Part Time Canine Handler

Job Description

Job Description

Canine Handler Part-Time - Potential to Transition to Full-Time

Job Summary

At The Dog Stop Kent , our Canine Handlers play an important role in the safety, care, and overall experience of every dog in our daycare and boarding programs. This is a part-time position with the potential to transition into a full-time role based on business needs, performance, reliability, and availability.

This role is ideal for someone who genuinely loves dogs, has hands-on experience working with them, and enjoys being part of an active, fast-paced pet care environment. Canine Handlers report directly to the Manager on Duty during each shift and are expected to follow all safety, cleaning, handling, and operational procedures.

Candidates with prior dog handling experience and a strong passion for animal care will be given priority consideration.

Key Responsibilities

• Report to the Manager on Duty and follow daily shift assignments, safety procedures, and operational expectations.
• Supervise dogs in group play settings while maintaining a safe, calm, and positive environment.
• Monitor dogs for behavioral, health, or safety concerns and promptly report any issues to the Manager on Duty.
• Recognize basic dog body language and help prevent unsafe interactions before they escalate.
• Clean, sanitize, and maintain daycare rooms, kennels, play equipment, and common areas throughout each shift.
• Support enrichment activities, including structured play, recall exercises, basic training games, and one-on-one engagement.
• Assist with feeding routines, medication support, and special care instructions under management direction.
• Safely transition dogs between daycare rooms, boarding areas, grooming, outdoor play spaces, and kennels.
• Restock supplies and help maintain overall facility cleanliness and organization.
• Communicate professionally with team members and escalate concerns when needed.
• Follow all company standards related to dog safety, cleanliness, customer care, and facility operations.

Additional Opportunities

• Gain deeper hands-on experience in dog behavior, safe handling, and group play management.
• Learn proper feeding, medication, cleaning, and health observation protocols.
• Build leadership skills with potential growth into shift lead, supervisory, or full-time roles.
• Support customer-facing interactions and community outreach as business needs arise.
• Grow with a developing pet care business focused on daycare, boarding, grooming, and retail services.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• A genuine love for dogs and a strong commitment to their safety, comfort, and well-being.
• Prior hands-on dog handling experience in a daycare, boarding, grooming, training, shelter, veterinary, or similar pet care environment is strongly preferred.
• Confidence working around dogs of different sizes, breeds, temperaments, and energy levels.
• Ability to remain calm, alert, and professional in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong teamwork, communication, reliability, and accountability.
• Willingness to clean, sanitize, and support all aspects of facility care.
• Flexibility to work part-time hours, including some weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.
• High School Diploma, GED, or current enrollment in a high school program.
• Ability to follow instructions, accept feedback, and apply training consistently.

Why Join The Dog Stop Kent

• Start in a part-time role with the potential to grow into a full-time opportunity.
• Work in a fun, active, and pet-loving environment.
• Spend your day making a direct impact on the happiness, safety, and care of dogs.
• Join a supportive team culture with hands-on training and guidance.
• Build practical experience in professional dog care and behavior management.
• Be part of a company dedicated to providing excellent daycare, boarding, grooming, and customer experiences in Kent.

To Apply

If you are passionate about dogs and have hands-on experience caring for or handling them, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application and resume directly through this posting.

Company Description

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