Overnight Dog Handler

Summary and Corporate Profile:

The Bark Shoppe (TBS) is a fast-growing pet care company, and we're looking for a passionate individual to join our team as a Overnight Dog Handler. We are hiring at our location in Harlem, NY.

At The Bark Shoppe, our guiding principle is “Your Pet. Our Priority.” We are dedicated to our customers, their pets, our staff, and our community. Our products and services are crafted with the expertise of leading pet care professionals. As a woman-owned business, we are deeply committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Join our growing team that values differences, celebrates innovation, and welcomes everyone!

We believe in you, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Working here is a vibe—and all are welcome. At The Bark Shoppe, anything is pawssible.

A Day In The Life:

You come to work daily with a smile on your face and are excited to help serve our pet parents and their furry friends. You’ll be in our branded gear and play a crucial role in our daycare and boarding operations. As an overnight dog handler, your primary responsibility is to ensure the health, safety, and comfort of the dogs in our care. Prior experience working with dogs is essential, and you must have a genuine love for dogs, be comfortable with all breeds and sizes, and consistently follow all handling and safety protocols. Attention to detail, focus, and physical fitness are also important, as you will need to lift dogs over 60 lbs, kneel, and stand for extended periods.

Key Responsibilities:

• Vigilantly monitor dog playtimes to ensure a secure and friendly environment.
• Skillfully intervene in conflicts, mediating disputes, and separating dogs when needed.
• Engage dogs in stimulating games and activities.
• Advocate and practice positive reinforcement, celebrating good behaviors.
• Administer first aid when required and ensure immediate care in emergencies.
• Keenly observe dogs for any signs of illness or distress.
• Responsibly manage medication schedules, ensuring timeliness and accuracy.
• Uphold stringent cleanliness standards in all areas and equipment.
• Adhere to individual feeding schedules and diets for each dog.
• Monitor dietary intake, noting and reporting any anomalies.
• Consistently ensure access to fresh and clean water.
• Maintain detailed daily logs capturing a range of behaviors and activities.
• Foster open communication with management, ensuring prompt reporting of concerns or incidents.
• Practice and reinforce basic commands.
• Employ positive techniques to address and modify undesirable behaviors.
• Safely integrate new dogs into the facility environment.
• Maintain an immaculate facility environment, ensuring safety and comfort for dogs and staff alike.
• Regularly inspect all facility equipment, ensuring functionality and safety.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in dog care, behavior, and health.
• Actively participate in relevant workshops and training programs.
• Greet and engage dog owners with warmth and professionalism.
• Address and resolve any questions or concerns, ensuring peace of mind and confidence in our services.

Experience and Education Requirements:

• A Minimum of 1 Year professionally working with dogs is required.
• Reliable, punctual, and dependable.
• A genuine love for dogs and a commitment to their well-being. 
• preferred.
• Effective verbal and written skills for reporting and customer interactions.
• An eagerness to continue learning and growing in the field.

Highly Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience in dog handling or a related field.
• Front desk or concierge experience.
• Bilingual (Spanish).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Comfortable working with pets of all ages, size, and temperament.
• Ability to communicate directly with clients, both written and orally, about their dog.
• Ability to work as a team player, support all departments as needed.
• Ability to be cheerful, friendly, and have a positive team-oriented attitude, especially in challenging situations.
• Detail-oriented and ability to prioritize.
• Ability to take direction well and apply it independently.
• Ability to tolerate being in close contact with various bodily fluids and to get dirty frequently.
• Physically able to handle dogs of all sizes and to lift up to 60 lbs.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• This role requires sustained physical activity and the ability to maintain focus and productivity throughout the shift.

Benefits:

• Tips
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development Training