Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Job description:

Compensation : $18–$24/hour (commensurate with experience)

For the Love of Dogs is a nonprofit rescue and rehabilitation organization devoted to transforming the lives of abandoned, surrendered, and at-risk dogs. Through individualized care and structured enrichment, we help each dog recover, rebuild trust, and transition into a lifelong home.

Job Description

Overview:

We are seeking a reliable, observant Dog Handler to provide consistent care, structure, and enrichment to the dogs in our program. This role is essential to ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of each dog during their rehabilitation journey. The ideal candidate is patient, intuitive, and grounded in present-moment awareness. We value intentionality and a deep focus on nuanced observative behavior and relationship-based guidance.

MUST HAVE PREVIOUS DOG-HANDLING EXPERIENCE.

Key Responsibilities

Daily Dog Care & Enrichment

• Carry out feeding, exercise, enrichment, and cleaning routines according to individualized care plans.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized kennel and play areas.
• Observe and report behavioral or health changes to the Trainer(s), Enrichment Specialist(s) or leadership.
• Implement enrichment strategies to promote mental stimulation and reduce stress (walks, sensory toys, confidence-building games).

Behavioral Support & Handling

• Safely handle dogs of all sizes, temperaments, and medical
• Assist with leash training, basic manners, and decompression protocols for new arrivals.
• Engage positively and calmly with fearful, reactive, or under socialized dogs using force-free handling techniques.
• Support trainers and specialists with behavioral modification plans when needed.

Communication & Team Coordination

• Use project management tools (e.g., Basecamp) to receive assignments and log updates on dogs.
• Complete digital forms (Google or Microsoft) for feeding logs, medication confirmation, and behavior notes.
• Use mobile devices to capture photo/video updates and communicate progress or concerns with staff in real time.
• Participate in daily team briefings and contribute to shift-change documentation to ensure continuity of care

Qualifications

• Prior experience in a kennel, dog daycare, rescue, or veterinary REQUIRED.
• Confident handling dogs of varying sizes and temperaments.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and time-management skills.
• Comfortable working outdoors and indoors in varying weather conditions.
• Passion for rescue work and a commitment to canine well-being.

Physical Requirements

• Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable standing, walking, or bending for extended periods.
• Tolerant of exposure to cleaning agents, allergens, and weather extremes.

Job Type: Full-time

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