Shelby Township, MI
$18–20/hour (Bonuses & Overtime Available)
Are you an experienced dog professional who's ready to lead a team—not just complete a checklist?
Happy Tails Learning Center for Dogs is one of Michigan's premier dog training and behavior centers. We specialize in obedience training, behavior modification, boarding, and daycare, and we're looking for an experienced leader to help oversee our kennel operations.
This is not an entry-level kennel position.
We're searching for someone with professional kennel, veterinary, daycare, shelter, or dog training experience who understands canine body language, naturally leads others, and takes pride in maintaining exceptionally high standards.
If you're the type of person who notices what everyone else misses, enjoys mentoring coworkers, and believes details matter, we'd love to meet you.
What You'll Do
As our Lead Kennel Operations Specialist, you'll be responsible for ensuring every dog receives outstanding care while helping our kennel team perform at its very best.
Your responsibilities include:
- Leading and mentoring the kennel staff
- Delegating daily responsibilities
- Following up to ensure tasks are completed correctly
- Maintaining exceptional cleanliness and organization
- Monitoring dog health and behavior
- Reading canine body language and recognizing early signs of stress, anxiety, fear, or aggression
- Safely handling dogs with behavioral challenges
- Working alongside our professional trainers
- Interacting with clients during drop-off and pick-up
- Handling client questions and concerns professionally
- Training and coaching newer staff members
- Maintaining detailed records and communicating important information
- Solving problems before they become larger issues
- Being available for occasional phone calls or text messages outside scheduled hours if an urgent kennel issue arises (rare, but expected as part of a leadership role)
We're Looking for Someone Who...
✔ Has previous professional kennel, daycare, veterinary, shelter, or dog training experience - REQUIRED
✔ Has leadership or supervisory experience
✔ Understands canine body language and behavior
✔ Can confidently handle challenging dogs
✔ Is highly organized and detail-oriented
✔ Holds themselves and others accountable
✔ Takes initiative without waiting to be told what to do
✔ Leads with professionalism, positivity, and consistency
✔ Is calm under pressure
✔ Has excellent communication and customer service skills
✔ Believes that "good enough" isn't good enough
Schedule
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday
7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Off every Wednesday and Sunday.
Compensation & Benefits
- $18–20/hour, based on experience
- Overtime opportunities
- Health insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid holidays
- Performance bonuses
- Employee discounts
- Opportunities for growth and advancement
Physical Requirements
This is an active leadership position requiring the ability to:
- Lift up to 50 pounds
- Stand and walk for extended periods
- Work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions
- Bend, kneel, squat, and move quickly when necessary
- Safely handle dogs of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments
Why Happy Tails?
At Happy Tails, we're more than a boarding kennel. Every interaction is an opportunity to improve a dog's life and strengthen the bond between dogs and their families.
We hold ourselves to exceptionally high standards because our clients trust us with members of their family.
If you're passionate about dogs, enjoy leading people, and want to be part of a team that truly makes a difference, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- On-the-job training
- Paid time off
- Paid training
Application Question(s):
- At least 1 year of professional experience working with dogs is REQUIRED to be a candidate for this position (and it should be reflected on your resume). Describe your level of experience in a professional environment with dogs (please note: care-taking for your personal dogs does not constitute as professional experience).
- This is a leadership position (not just a kennel assistant position)! Your role will include leading a team of people to give the UTMOST care for the dogs in our facility. What leadership skills do you possess that would make you the PERFECT candidate for this role? Please list at least 5.
- Please describe what you believe makes a GREAT leader?
- The position would require you to work every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7am-4pm (off on Wednesdays and Sundays). Do those hours fit your availability?
- Why do you want to work at Happy Tails instead of another kennel or daycare?
Work Location: In person
