Discover a Career with Life's a Pooch

***This position is located in Medfield, MA. Relocation or commute required***

Company Overview:

We are a dedicated pet care provider committed to delivering exceptional service and care for dogs. Our mission is to treat every dog with the same love and attention as their own parents, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience while in our care.

Our goal with any new hire is to maintain our reputation as a dependable and loving dog care team serving local families to achieve all their needs concerning their dog. We are a close-knit team with a strong commitment to our jobs and our clients.

Owners are very involved in day to day schedules and always available to support employees as needed. In order to be a good fit at Life's A Pooch, applicants should share our team's positive and cooperative mindset and desire to support and help local families to the best of our ability. Applicants should also be willing to be a strong team player and have open communication both with the employers, co-workers, and clients. In addition, applicants should be willing to participate in ongoing training and skills building activities related to their job.

Position Overview:

The Playgroup Handler is responsible for transporting dogs from customers' homes to our fenced play areas, providing attentive care, and facilitating safe and enjoyable play experiences. This role requires a deep understanding of dog behavior and safety practices, as well as the ability to engage with dogs in a playful and caring manner. The Playgroup Handler represents our company in public, maintaining a professional demeanor at all times.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Dog Transportation:

• Safely transport dogs from their homes to designated play areas in company-provided vehicles.

• Ensure that all dogs are secured and comfortable during transit.

2. Playgroup Management:

• Actively supervise dogs during playtime to ensure safety and appropriate behavior.

• Monitor and assess the dogs' interactions, addressing any behavioral issues that may arise according to company policies and protocols.

• Engage dogs in play activities that promote exercise and socialization.

• Managing a pre-set schedule of fenced off-leash playgroups serving the Medfield, Dover, Sherborn and Needham areas.

3. Dog Care:

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized play environment. This includes disinfecting the yards weekly, cleaning supplies daily and attending to the yards to remove nature elements.

• Ability to actively participate and implement trainer’s methods throughout the train and play program.

• Provide fresh water and check for any signs of distress or health issues in dogs.

• Bathe and towel off dogs after every playtime that includes rain, water play, drool, mud, etc.

4. Professionalism and Communication:

• Report any concerns regarding the dog’s health or behavior to management promptly. Management will promptly communicate all feedback to the customer.

• Build positive relationships with clients through pleasant pick up/drop off interactions.

• Adherence to company policies, including no alcohol, drugs, or smoking/vaping during working hours.

Qualifications:

1. Experience:

• Minimum of 6 months of professional experience in dog handling, training, or related fields.

• Proven understanding/knowledge of dog behavior and body language.

2. Skills:

• Strong ability to engage and interact with dogs of various breeds and temperaments.

• Proficient communication skills for effective interaction with clients and their pets.

• Organizational skills for managing multiple dogs and their individual needs.

• Time management skills for managing the route schedule and ensuring attentiveness to show up at customers homes on time.

• Represent the company in a professional manner during all public and customer interactions.

• Effectively communicate with managers regarding specific dog behavior and experiences during playtime, especially when you notice any unwanted behaviors that could escalate. Management uses this information to directly communicate with customers.

3. Requirements:

• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation and a clean driving record. With a minimum of 5 years driving experience.

• Must pass a background check and a pet care skills assessment.

• Reliable transportation and cell phone.

• Must be able to work 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Monday through Friday.

Working Conditions:

• This position requires frequent outdoor activity and may involve exposure to varying weather conditions.

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and kneeling while interacting with dogs. Ability to lift, carry, or hold animals up to 50 lbs.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive hourly commensurate with experience.

• On-the-job training

• Paid training

• 401k matching (eligible after 6 months of employment)

• Paid time off/sick time (eligible after 1 year of employment)

• Performance based raises every 6 months. (eligible after 6 months of employment)

• Professional development and training opportunities

• Tips

Application Process:

• Interested candidates should submit a resume, a brief cover letter outlining their relevant experience and 3 professional references.

Equal Opportunity Employment:

• We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to creating a diverse workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities, and are prepared to make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the ADA. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.

Join our team and help us provide loving and safe experiences for dogs in our community!

Job Type:

• Full-time