Dog Handler / Shift Lead

Job Description

Job Description

At Muddy Paws, every dog in our care is someone's family. Our job is to provide a safe, structured, enriching environment where dogs can play, learn, and go home happy and healthy.

That means you'll spend your days surrounded by wagging tails, happy faces, zoomies, puppy kisses, and plenty of laughter.

You'll also be cleaning kennels, picking up poop, mopping floors, monitoring dogs in all kinds of weather, staying on your feet for most of the day, and making quick decisions to keep dogs safe.

A Typical Day May Include:

• Supervising structured daycare playgroups
• Monitoring dog body language and preventing conflicts before they happen
• Keeping dogs engaged, active, and happy throughout the day
• Feeding meals and administering medications
• Cleaning suites, play yards, and common areas
• Greeting clients and communicating about their dogs
• Providing enrichment, love, and individual attention
• Helping nervous dogs feel safe while away from home
• Working with an amazing team that genuinely cares about dogs

Success at Muddy Paws isn't measured by how many dogs you can pet—it's measured by how safely you can manage them.

Every team member is expected to:

• Stay off their phone while supervising dogs
• Pay attention to dog behavior at all times
• Follow safety procedures and protocols
• Show up on time
• Be dependable
• Work well as part of a team
• Take feedback professionally
• Take pride in keeping our facility clean
• Put the safety and well-being of our dogs above everything else

We're Looking For Someone Who...

• Is looking for a  long-term career , not just a temporary job
• Has  open availability , including weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Note: at least one weekend (Saturday and Sunday) is required per month.
• Loves staying active and busy
• Enjoys working outdoors in all seasons
• Has a positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Learns quickly and takes initiative
• Is dependable and reliable
• Can remain calm under pressure
• Understands that teamwork is essential
• Has experience with dogs or animal care (preferred but not required—we provide extensive training)

Schedule Expectations

Muddy Paws operates 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Applicants  must have open availability , including:

• Morning shifts
• Afternoon/Evening shifts
• Weekends
• Holidays

Our busiest times are weekends, holidays, and summer months. We are looking for dependable team members who can be counted on when it matters most.

What We Offer

• Paid training
• Employee discounts
• Bonus Incentive Program's
• Opportunities for advancement
• Leadership development
• Hands-on education in dog behavior and safety
• A positive, supportive team environment
• Complimentary daycare and boarding for your dog
• Bring your dog to work (pending successful temperament evaluation)
• The opportunity to spend every day making a difference in dogs' lives

Please note: Because of the extensive training involved, we are looking for applicants interested in a  long-term position. This is not a seasonal or short-term job.

If you're dependable, hardworking, eager to learn, and passionate about pet care, we'd love to meet you.