Are you a reliable, hardworking dog lover with kennel experience and large-breed dog handling? We're looking for a dedicated Kennel Caretaker to join our close-knit team at a well-established nonprofit dog rescue.
We’re looking for someone with the heart for rescue and someone who understands the responsibility and reward of helping dogs heal and thrive. If you're a team player with kennel experience, strong handling skills, and a genuine desire to make a lasting impact, we want to hear from you.
Since 2004, our mission has been to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs, primarily German Shepherds, giving them a second chance at life. Our peaceful, park-like facility in Valley Center provides a safe, structured, and enriching environment for both dogs and staff.
What We’re Looking For:
We're seeking someone who:
- Has a strong work ethic and takes pride in doing a job well
- Thrives in a team environment and contributes to a positive, supportive workplace
- Has 3–5+ years of hands-on experience in a kennel, boarding, or rescue setting
- Is comfortable with and has experience handling large breed dogs
- Is flexible and open to learning the many complexities involved in caring for rescue dogs
- Bonus: Familiarity with rescue work, German Shepherd dogs, dog behavior
Key Responsibilities:
- Follow all policies and procedures, working effectively, efficiently and in accordance with the organization’s policies.
- Daily, thorough cleaning and sanitation of dog kennels, outdoor Daycare Kennel Runs and Play Yards.
- Safely moving dogs daily to/from Kennel Lodge to Daycare Kennel Runs and Play Yards throughout the rescue in the AM/PM and throughout the day, based on protocol and immediate need.
- Preparing of food and feeding, including providing special diets as needed.
- Proper administering of medication to rescue dogs.
- Ensure the rescue dog’s water needs are met by filling water buckets in the Kennel Lodge, Kennel Runs and Play Yards and daily sanitizing water buckets.
- Observe animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent in an ongoing basis (medical or behavioral) reporting them to management immediately (i.e. if a dog is physically showing distress, rapid breathing, lethargy, act of choking, spinning, panic attacks where dogs spin, jump, bark non-stop)
- Assisting Adoption Counselors with Meet & Greet appointments by moving dogs to/from a Kennel Run or Play Yard, or by bringing a rescue dog to the Adoption Counselor.
- Preparing Post Adoption pack, food & medication instructions, giving new leashes, taking off operational leashes
- Help provide care and management of Boarding Dogs
- Complete daily Dog Care Log with notes on the dog’s health including food consumption, fecal consistency, medications administered, and overall behavior of the dog (i.e. does the dog look lethargic, no appetite, soft stools)
- Bathe, groom and provide Tender Loving Care to rescue dogs
- Assisting by distracting dogs per policy while getting vaccinations, physical examinations from vets or Management
- Stocking supplies as needed
- Providing transportation for dogs as needed to vets or from shelters
- Washing and sanitizing dog bowls, slow feeders, toys, and other dishes following feeding time in the AM and PM.
- Providing a healthy, safe, clean and pleasant environment and facilities for the dogs and the public per Coastal K9 Guidelines
- Working courteously and cooperatively with other team members, volunteers, management, and rescue partners
- Attending and partaking in department meetings
Requirements:
- Experience working with large dogs breeds is a must
- 3-5 years of kennel and dog handling experience
- Able to work independently while remaining a strong team player
- Must love dogs and bring a positive, can-do attitude to work
- Physically able to be on your feet all day, lift up to 50 lbs, and navigate uneven terrain
- Willingness to work early shifts starting at 7:30 AM with earlier summer seasonal start times
- Must live within 15-20 miles of Valley Center
Compensation:
- $20.00 – $26.00/hour, Pay is commensurate with experience
- Schedule: 10-hour, or 5-hour day shifts, including a weekend day
How to Apply:
Please include a resume or list of relevant work experience including employer names and roles. In your response, tell us why you’re interested in joining our mission-driven team and what experience you bring to the role.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 - $26.00 per hour
Expected hours: 36 – 40 per week
Benefits:
Application Question(s):
- Do you have any experience with large rescue dogs?
- Are you able to work weekends?
- Do you reside within 15-20 miles of Valley Center?
Ability to Commute:
- Valley Center, CA 92082 (Required)
Work Location: In person
