Daycare Attendant / Bather
Position Type: Full-Time or Part-Time - 25-40hrs per week required
Position Summary
The Daycare Attendant / Bather is responsible for providing safe, structured, and enriching care for dogs participating in daycare, boarding, and grooming services. This position combines canine handling, pack management, cleaning and sanitation, customer service, and bathing responsibilities to ensure every dog enjoys a safe, clean, and positive experience while in our care.
The ideal candidate is reliable, physically active, detail-oriented, and passionate about animal care. Team members must be comfortable working with dogs of all breeds, sizes, ages, and temperaments while maintaining a calm, professional demeanor in a fast-paced environment.
Essential ResponsibilitiesDog Daycare & Boarding Care
- Supervise and safely manage groups of dogs in daycare and boarding environments.
- Monitor dog behavior and body language to promote safe and appropriate interactions.
- Utilize handling techniques including recalls, body blocking, redirection, leash handling, and other approved training methods.
- Follow all safety protocols regarding gates, crates, feeding procedures, and dog introductions.
- Conduct individual enrichment sessions and potty breaks as scheduled.
- Maintain detailed notes regarding dog behavior, health concerns, incidents, and daily activities.
- Ensure dogs are clean, comfortable, and receiving appropriate care throughout their stay.
Bathing & Grooming Support
- Bathe dogs according to company standards.
- Brush, blow dry, and prepare dogs for grooming appointments.
- Safely restrain and handle dogs during bathing and drying procedures.
- Maintain bathing and grooming equipment.
- Assist groomers and bathers with daily tasks as needed.
- Monitor for skin issues, parasites, lumps, injuries, or other concerns and report findings to management.
Cleaning & Facility Maintenance
- Perform routine cleaning and sanitization of daycare yards, boarding runs, grooming areas, and common spaces.
- Remove waste promptly and maintain a clean environment throughout the day.
- Follow all cleaning and disinfecting protocols.
- Stock supplies and notify management when inventory is low.
- Assist with laundry and facility organization.
Customer Service
- Provide friendly and professional interactions with clients.
- Assist with pet check-ins and check-outs when needed.
- Answer basic questions regarding daycare, boarding, grooming, and company services.
- Communicate concerns regarding pet behavior, health, or care needs to management and/or pet owners.
Required Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Ability to safely handle dogs of all sizes and temperaments.
- Comfortable working in a physically demanding environment.
- Reliable transportation (Must own a car) and consistent attendance.
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, and peak vacation periods as needed.
- Ability to follow detailed instructions and company procedures.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience working with dogs in daycare, boarding, grooming, veterinary, shelter, or training environments.
- Knowledge of canine body language and behavior.
- Experience bathing and drying dogs.
- Pet CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and lift throughout an entire shift.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds independently.
- Ability to safely handle dogs on leash.
- Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to tolerate barking, pet hair, cleaning chemicals, and wet environments.
Success in This Position
Successful team members consistently demonstrate:
- Excellent dog handling skills
- Strong attention to safety and detail
- Dependability and punctuality
- Positive attitude and teamwork
- Cleanliness and organization
- Professional communication
- A genuine passion for providing exceptional care to dogs and their families
Advancement Opportunities: Daycare/Boarding Level 2, Team Lead, and Management positions.
At Emma Marie's, we believe every dog deserves a safe, enriching, and loving experience while away from home. We're looking for team members who share that commitment and are excited to grow with our team.
Pay: $17.00 - $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Employee discount
- On-the-job training
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid time off
- Paid training
Work Location: In person
