Canine Keeper, Canine University (Part-Time)

Job DetailsJob Location: Dogs Inc Main Campus - Palmetto, FL 34221Salary Range: $15.00 - $15.00Join Our Team as a Canine Keeper

At Dogs Inc, we transform lives through the power of our extraordinary dogs. As a Canine Keeper at our Canine University, you play a crucial role in the journey of our dogs from playful puppies to skilled guide dogs for the visually impaired and service dogs for veterans. This position offers not just a job, but a pathway to a meaningful career in animal care and training.

The Canine Keeper provides comprehensive care supporting both the physiological and mental well-being of adult dogs residing on campus for advanced skills training. Performs essential husbandry tasks, as well as cleaning and maintenance of kennels, buildings, and grounds. This position plays a vital role in supporting the success and readiness of dogs in advanced training through high-quality care, observation, and engagement in a team-orientated environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Canine Care

Exercise dogs in community yards and on controlled leashed walks.
Prepare diets and ensure all dogs are fed.
Administer medications as directed.
Groom and bathe dogs.
Transports dogs as needed.
Use training cues and dog-handling techniques in accordance to Dogs Inc guidelines and philosophy.
Monitor dogs for signs of stress, illness, or changes in temperament and communicate findings promptly to the appropriate teams.
Collaborate with Instructors to support individualized behavior plans and program goals.
Support training objectives by reinforcing appropriate behaviors during daily care routines.

Facility Maintenance

Clean and disinfect kennels and outside play yards.
Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of buildings and grounds.
Maintain a safe working environment by addressing or reporting maintenance concerns.
Ensure safe and proper use of cleaning chemicals and equipment.

Communication & Public Engagement

Record data accurately and precisely.
Demonstrate excellent communication within the Canine Care Department and with collaborating departments.
Engage positively with volunteers, providing supervision and training as needed. 
Provide exceptional experiences to all campus visitors.
Participate in public or VIP tours and meet-and-greets.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the organization’s mission, and the ability to explain and promote that mission to the general public.

 
Qualifications
Previous professional experience working with animals preferred.
Strong interest and desire to grow your career within this field. 

Responsibility for People

Supervise and train campus volunteers.

Language Skills

Exhibit excellent communication skills.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to perform basic arithmetic (add, subtract, multiply, divide) using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.

Reasoning Ability 

Ability to read, interpret, and follow protocols.  
Ability to assess situations and determine appropriate courses of action within established protocols. 
Receptive to feedback and constructive criticism.  
Hold a positive attitude and collaborative team spirit with fellow employees and supervisors. 
Ability to work steadily with minimal supervision.

Computer Skills

Proficient with Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams.
Ability to read and enter data in IWDR and ProVet Cloud.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

Stand for over 2/3 of the workday.
Walk for over 2/3 of the workday.
Reach, grab, pull for over 2/3 of the workday.
Vision abilities required for this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.
Exposure to loud noises for over 2/3 of the workday.
Exposure to cleaning chemicals for over 2/3 of the workday.
Ability to lift 50lbs, and handle dogs up to 100lbs.
Work outdoor in all weather conditions over 2/3 of the time.

The schedules for this position are: 

 Friday - Monday 5:00 am -11:30 am
 Friday - Monday 1:00 pm - 7:30pm

Why Join Dogs Inc?

At Dogs Inc, we don’t just change lives—we transform them. When you join our pack, you’ll get:

Comprehensive Benefits: Full dental and vision insurance premiums covered, competitive medical coverage, and a $15,000 life insurance policy.
Retirement Match: A discretionary retirement plan match for all benefit-eligible employees after one full year of employment.
Campus Perks: Free access to our fitness center and chef-prepared lunches served on campus (Monday-Friday).
Time to Recharge: Generous Paid Time Off policies (12-20 days/year based on tenure). Enjoy 13 paid holidays—including your birthday!
Reward-Based Programs: Our Learn and Earn education program and Pawsitive Strides walking program offer many opportunities to earn additional Paid Time Off.
Dog-Friendly Workplace: Bring your well-behaved, pre-screened dog to work and enjoy the ultimate companion-friendly environment.