About Barksville
At Barksville, dogs aren't just pets. They're family. Every dog that walks through our doors is treated with the same love, patience, and attention we'd want for our own. We celebrate their personalities, cheer on their friendships, and make sure every tail has a reason to wag.
But loving dogs is only part of what makes someone successful here.
Barksville is a premium, crate-free dog daycare and boarding facility in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood. While other facilities rely on kennels, runs, or suites overnight, our dogs enjoy supervised slumber parties where they're free to sleep alongside their friends in a safe, carefully managed environment. Providing that level of care requires an exceptional team.
We are currently hiring 2 experienced Overnight Dog Handlers to join our team.
Available Positions
Position #1
- Full-Time
- Friday, Saturday & Sunday
- 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM
- 36 hours per week
Position #2
- Full-Time
- Three overnight shifts per week (7:00 PM to 7:00 AM)
- Rotating schedule:
- Week 1: Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
- Week 2: Thursday, Friday & Saturday
- Schedule repeats every two weeks
Weekend and holiday availability is required.
Job Description
Our customers trust us with members of their family, and we take that responsibility seriously. Every overnight shift is about keeping dogs safe, maintaining a clean environment, monitoring group dynamics, completing meals and medications, responding quickly to changing situations, and making sure every dog wakes up happy and healthy. We move with purpose, stay productive, and never lose sight of why we're here.
We have a lot of fun doing what we love, but this isn't a job where you'll spend the night sitting on your phone, sleeping, or waiting for the clock to run out. Sleeping while on duty is strictly prohibited. Overnight handlers are expected to remain awake, alert, and actively engaged for the entire shift to ensure the safety and well-being of every dog in our care. There is always something that can be done to improve the experience for our dogs, our customers, and our team. The best Barksville team members are self-motivated, detail-oriented, and constantly looking for ways to help.
Our reputation didn't happen by accident. Just take a look at our Google reviews. They reflect the level of care, professionalism, and dedication our team delivers every single day. If you're looking for an easy overnight job, this probably isn't it. If you're passionate about dogs, thrive in a fast-paced environment, take pride in your work, and want to be part of a team that sets the standard for exceptional canine care, we'd love to meet you.
Responsibilities
- Supervise crate-free boarding dogs throughout the night
- Monitor dog behavior and maintain a safe group environment
- Ensure dogs remain comfortable and settled overnight
- Feed meals according to individual instructions
- Keep water bowls filled
- Clean accidents immediately
- Maintain clean play areas and sleeping spaces
- Perform routine overnight cleaning and sanitation
- Report any health or behavioral concerns
- Follow all Barksville safety protocols and procedures
Required Qualifications
Previous professional dog daycare experience is REQUIRED.
Applicants without prior dog daycare experience will not be considered.
We're looking for someone who is:
- Reliable and punctual
- Experienced handling groups of dogs
- Able to read canine body language
- Detail-oriented and observant
- Hard-working with a strong work ethic
- Able to stay calm in a fast-paced environment
- Professional and dependable
- Able to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout a 12-hour shift
- Able to lift up to 50 pounds
- Comfortable working independently during lower-volume overnight shifts while collaborating effectively with a team during busier boarding periods.
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Free dog daycare and boarding for your own dog (space available)
- Employee discount on Barksville retail items
Why You'll Love Working Here
At Barksville, dogs don't spend the night alone in kennels. They sleep together in supervised playgroups with a dedicated overnight handler watching over them all night long. If you're passionate about dog behavior, enjoy working independently, and want to be part of a team that puts dog safety and happiness first, we'd love to meet you.
Apply today and tell us about your professional dog daycare experience!
Pay: From $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- professional dog daycare: 1 year (Preferred)
Shift availability:
- Overnight Shift (Required)
Work Location: In person
