Canine Enrichment Coordinator

Canine Enrichment Coordinator

The Canine Enrichment Coordinator supports the emotional, behavioral, and physical well-being of IndyHumane's shelter canine population through individualized enrichment, training, handling, and behavior-support practices.

Working in collaboration with the Manager, Canine Enrichment, this position helps maintain enrichment and training protocols consistent with IndyHumane's philosophy and mission of improving quality of life and supporting lifesaving outcomes for shelter dogs.

The Canine Enrichment Coordinator is responsible for helping ensure dogs receive appropriate daily exercise, playgroup participation, enrichment, behavior monitoring, and individualized handling support. This position works closely with staff and volunteers to promote consistency in canine care and communicates behavioral updates that may affect handling, housing, adoption placement, or enrichment plans.

This is a hands-on animal care position requiring strong canine handling skills, sound judgment, effective communication, attention to detail, and the ability to remain professional and composed in a fast-paced shelter environment.

Essential Job Functions

Canine Enrichment & Daily Exercise

• Help ensure all qualifying dogs rotate through daily playgroup opportunities.
• Support sufficient daily exercise and appropriate time outside of kennels or enclosures for sheltered dogs.
• Coordinate assistance from staff and volunteers to support daily enrichment and exercise needs.
• Provide individualized enrichment based on each dog's behavioral and emotional needs.
• Monitor canine participation in enrichment activities and adjust approaches based on observed behavior.
• Maintain an optimal kennel environment by relocating dogs when behaviorally appropriate.
• Designate and provide daily in-kennel enrichment as needed.
• Support implementation of enrichment protocols designed to improve canine quality of life.

Behavior Monitoring & Documentation

• Monitor the behavioral and emotional well-being of the shelter canine population.
• Develop and maintain check-point or tracking systems used to assess canine behavioral well-being.
• Identify changes in behavior and communicate concerns promptly to appropriate shelter staff.
• Maintain accurate canine behavior and handling documentation in electronic records and other approved systems.
• Assist in maintaining appropriate kennel signage and communication throughout the shelter.
• Ensure handling instructions and behavior-related information are clearly communicated to staff and volunteers.
• Update documentation as behavioral needs or handling recommendations change.

Canine Handling & Training

• Work with shelter staff to implement enrichment, handling, and training protocols for shelter dogs.
• Demonstrate and reinforce proper canine handling techniques consistent with IndyHumane programming.
• Train designated kennel staff in appropriate handling techniques.
• Assist with training volunteers to handle dogs safely and consistently as requested.
• Conduct dog-to-dog introductions for potential adopters when requested.
• Safely handle dogs of varying sizes, temperaments, behavior needs, and levels of arousal.
• Utilize humane, low-stress, and appropriate handling practices.
• Follow established protocols when working with behaviorally challenging dogs.

Playgroup Operations

• Assist in coordinating daily canine playgroups.
• Evaluate canine behavior and participation during playgroup activities.
• Support appropriate grouping of dogs based on observed behavior and established protocols.
• Monitor playgroups for safety and behavioral changes.
• Ensure playgroup yards and related equipment are properly cleaned and maintained.
• Report safety, equipment, or behavioral concerns promptly.
• Support ongoing improvements to playgroup procedures and canine enrichment programming.

Adoption Support

• Communicate with Adoption staff regarding canine behavior updates and adoption considerations.
• Identify adoption promotion opportunities unique to individual dogs.
• Provide adoption counseling for dogs requiring specific behavioral recommendations or additional placement support.
• Communicate relevant handling, enrichment, and behavior information to potential adopters as appropriate.
• Conduct dog-to-dog introductions for adoption purposes when requested.
• Support successful adoption placement by ensuring behavior-related information is communicated accurately.

Staff & Volunteer Support

• Provide guidance to staff and volunteers regarding appropriate canine handling and enrichment practices.
• Assist with training staff and volunteers on established canine enrichment protocols.
• Promote consistency in canine care across departments and shifts.
• Communicate changing canine needs promptly and professionally.
• Serve as a resource for staff and volunteers regarding canine enrichment and handling practices within assigned authority.
• Support a collaborative and respectful work environment.

Program Development & Organizational Support

• Support development and implementation of new canine enrichment protocols, programs, and initiatives.
• Provide feedback regarding opportunities to improve canine quality of life and behavioral well-being.
• Participate in departmental and organizational initiatives related to animal welfare and shelter operations.
• Maintain current knowledge of IndyHumane canine enrichment practices and programming.
• Collaborate with other departments to support positive outcomes for shelter dogs.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Minimum one year of professional experience in animal welfare, animal care, animal handling, or a closely related environment.
• Demonstrated canine handling skills.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn IndyHumane canine enrichment and handling programming.
• Animal shelter experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of best practices within an animal welfare or shelter environment.
• Knowledge of canine behavior, enrichment, handling, and welfare practices.
• Ability to safely work with dogs of varying sizes, temperaments, behavior needs, and energy levels.
• Ability to recognize behavioral changes and communicate concerns appropriately.
• Knowledge of local animal control requirements and applicable state humane laws as they relate to adoption activities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to communicate professionally with employees, volunteers, adopters, and members of the public.
• Ability to provide clear instruction and guidance to staff and volunteers.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Ability to remain composed and effective during stressful, fast-paced, or changing conditions.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment when working with animals and the public.
• Ability to maintain accurate animal behavior and handling documentation.
• Proficiency with computers and common software applications including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to learn and effectively use shelter management and animal-record systems.
• Commitment to IndyHumane's mission and values.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid driver's license required.
• Must maintain an insurable driving record and meet IndyHumane's driver eligibility requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous animal shelter experience.
• Experience working directly with canine enrichment or behavior programs.
• Experience conducting or supporting canine playgroups.
• Experience working with behaviorally challenging dogs.
• Experience training employees or volunteers in canine handling techniques.
• Experience conducting dog-to-dog introductions.
• Experience supporting adoption counseling for dogs with behavioral considerations.
• Experience using shelter management software such as ShelterLuv, Chameleon, PetPoint, or a comparable system.
• Formal education, training, or certification related to canine behavior, animal training, or animal welfare.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds safely.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, squat, kneel, reach, climb, and perform repetitive physical activities.
• Ability to safely handle and restrain dogs of varying sizes, temperaments, and behavior needs.
• Ability to work both indoors and