At Dog Days, our number one priority is safety, but our number one goal is the quality of each dog’s stay! We love helping them build relationships with each other and learn about interacting in all different kinds of situations. That’s why our daycare and boarding program is based on intensive and direct social interactions between dogs, with our experienced staff guiding and leading them.
At Dog Days, we also have a strong "dogs and employees first" mentality. We take pride in fostering an environment where both our furry guests and our team thrive.
Position: Dog Daycare and Boarding Staff
Responsibilities:
- Handling dogs of all ages, breeds, shapes, and sizes.
- Ensuring a safe and fun environment for the dogs at all times by monitoring, correcting, and encouraging play through understanding dog behavior and body language.
- Administering breaks if/when needed and learning all dog names.
- Maintaining cleanliness of the play yards at all times by immediately picking up all dog waste and spot cleaning throughout the day.
- Accurately tracking all attendance, activities, and wellbeing of each dog on daily attendance and wellness sheets. This includes play activities, playmates, water consumption, poop/pee quality/frequency, and any concerning grooming and health needs.
- Effectively communicating any behavioral concerns to management.
- Assisting front desk staff in facilitating temperament tests by ensuring the safety of all dogs entering and exiting the yard during the tests.
- Creating daily meals for all daycare and overnight dogs, adhering to all noted instructions provided by owners.
- Assisting and helping administer daily feedings by accurately identifying each dog by name and breed, and following all feeding instructions.
- Helping maintain a clean facility by sweeping, mopping, and disinfecting all surfaces (floors, doors, gates, fencing, tables, etc.). Cleaning and disinfecting all feeding kennels, washing and drying dishes, laundry, and cleaning bathrooms and the employee break room.
- Completing daily grooming needs, including dremel-administered nail trims, baths, blow-drying, teeth brushing, ear cleanings, and fur brush-outs for all breeds, sizes, and temperaments.
Qualifications:
- MUST have a positive attitude and be passionate about dogs!
- Previous experience with dog handling in a professional setting is preferred, but not required.
- Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
- Knowledge of dog behavior, body language, and safe animal handling.
- Must be a team player, able to work independently, punctual, take direction well, and effectively communicate with team members and management.
- Must have reliable transportation and open availability (including holidays and weekends).
- Dog grooming (bathing, nail trims, teeth brushing) experience is not required but is a plus!
Hiring Process:
- Interview: We’ll conduct an interview to get to know you better and discuss your experience and passion for working with dogs.
- Reference Checks: We’ll contact your references to learn more about your work ethic and suitability for the role.
- Virtual First Day Orientation: Before your on-site start date, we’ll provide a virtual orientation to introduce you to our team, policies, and procedures.
- On-Site Training: You’ll join us on-site for training and familiarization with our facilities and processes.
- Start Date: Your start date will be 2-4 weeks after receiving a job offer.
Perks of Working at Dog Days:
- Hear what our current and previous employees have to say!
- Many of our team members have been with us for years.
- Employees consistently praise our high level of customer service, dog handling expertise, and the care we show to both dogs and their owners.
- We prioritize skill-building, ensuring that every employee, regardless of their starting experience level, is trained to handle dogs and manage play yards with confidence and professionalism.
- We’re transparent with dog owners about their dogs’ behavior and experience at daycare or boarding.
- Our "dogs first" policy means we’re willing to turn away clients or dogs who aren’t a good fit for our environment.
- Cleanliness is a top priority. We maintain a clean and sanitary environment for the health and safety of both our employees and the dogs.
- Daycare and Boarding for your dog(s)!
Start Date: Your start date will be 2-4 weeks after receiving a job offer.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $17.50 - $20.50 per hour
Expected hours: 30 – 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Food provided
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- On-the-job training
- Paid time off
- Uniform allowance
- Vision insurance
Shift:
- 10 hour shift
- 12 hour shift
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Night shift
Supplemental Pay:
Work Days:
- Every weekend
- Holidays
- Monday to Friday
Application Question(s):
- Are you comfortable being around and safely handling dogs of all sizes, breeds and behaviors?
- Are you available to work weekends? If so, what is your availability?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- managing off-leash groups of 20+ dogs (at a dog daycare): 2 years (Preferred)
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Required)
- Night Shift (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- San Diego, CA 92109: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
