Assistant Manager (Hybrid: Manager‐on‐Duty + Canine Handler)

Job Description

Job Description

Type: Full‐time (mixed weekday/weekend/evening coverage)

Join a fast‐growing, fun, and pet‐loving environment at The Dog Stop® Kent ! We’re hiring a hands‐on Assistant Manager (Hybrid) who will work as a Canine Handler when the GM is on‐site and step up as the Manager‐on‐Duty when the GM is off‐site . This is a unique chance to lead shifts, guide teammates, support grassroots marketing before opening, and deliver exceptional care to our furry guests and their humans.

What You’ll Do:

Pre‐Opening (Temporary): For the first 3–4 weeks , you’ll assist with grassroots community outreach marketing approximately 4–6 hours/week while we ramp toward opening.

Once the store opens, you’ll move into full‐time hybrid leadership of daily operations.

You will:

• Lead grassroots outreach alongside the GM/Owner(s) before opening; represent the brand with energy and professionalism.

• Serve as Manager‐on‐Duty (open/close, assign tasks, uphold safety/cleanliness) whenever the GM is off‐site.

• Work as a Canine Handler during GM‐covered shifts: supervise playrooms, run enrichment, and keep dogs safe and happy.

• Support operations across daycare, grooming hand‐offs, retail, and boarding; help with inventory and supplies.

• Train & coach teammates on daily protocols; model great service for pets and people.

• Deliver excellent customer service : greet clients, give tours, schedule services, process POS, and communicate incidents clearly.

Key Responsibilities

Grassroots Marketing & Outreach (Pre‐Opening Priority)

• Build and maintain a list of local outreach spots (veterinarians, pet stores, apartments/HOAs, parks, events).

• Distribute promo materials; set up small branded tables (with permission); attend community events.

• Log each outreach activity and share takeaways/ideas with the GM/Owner(s).

Shift Leadership (Manager‐on‐Duty)

• Open/close the facility; lead weekend/evening coverage; assign and check completion of shift tasks.

• Maintain safety, cleanliness, and play‐room protocols; respond to incidents and communicate with pet parents as needed.

• Support onboarding and on‐shift coaching; escalate performance or safety concerns to the GM.

Canine Handling & Dog Care

• Set up rooms at the start of shift (fresh water, clean mop/bucket, playground equipment) and keep standards hourly.

• Monitor play for early warning signs; safely interrupt conflicts; assist with first aid and incident reports.

• Keep rooms/kennels spotless: disinfect surfaces/equipment; change drinking/mop buckets hourly; spot‐clean dogs; clean indoor/outdoor areas.

• Run simple enrichment (Recall, Up/Down, Sit/Stay, Follow the Leader; Bubbles as assigned) and document activities.

Operations & Systems

• Track cleaning/house supplies; restock or communicate needs; support retail ordering and storefront organization.

• Help with inventory counts and pricing/system updates (e.g., PetExec) and basic record‐keeping.

• Assist with schedule inputs, time‐off notes, and payroll prep reviews as assigned by the GM.

Training & Development

• Model protocols, reinforce standards, and help train new hires on daily tasks and safety procedures.

• Provide friendly feedback and document issues for GM follow‐up when needed.

Customer Service & Community

• Welcome every client; provide tours and service recommendations; handle bookings and POS.

• Support adoption drives/partner events as scheduled and maintain positive community relationships.

What We’re Looking For:

• 1+ year in a supervisory/lead or shift‐lead role (pet care, hospitality, retail, or operations preferred)

• Comfortable handling dogs of all sizes and learning canine body‐language basics

• Proven ability to support outreach/grassroots marketing

• Organized, reliable, strong communicator; calm under pressure

• Flexible schedule (weekends/holidays/evenings as needed); reliable transportation for local outreach

• Able to safely lift/move up to 50 lbs

Why Join The Dog Stop® Kent?

• Hybrid role with real leadership responsibility and growth potential

• Help launch a new store from pre‐opening outreach through full operations

• Fun, supportive, dog‐loving culture within a growing national brand

How to Apply:

Submit your resume and a brief note about your shift‐lead/management experience, canine‐handling or pet‐care experience (if any), and community outreach you’ve done—plus your availability.

The Dog Stop® is an equal opportunity employer.

Kiddy K9 Klub Corporation, doing business as, The Dog Stop® is a one-stop shop for all things dog—daycare, boarding, grooming, training, and retail. Our Kent location is gearing up to open soon, and we’re looking for an energetic and community-minded individual to help spread the word and build lasting local relationships.

Company Description

Kiddy K9 Klub Corporation, doing business as, The Dog Stop® is a one-stop shop for all things dog—daycare, boarding, grooming, training, and retail. Our Kent location is gearing up to open soon, and we’re looking for an energetic and community-minded individual to help spread the word and build lasting local relationships.