Pet Handler

These roles are the primary point of interaction with our pet guests and are responsible for the quality of the pets experience, their health and welfare. The reputation of the Inn as a premier pet resort/spa depends upon the work of the handlers in keeping all lodging and play areas of the facility clean and in supervising the pets during play. These roles work with all other team members to fulfill our Mission and Brand Promise: to care for our pet guests with love, compassion and professionalism, providing a premium experience for pets and their parents. This is a fast-paced work environment and working with pets can provide great satisfaction. These roles are excellent preparation for a career in animal care.We offer a package of available benefits that includes paid time off, 401(k) with matching, health care, pet daycare, discounts on pet lodging and retail, and more.General Job ResponsibilitiesEncountering all clients in a professional and friendly mannerWorking collaboratively as part of a teamFacility CareClean and disinfect dog suitesClean up pet waste and accidents. Includes removing stool, urine, vomit etc. from animal enclosures and yards.Clean hallways and outside walkwaysClean outdoor play yardsMaintain organization of pet belongings, supplies, toolsLaundering bedding and towelsCleaning food and water bowlsAnimal HandlingEnsure the safety and well-being of all pets within our careMove animals around the facilityEnsure all pets have water at all timesBathe dogs as neededSupervise individual play - carefully watching dog behaviors and intervening as neededWrite observation reports of any illness, injury, or problem with an animalTake pictures of guests for social media, report cards and internal recordsNotify Shift Leader or Lodging & Daycare Supervisor if a pet is injured or if there are any issues during play.Supervise group play - carefully watching dog behaviors and intervening as neededObtain certification for the various skill levels of dog and cat behaviorsFeeding of dogs and cats and cleaning cat suitesAdditional spa duties as identified by SupervisorReports To: Lodging & Daycare SupervisorWorking Conditions:8-hour shifts2 hours of consistent cleaning4 hours of monitoring pet activity in direct weather without sittingHeat, humidity, rain, snowUp to 1 hour of consistent handwritingLifting dogs into enclosuresHosing down yards during hot weather every 15 minutesPicking up poop throughout shiftCleaning up feces, urine, vomit and potentially bloodPotential for having pets feces, urine, and vomit on selfPotential for animal bite and/or scratchesQualifications & ExperienceMust be 16 years of ageA high school diploma or equivalent is required (or is still attending)Previous experience with pet lodging/daycare, hotel/spas, veterinary or medical offices is desirableShould love animals, be comfortable handling them and able to anticipate their needsAbility to follow instructions and work independently is required. Must be detail-oriented and maintain a professional attitude.Physical RequirementsRequires standing, sitting, walking, physical stamina, writing, reading, repetitive motions, hearing, visual acuity, lifting and carrying up to 50 poundsBeing able to handle, in a controlled manner, cats and dogs of any size and breedRequires work outdoors in all weather conditionsRequires a tolerance for loud noise and strong smellsExperienced, reliable handlers that desire leadership opportunities can earn the added responsibility of being a Shift Leader. The Shift Leader works alongside the other handlers, but with additional expectations and authority. When the Lodging Supervisor is not on site, the Shift Leader functions in their place.ResponsibilitiesEnsure all dogs are on the playlist, adding any to groups as neededPerform opening and closing tasks when Lodging Supervisor is not presentManage the completion of tasks on the shift checklistsusing delegation and directionSupervise other handlers on shift under the overall direction of the Lodging Supervisor. Direct, train, coach and support other handlers on shift. Review staff performance with Lodging Supervisor. On some shifts you may be working for another shift leader.Train and coach new hires (working with Senior Pet Handlers)Conduct team wellness checks (working with Senior Pet Handlers)Customer InteractionNotify Lodging Supervisor of any issues with pets, facility or staff.Communicate issues and status to the next shift leader (in person during the day or via email at night)Work with the Lodging Supervisor on the development and improvement of the entire team and all procedures.Qualifying Traits:Desires career growth into supervision, leadership and managementExcels at Pet Handler position demonstrates a deep understanding of policies, procedures, standards & protocolsIs a consistently hard worker is thorough, a self-starter, exceeds expectationsAvoids careless mistakes and can prevent problems (situational awareness)Is a good problem solverHas the respect of their peersHolidaysWe require each staff member to work during holiday periods and often on the holiday itself (on certain holidays, staff will be paid at time and a half).Pampered Pets Inn is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Job Types: Full-time, Part-timePay: $13.00 - $15.00 per hourExpected hours: 25 40 per weekBenefits:401(k) matchingDental insuranceEmployee assistance programEmployee discountHealth insurancePaid time offVision insuranceSchedule:8 hour shiftDay shiftEvening shiftHolidaysWeekendsMorning shiftNo nightsWork Location: In person