Job Title: Canine Care Assistant / Enrichment Specialist Reports To: Store Manager & Owner

Summary:

The Canine Care Assistant is responsible for the care and supervision of dog play groups, boarding guests, ensuring a safe and enriching environment for all dogs. This role requires strong teamwork, consistent and effective communication, attention to detail, and a passion for positive reinforcement training methods. The position involves physical activity, cleaning duties, and direct interaction with dogs and their owners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

·                           Supervise and engage with dog playgroups, ensuring safe interactions and positive socialization.

·        Administer food, medications, and other necessary care for dogs, following specific instructions.

·        Maintain an organized and sanitary environment in play areas, kennels, and common spaces. Perform cleaning duties, including picking up waste,        mopping, disinfecting surfaces, doing laundry, washing dishes and vacuuming.

·        Transport dogs to and from owners and ensure a smooth check-in and check-out process in a friendly and professional manner.

·        Observe, assess and document dog behavior, noting any changes, incidents, or concerns to be reported to management. Stepping in when              necessary to redirect play and prevent conflicts, be proactive and not reactive. Follow all company policies and safety guidelines to ensure a            secure environment for both dogs and staff.

·        Assist with enrichment services, including training exercises, and one-on-one interaction sessions. Uphold positive reinforcement                          techniques and ensure that all interactions align with fear-free training principles.

·                         Support team members and contribute to a collaborative and efficient workplace.

Qualifications and Requirements:

·                          Passion for working with dogs!!!!

·                         Ability to learn dog behavior and handling techniques through our training procedures.

·        Ability to lift at least 50 lbs. Requiring physical stamina and endurance. Frequent bending, lifting, walking, and handling of dogs of all sizes,                  temperaments and breed.

 

·        Employees are required to work some weekends and holidays, early morning/afternoon and evening shifts in all weather              conditions, as part of a year-round operation.

·                          Strong attention to detail and ability to follow care instructions accurately.

·                         Team-oriented attitude with a willingness to collaborate and support co-workers.

·                         Effective communication skills for reporting behavioral observations and providing updates to management.

·                        Ability to problem-solve and make quick decisions in a fast-paced environment.

·                        Comfortable with cleaning tasks, including waste disposal, kennel sanitation, and laundry duties.

·        Previous experience with dogs (such as pet ownership, animal care, daycare/training, or veterinary assistance) is a plus but not               required.

·        Willingness to undergo on-the-job training and complete minimum training requirements.

·                          Reliable Transportation.

 

Core Competencies:

 

·                           Win-Win Mentality – Works toward solutions that benefit both the dogs and the team.  

·        Accountability & Ownership – Takes full responsibility for assigned duties and follows through on commitments.

·        Collaboration & Teamwork – Works effectively with co-workers and communicates respectfully.

·        Emotional Intelligence – Recognizes and responds to the needs and behaviors of dogs and people.

·        Problem-Solving & Quick Thinking – Makes informed decisions when handling unexpected situations.

·        Attention to Detail – Ensures feeding, medication, cleaning, and behavioral observations are completed properly.

·        Reliability & Dependability – Arrives on time, follows schedules, and completes tasks with minimal supervision.

·        Teachable & Strong Desire to Learn – Open to feedback and actively seeks knowledge and skill development.

·                          Customer Service – Provides friendly and professional service to dog owners.

·                           Positive Reinforcement Training – Supports a fear-free, reward-based training approach.

Benefits:

·        Opportunities for growth and advancement.

·        Hands-on experience in a structured, positive-reinforcement-based dog care environment.

·        Employee discounts for daycare/boarding/grooming. Additional benefits based on role and employment status.

·        A supportive and team-focused work environment.

This job description outlines the general nature and key responsibilities of the Canine Care Assistant position. Duties and responsibilities may change as needed to support the needs of the facility.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Discussing grooming requests with customers.
• Receiving and releasing dogs to and from owners.
• Bathing, trimming nails, cleaning ears, brushing teeth, blow drying, brushing coats, clipping, shaving, and expressing anal glands SAFELY and using positive reinforcement and fear free methods ONLY.
• Ability to lift a 50 lb dog.
• Maintaining grooming records and establishing a relationship with customers.
• Promoting grooming services at Central Bark Danbury, book out future appointments.
• Maintain a clean and safe groom room, disinfect and sanitize grooming tools and equipment, adhere to Central Bark’s hygiene and sanitation policies.
• Take grooming pics before and after for our social media platforms.

Qualifications and Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Schedule & Environment:

• Shifts will include weekday's and 1 Saturday per month
• Work is performed indoors, requiring physical stamina and endurance, will be wet and noisy.
• Frequent bending, lifting, walking, and handling of dogs of all sizes, temperaments and breed.

