Canine Caretaker Job Description
Supervisor: Canine Care Manager
Time Commitment and Location of Work: This is a part-time role with a rotating schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and select holidays. Our team provides care for dogs every day of the year, regardless of weather conditions. We are seeking a dependable, motivated individual who is enthusiastic about animal welfare and ready to contribute consistently.
Position Summary: The canine caretaker works collaboratively with staff and volunteers to support the daily health, safety, and overall well-being of dogs in our care. This role involves hands-on animal care, maintaining clean and sanitary spaces, and ensuring established procedures are followed.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
- Provide daily exercise and walks for dogs
- Prepare meals, monitor food intake, and report appetite or weight changes
- Observe and document health or behavioral concerns (including stool quality, energy levels, etc.)
- Clean and disinfect kennels, crates, runs, food bowls, and laundry according to guidelines
- Maintain cleanliness during walks and throughout facility areas
- Bathe and groom dogs as appropriate
- Administer medications as directed
- Partner with the Canine Coordinator to promote dogs’ physical and emotional wellness
- Assist with enrichment activities, training plans, and behavior support programs
- Handle all animals with compassion and professionalism
- Guide and support volunteers to ensure safe and effective participation
- Communicate clearly and professionally with staff and volunteers
- Follow sanitation and disease-prevention protocols
- Suggest improvements to care routines and cleaning processes
- Ensure dogs have proper bedding, enrichment, and stimulation
- Help maintain outdoor play yards and kennel spaces
- Support positive experiences for visitors, volunteers, and interns
Qualifications:
- Strong multitasking skills and ability to work cooperatively on a team
- Positive, energetic, and proactive attitude
- Comfortable working with dogs of all sizes, temperaments, and medical or behavioral needs
- Availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Ability to professionally represent the organization’s mission and policies
- Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds regularly
- Able to perform physically demanding tasks such as standing, bending, squatting, lifting, and cleaning for extended periods
- Willing to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Comfortable working around dogs with diverse temperaments and medical conditions
- Dependable, honest, and physically fit
Additional Information
Employees scheduled for 30 or more hours per week are eligible for paid time off benefits, including five (5) sick days and ten (10) vacation days annually. PTO begins accruing on the first day of employment and may be used after 90 days.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other protected status.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $11.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
