Canine Care & Guest Services Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Canine Care & Guest Services Associate

The Dog Stop Bucktown

Job Summary

Do you love dogs and enjoy working with people? We're looking for energetic, dependable team members to join our team in a cross-trained role that combines exceptional customer service with hands-on pet care.

This is a physically demanding, hands-on position that requires accountability, flexibility, and a strong work ethic. Employees must be willing to work both the front of house and daycare/boarding areas, including handling dogs, cleaning, feeding, assisting customers, managing reservations, and maintaining daily facility operations.

This is not a desk-only job, and it is not a job where you simply play with dogs all day. Cleaning, physical labor, animal waste, and constant attention to safety are part of the job. All employees are expected to contribute wherever needed, regardless of personal preferences.

We expect team members to arrive on time, follow directions, take initiative, work professionally with clients and coworkers, and complete responsibilities without constant supervision. If you are looking for an easy job, want to avoid cleaning, or only want to work with dogs when it is fun, this position is not for you.

Available Shifts

Review the schedules carefully before applying. If neither shift works for your availability, do not apply. Consistent attendance and availability are required.

• AM Shift: Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM–12:00 PM; Saturday, 8:30 AM–5:30 PM.
• PM Shift: Monday–Friday, 12:00 PM–6:30 PM; Sunday, 8:30 AM–5:30 PM.

Weekend and holiday availability is required. We are not looking for applicants with limited or occasional availability.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Service & Front of House

• Greet clients and pets professionally and provide excellent customer service.
• Manage reservations, check-ins, check-outs, phone calls, emails, and payments.
• Maintain accurate client records and communicate service information.
• Address customer concerns professionally and involve management when necessary.
• Keep the front desk and lobby clean, organized, and presentable.

Dog Handling & Facility Operations

• Supervise dogs, maintain safe play, recognize canine body language, and report concerns immediately.
• Safely handle, feed, and care for dogs of varying sizes and temperaments.
• Administer medications according to instructions and facility procedures.
• Provide appropriate exercise, enrichment, and individual attention.
• Clean and sanitize kennels, playrooms, floors, bowls, toys, bedding, and equipment.
• Promptly clean up accidents, pet waste, and other messes.
• Complete opening, closing, laundry, and daily maintenance tasks.
• Follow all safety procedures and management instructions while taking initiative to keep the facility clean and safe.

Job Expectations

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and perform physical tasks throughout your shift.
• Comfort working around barking, animal odors, waste, and frequent messes.
• Willingness to switch between dog handling, cleaning, and customer service as needed.
• Professional communication with clients, teamwork, reliability, and accountability.
• Ability to stay productive and complete assigned tasks without constant reminders.

Required Qualifications

• Previous customer service experience required .
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Reliable, detail-oriented, and committed to safe, responsible animal care.
• Physically able to meet the demands of the position.
• At least six months of professional, hands-on experience working with groups of dogs preferred.

Applicants must be available for their selected shift, including the required weekend and holiday schedule this is not optional.

Team Culture & Benefits

We are a customer-focused, safety-first team committed to each dog's health, happiness, and enrichment. Teamwork, accountability, and ongoing training are essential.

Benefits include:

• Competitive hourly pay.
• Structured, hands-on training.
• Opportunities for advancement.
• Supportive, dog-loving team.
• 15% retail discount.
• Free employee dog daycare while working (full-time employees only).
• Discounted boarding and grooming.

Before Applying

Please apply only if you are prepared to work hard, get your hands dirty, and contribute to every aspect of the job. We are not looking for someone who needs to be constantly pushed to complete their responsibilities. We want a team member who takes pride in their work, shows up ready to contribute, and understands that caring for dogs means taking care of everything that comes with it.

We're growing across Chicagoland, and this location is right in the heart of it all !

Company Description

We're growing across Chicagoland, and this location is right in the heart of it all !