Job Description

Job Location: Dogs Inc Main Campus - Palmetto, FL 34221
Salary 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.