Job Description

Job Location Dogs Inc Main Campus - Palmetto, FL 34221 Salary Range $15.00 - $15.00

Do you love puppies? So do we!

At Dogs Inc, we are in the business of giving FREEDOM to the visually impaired and veteran communities – and it all starts in the Puppy Academy, where our dedicated Canine Keepers provide nurturing, patient, and compassionate care to our mommas and their future superheroes. If this sounds like you, keep reading and apply today!

The Canine Keeper provides comprehensive care to puppies ages 0-12 weeks and adult dogs residing in the Puppy Academy, supporting their physiological health and mental enrichment. Perform essential husbandry tasks, as well as cleaning and maintenance of the kennels, building, and grounds. This position plays a vital role in supporting the early development and well-being of future service dogs through attentive care, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence.

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.
• Transport 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.
• Perform or assist with medical procedures such as, but not limited to, blood draws, x-rays, ultrasounds, vaginal palpations, and tube feeding neonates.
• Oversee the whelping process and assist with c-sections when necessary.
• Provide breeding assistance as needed.

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

• Record data accurately and precisely.
• Demonstrate excellent communication within the Puppy Academy 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.
• Demonstration knowledge and understanding of the organization’s mission and the ability to explain and promote that mission to the general public.

What You’ll Learn:

• The science behind canine breeding and early puppy development
• Puppy education training with our Education Specialist
• Dog and puppy body language to better understand their needs
• Whelping, C-sections, and neonatal care techniques

The shifts for this position are below:

• Wednesday-Saturday 9:30am-8:00pm, and a monthly overnight rotation every 7 months 7:00pm-5:30am.
• Saturday-Tuesday 9:30am-8:00pm
• Sunday-Tuesday & Friday 9:30am-8:00pm

If you have a passion for puppies and a heart for service, we’d love for you to join our team!

Qualifications

• Knowledge of canine health and/or reproduction and whelping 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 1/3 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 1/3 of the workday.
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals for over 2/3 of the workday.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs, and handle dogs up to 100 lbs.
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions over 2/3 of the time.

What You’ll Need:

• A clear understanding of general care for expecting broods, neonates, and breeders (preferred)

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.