Core Competencies:

• Win-Win Mentality – Works toward solutions that benefit both the dogs and the team.
• Accountability & Ownership – Takes full responsibility for assigned duties and follows through on commitments.
• Collaboration & Teamwork – Works effectively with co-workers and communicates respectfully.
• Emotional Intelligence – Recognizes and responds to the needs and behaviors of dogs and people.
• Problem-Solving & Quick Thinking – Makes informed decisions when handling unexpected situations. Ability to administer first aid immediately.
• Reliability & Dependability – Arrives on time, follows schedules, and completes tasks without supervision.
• Customer Service – Provides friendly and professional service to dog owners.
• Comfort with Cleaning & Physical Tasks – Willingness to handle waste, clean up messes, and maintain hygiene standards.
• Language Skills – Ability to read dog information including names, health history, and grooming instructions. Be able to communicate dog issues with management either via written or oral communication. Be able to maintain a clear record of grooms performed.
• Computer Skills – A basic understanding of Microsoft Office applications, social media, and willingness to learn the CRM software “MoeGo”.
• Reasoning Ability – Ability to define problems, analyze emergencies and think on your feet. Ability to read and understand dog behavior and body language to determine if a dog is under too much stress in a situation. Ability to deal rationally and compassionately with irrational or dissatisfied customers.
• MUST have fun!!

Education/Experience:

Full service Grooming experience is required! It may be a formal grooming degree or minimum 3 yrs working experience in a professional setting. Canine CPR/First Aid certified a plus.

Compensation:

A full time groomer could earn 70,000 - $100,000+

50% commission of the total billed service. You keep 100% of your tips! At one year, you receive a tool allowance to purchase/maintain preferred equipment. Discounted employee rate for enrichment daycare/boarding of your personal dog. Accrued PTO.

Employee discounts and additional benefits based on role and employment status. This job description outlines the general nature and key responsibilities of the dog groomer. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform daily cleaning of all areas, including floors, play yards, kennels, restrooms, and break rooms.
• Handle waste disposal, including dog waste, trash removal, and laundry duties.
• Ensure that all cleaning tasks are completed efficiently and according to company sanitation guidelines.
• Sanitize and disinfect all surfaces, equipment, and dog play areas to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.
• Monitor and restock cleaning supplies, ensuring all necessary materials are available.
• Maintain proper organization of cleaning tools and supplies, following safety procedures.
• Ensure all dog bedding, towels, and other laundry items are properly washed and stored.
• Identify and report any maintenance or safety issues to management immediately.
• Follow company guidelines for cleaning up spills and accidents to prevent hazards.
• Work collaboratively with team members to ensure the facility remains in top condition.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in bringing dogs to the front at the end of the day for pick up.
• Assist in bringing dogs out for potty breaks before bed
• Assist in distributing dinners and water in the evening.
• Assist in doing dishes; loading and unloading the dishwasher, laundry (wash, dry, fold, distribute)

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Ability to lift at least 50 lbs and stand for long periods while performing physical tasks.
• Comfortable working in an environment that involves exposure to dog waste, fur, and cleaning chemicals.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to complete tasks thoroughly and efficiently.
• Reliability and punctuality in maintaining cleaning schedules.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to take initiative and go beyond assigned tasks to maintain cleanliness.
• Good communication skills to report issues or supply needs to management.
• 18 years of age or older
• Reliable transportation

Work Schedule & Environment:

• This role may require weekend and holiday availability.
• Most shifts are weekday afternoon/early evenings from 2-7pm, weekends 10-3pm.
• Work is performed indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Physical demands include bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, kneeling and standing for extended periods.

Core Competencies:

• Accountability & Ownership – Takes full responsibility for assigned tasks and follows through.
• Attention to Detail – Ensures all cleaning and sanitation standards are met.
• Reliability – Shows up on time and consistently completes tasks as expected.
• Collaboration & Teamwork – Works well with others to maintain a safe and clean environment.
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability – Quickly resolves cleaning-related issues and adapts to changing needs.
• Efficiency & Time Management – Completes cleaning tasks effectively within time constraints.
• Comfort with Dirty Work – Understands the role involves handling dog waste, cleaning up messes, and maintaining sanitation.

Benefits:

• Opportunities for growth and advancement part time to full time.
• Employee discounts and additional benefits based on role and employment status.
• A supportive and team-oriented work environment.
• Hands-on experience in a pet care facility.

This job description outlines the general nature and key responsibilities of the Cleaner position. Duties and responsibilities may change as needed to support the needs of the facility.