Assistant Manager – Dog Daycare & Enrichment CenterCentral Bark
Some people are looking for a job.
Others are looking for an opportunity to lead, grow, and make a meaningful impact every day.
At Central Bark, we believe dogs deserve more than supervision—they deserve enrichment, learning, exercise, safety, and compassionate care. Every day, local families trust us with a beloved member of their family, and we're looking for an Assistant Manager who takes that responsibility seriously.
If you enjoy leading people, solving problems, building customer relationships, and creating exceptional experiences for both dogs and their owners, we'd love to meet you.
About the Role
As Assistant Manager, you will support the daily operations of our dog daycare and enrichment center while helping ensure the highest standards of safety, customer service, employee development, and operational excellence.
This is a hands-on leadership position. Approximately half of your time will be spent supporting customers, answering phones, resolving concerns, handling administrative duties, and assisting with team leadership and training. The remainder of your time will involve supervising dog playgroups, caring for dogs, and helping maintain a clean, safe facility.
This role is ideal for someone who wants to grow as a leader while making a positive difference in the lives of dogs, their families, and fellow team members.
What You'll DoLead and Support the Team
- Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, and coaching employees.
- Help create a positive, accountable, and professional workplace culture.
- Lead by example and uphold company standards every day.
- Support management in developing team members and improving performance.
Deliver Outstanding Customer Service
- Build lasting relationships with dog parents.
- Answer phones, manage reservations, and assist customers with services and products.
- Resolve customer concerns professionally and effectively.
- Educate clients on the benefits of Whole Dog Care and Enrichment.
Help Drive Business Growth
- Support local marketing initiatives and customer retention efforts.
- Identify opportunities to enhance customer satisfaction and increase service utilization.
- Assist with retail sales and promotion of Central Bark services.
- Contribute to a culture focused on growth, quality, and operational excellence.
Ensure Safe, High-Quality Dog Care
- Supervise dog playgroups using science-based behavior and enrichment practices.
- Monitor canine body language and intervene appropriately when necessary.
- Assist with feeding, medicating, enrichment activities, grooming assistance, and general care.
- Respond appropriately to canine emergencies and provide first aid when needed.
Maintain Facility Standards
- Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment.
- Assist with inventory management and operational procedures.
- Support compliance with company policies and applicable laws and regulations.
What We're Looking For
We're seeking someone who combines leadership ability, strong customer service skills, business acumen, and a genuine passion for dogs.
Required Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Previous supervisory, leadership, or management experience preferred.
- Strong customer service and communication skills.
- Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to remain calm and effective in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, and flexible schedules as business needs require.
- Ability to safely handle dogs of various sizes, temperaments, and energy levels.
- Previous professional experience in the dog care industry is strongly preferred, including dog daycare, boarding, training, grooming, veterinary, pet retail, rescue, or other animal care environments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated knowledge of dog behavior, body language, playgroup management, and safe dog handling practices is a significant advantage.
- Sales, retail, customer retention, or business development experience is highly valued.
- Experience building customer relationships, converting prospective clients into long-term customers, and promoting services is a strong asset.
- Familiarity with reward-based, positive reinforcement training methods is preferred.
- Experience training, coaching, or mentoring employees is a plus.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal Assistant Manager is someone who enjoys working with both people and dogs. They understand that exceptional customer service, strong team leadership, and business growth all contribute to providing better care for the dogs entrusted to us.
They are comfortable talking with customers, identifying opportunities to grow services, mentoring team members, and stepping into dog handling and facility operations whenever needed. Most importantly, they recognize that the safety, well-being, and enrichment of every dog in our care is our highest priority.
Physical Requirements
This is an active position that requires both leadership and hands-on work.
You must be able to:
- Lift up to 50 pounds.
- Stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the day.
- Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Safely handle dogs of various sizes and temperaments.
- Use computers and office software for extended periods.
Compensation & Benefits
We believe exceptional leaders should be rewarded for helping our business grow and succeed.
Expected Starting Earnings: $17.50–$19.00+ per hour
Compensation is made up of multiple components:
- Base Pay: $15.50–$16.50 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications
- Shared Team Tip Pool (historically averaging approximately $1.25 per hour)
- Performance-Based Sales Incentives and Growth Bonuses
- Advancement Opportunities with Increased Compensation Based on Performance
Top-performing Assistant Managers have the opportunity to significantly increase their earnings through performance-based sales incentives and bonus programs tied to business growth, customer retention, and service utilization.
Our most successful Assistant Managers actively build relationships with customers, help convert prospective clients into long-term members, and contribute to the overall growth of the business. Historically, strong performers have earned an additional $1.00–$1.50+ per hour through incentive programs, though actual earnings will vary based on performance and business results.
At Central Bark, we believe that when our team helps create exceptional experiences for dogs and their families, everyone benefits—including our employees.
Why Central Bark?
Because what we do matters.
We help dogs live healthier, happier lives. We help families feel confident leaving their pets in our care. We create meaningful relationships with customers who trust us year after year.
Most importantly, we build teams of people who care deeply about the work they do.
If you're ready to lead, grow professionally, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of dogs, their families, and your fellow team members, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and help us continue raising the standard for dog care in our community.
Pay: $15.50 - $16.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- On-the-job training
- Opportunities for advancement
Work Location: In person
