Dog Daycare Manager

Paws Indoors (southend) Ltd; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pet care facility in Southend-on-Sea is seeking a passionate Dog Daycare Manager to lead operations in a calm and structured environment. The ideal candidate will have a Level 3 Animal Management Qualification and a genuine love for dogs. This full-time role involves managing the daycare team, ensuring dog safety, and communicating effectively with clients. Employees enjoy a Monday to Friday schedule, holiday time off, and a supportive atmosphere while making a difference in dogs' lives.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience

Bank holidays off

Full uniform provided

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a dog daycare or animal care setting.
• Genuine love for dogs with a deep understanding of their behavior.
• Calm and positive under pressure with strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily daycare operations and ensure safety of dogs.
• Plan and lead engaging activities and training exercises.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in play areas.
• Provide exceptional client communication and support team members.

Skills

Leadership in animal care

Excellent communication skills

Problem-solving abilities

Handling dogs of various breeds

Team management

Education

Level 3 Animal Management Qualification

Job description

Overview

Join the Daycare Revolution. A Daycare with a Difference.

Our Vision: At Paws Indoors Southend, we’re redefining what dog daycare looks like. Forget the noisy, chaotic image — our focus is on calm, structured, and enriching environments that truly benefit every dog.

Our thoughtfully designed daily schedule balances play, training, and rest, ensuring each dog receives breed-specific care, physical exercise, mental stimulation, and social development. Through positive experiences and routine, dogs gain confidence, self-control, and lasting friendships — making their time with us as joyful as it is beneficial.

The Role

We’re seeking a passionate and proactive Dog Daycare Manager to lead our dedicated team and oversee the smooth daily running of our daycare facility. This is an exciting opportunity to combine leadership, animal welfare expertise, and hands-on care — shaping the experience for both our canine guests and their owners.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the daycare, including scheduling, team management, and customer service.
• Supervise and interact with dogs throughout the day, ensuring their safety, happiness, and well-being.
• Plan and lead engaging enrichment activities, play sessions, and training exercises that encourage socialisation and confidence.
• Create and implement comprehensive care plans tailored to individual dogs and their needs.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene by ensuring all play areas and equipment are sanitised regularly.
• Monitor and record dog behaviour, noting any signs of illness, injury, or concern, and report to the management team or owners as appropriate.
• Provide exceptional client communication, addressing inquiries and maintaining strong relationships with owners.
• Train, mentor, and support team members — fostering a positive and professional workplace culture.
• Manage inventory, order supplies, and ensure adherence to budgetary and licensing guidelines.
• Assist with check-ins and check-outs, ensuring accurate records and compliance with our policies and procedures.

Qualifications & Skills

• Level 3 Animal Management Qualification (or equivalent) – essential.
• Full, clean manual driving license – essential.
• Proven leadership or management experience in a dog daycare or animal care setting.
• Genuine love for dogs and a deep understanding of their behaviour, needs, and welfare.
• Confident handling of dogs of all breeds and temperaments, maintaining safety in group environments.
• Excellent communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills.
• Calm, positive, and resilient under pressure with strong attention to detail.
• Previous experience in team leadership, customer service, or training roles is highly desirable.

What We Offer

• Monday to Friday schedule – rare to find in animal care jobs!
• Bank holidays off, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Full access to HR the Team for Guidance and Support
• Full uniform provided.
• Supportive, friendly, and professional environment.
• The opportunity to work hands-on with dogs every day and make a real difference.

If you’re passionate about dogs, thrive in a structured yet fun environment, and have the leadership skills to guide a growing team — we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now to join the Paws Indoors Southend team and help lead our daycare revolution.