Canine Handler

Dogtopia Charlottesville is looking for a reliable and compassionate animal handler (Canine Coach) to join our team. We are a small business, but we are always looking to hire great people. The ideal candidate will be a hard-working professional able to undertake a variety of tasks with attention to detail and great care for animals and people.

Skills

• Proven experience as an animal handler
• Knowledge of animal behavior and attraction
• Excellent communication, public speaking and communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Relaxed and professional demeanor
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible schedule (some weekends, holidays are required)

Responsibilities

• Have fun with dogs on camera, we have live webcams so our Pet Parents can watch!
• Maintain control of large groups of open play dogs in a playroom at all times to ensure a safe and fun environment.
• All rooms are equipped with cameras for our pet parents to engage with their furry friends throughout their stay.
• You must be able to continuously be on your feet showing the dogs attention and care to ensure you are maintaining a pack leader status in the room.
• This position can be at times physically and mentally demanding, you must not have physical restrictions and be able to move or lift up to 50lbs at times.
• Caring for all the furry friends as if they were a part of your own family.
• Cleaning Duties
• The playroom is continually monitored and kept free of messes by immediate and continual spot cleaning throughout the shift.
• Daily cleaning assignments may include but are not limited to sweeping, mopping, taking out the trash, replacing water bowls, etc.
• Being proactive in making sure the dogs are always in a safe, clean environment.
• Health and Grooming
• Willingness to learn correct Dogtopia bathing and nail clipping of any size dog without direct supervision. Proper procedures include the use of appropriate bathing equipment and techniques, along with clean-up of the bathing area upon completion.
• Always handling dogs with care as bath time can be stressful for our furry friend.
• Teamwork, positive attitude & own initiatives
• We are open 365 days per year so evenings/weekends/holidays _*do apply.
• Ability to work cohesively with their team in a respectful and professional manner, negative attitudes will not be tolerated.
• Willingness to want to learn and grow within the company and position.
• Maintains consistent time and attendance standards.
• Follows company dress code guidelines for professional and safe standards.
• Be on time for scheduled shifts and in the case of emergency, we ask the call out is in advance of their shift to allow time for proper coverage.
• Complete all online required Dogtopia Courses within 60 days.
• What we offer: Let’s look at what Dogtopia does for you!
• Education in basic dog language
• Fun, Dynamic team culture
• Career progression based on performance.
• Additional certification programs are available based upon merit and interest.
• Competitive hourly wages with flexibility in scheduling
• Health Insurance option after 90 days
• Free dog daycare/boarding for your pet after completing required meet & greet, after training is complete.
• PTO hours are given every 6 months of employment.
• Opportunity to advance throughout multiple locations.
• Opportunity to cross-train after Canine Handler training is complete in other positions within the company.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $13.00 - $13.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Holidays
• Rotating weekends
• Weekends as needed
• Weekends only

Experience:

• animal care: 1 year (Preferred)
• dog handling: 1 year (Preferred)
• customer service: 1 year (Preferred)
• customer care: 1 year (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)
• Night Shift (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Charlottesville, VA 22901: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person