- Reliable schedule availability, including one-weekend shift per week.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with high attention to detail.
- Positive attitude, forward-thinking initiative, and problem-solving ability.
- Ability to multitask and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Tech-savvy with experience using phone applications, spreadsheets, and email communication.
- Must love dogs!
Why Join Bark U: Benefits & Perks
- Competitive Salary
- 401(k) + up to 4% match
- Healthcare Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Paid time off
- Optional Perks: Employee Discounts, Certification Assistance, and Relevant Pre-Approved Tuition Contribution
Equal Opportunity Employer
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $17.00 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Professional development assistance
Application Question(s):
- Do you show up to your shifts on time?
- Have you worked at a doggy daycare and/or dog boarding facility before? if yes, where and for how long?
Experience:
- professional dog handling : 1 year (Required)
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Preferred)
- Night Shift (Preferred)
- Overnight Shift (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- King of Prussia, PA 19406 (Required)
Work Location: In person
