Canine Handler
The Dog Stop® – West Broad
9132 West Broad Street • Henrico, VA 23294
Position Type
Full-Time and Part-Time Positions Available
Compensation
Competitive Hourly Pay Based on Experience
About The Dog Stop®
The Dog Stop® is a premium dog daycare, boarding, grooming, retail, and training facility dedicated to providing the highest level of care, safety, and customer service. We are seeking dependable, hardworking, and mature individuals who have a genuine passion for dogs and take pride in providing exceptional care.
This position is physically demanding and requires individuals who are self-motivated, responsible, and capable of working in a fast-paced environment while maintaining constant awareness of the safety of our canine guests.
If you are looking for a position where you can make a difference every day, enjoy working with dogs, and become part of a professional team, we'd love to hear from you.
Position Summary
The Canine Handler is responsible for the supervision, care, safety, and well-being of all dogs participating in daycare and boarding. This role requires excellent observation skills, sound judgment, and the ability to safely manage playgroups while maintaining a clean, organized, and sanitary facility.
Successful candidates are proactive, dependable, team-oriented, and capable of thinking independently without constant supervision.
Primary Responsibilities
Canine Care & Safety
- Safely supervise indoor and outdoor dog playgroups.
- Monitor canine behavior and body language at all times.
- Recognize signs of stress, illness, aggression, injury, and fatigue.
- Safely interrupt inappropriate play before it escalates.
- Separate dogs safely when necessary.
- Maintain constant awareness of every dog in your assigned group.
- Follow all safety protocols and emergency procedures.
- Ensure all dogs receive proper exercise, enrichment, feeding, medication (when assigned), and rest.
Facility Maintenance
- Maintain the cleanliness and sanitation of all daycare, boarding, play yards, kennels, bathing areas, and common spaces.
- Perform daily cleaning and disinfecting according to company standards.
- Ensure water buckets, food bowls, toys, bedding, and equipment remain clean and sanitized.
- Report maintenance or safety concerns immediately.
- Maintain an organized and hazard-free work environment.
Customer Service
- Provide a welcoming and professional experience for every client.
- Answer customer questions professionally.
- Communicate clearly with Receptionists, Groomers, Managers, and fellow Canine Handlers.
- Represent The Dog Stop® with professionalism at all times.
Team Responsibilities
- Assist fellow team members whenever needed.
- Follow direction from management while also demonstrating initiative.
- Complete assigned tasks without constant supervision.
- Maintain professionalism even during stressful situations.
- Arrive prepared and ready to work each scheduled shift.
Required Qualifications
Candidates should possess the following qualities:
- Genuine love and respect for dogs.
- Working knowledge of dog breeds, breed characteristics, and canine body language is required.
- Ability to safely handle dogs of all breeds, sizes, temperaments, and energy levels.
- Strong work ethic and willingness to perform physically demanding work.
- Mature, dependable, and trustworthy.
- Excellent attendance and punctuality.
- Reliable transportation.
- Ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
- Positive attitude with a team-first mentality.
- Strong observation and situational awareness.
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Willingness to learn and accept coaching.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Honest, respectful, and accountable.
- Flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and peak seasons.
Physical Requirements
This is an active position requiring:
- Standing and walking for 8+ hours.
- Frequent bending, kneeling, squatting, and lifting.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Safely handling energetic dogs throughout the day.
- Performing continuous cleaning and sanitation duties.
Preferred Experience
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in:
- Dog Daycare
- Boarding Facilities
- Veterinary Hospitals
- Animal Shelters
- Grooming Facilities
- Dog Training
- Kennel Operations
- Pet Retail
- Animal Behavior
- Customer Service
We Are Looking For Someone Who Is
- Dependable
- Responsible
- Honest
- Self-motivated
- Mature
- Hardworking
- Organized
- Detail-oriented
- Observant
- A critical thinker
- Proactive rather than reactive
- Able to anticipate problems before they occur
- Patient with both dogs and people
- Adaptable in a fast-paced environment
- Respectful of coworkers and clients
- Committed to maintaining a safe environment for every dog
- Willing to go above and beyond to help the team succeed
Schedule Expectations
Applicants must be available to work:
- Early mornings
- Evenings
- Weekends
- Holidays
- Peak boarding seasons
- Overtime when business demands require additional staffing
Reliable transportation and consistent attendance are mandatory.
Employee Benefits
- Employee discounts on retail products
- Free and discounted daycare, boarding, grooming, and training services
- Bring your dog to work (subject to evaluation and company policy)
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Opportunities for advancement within the company
- Positive, team-oriented work environment
- Work with dogs every day in a rewarding career
Join Our Team
At The Dog Stop®, the safety and well-being of our canine guests is our highest priority. We are looking for individuals who are committed to excellence, willing to work hard, and take pride in providing exceptional care to every dog entrusted to us.
If you are dependable, safety-minded, physically active, and passionate about dogs, we encourage you to apply today and become part of a team dedicated to setting the standard for professional pet care.
The Dog Stop® is an Equal Opportunity Employer.