Canine Care & Guest Services Associate

The Dog Stop Bucktown

Chicago (IL)

On-site

USD 19,000 - 25,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly pay

Structured, hands-on training

Opportunities for advancement

Supportive, dog-loving team

15% retail discount

Free employee dog daycare whileWorking

Discounted boarding and grooming

Job summary

The Dog Stop Bucktown is seeking energetic team members for a Canine Care & Guest Services Associate role. This hands-on position blends customer service with direct dog care in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities include greeting clients, managing reservations, supervising dogs, feeding, cleaning, and daily operations. Weekend/holiday availability is required, and training is provided to ensure safety and quality care.

Qualifications

Previous customer service experience is required.
Physically able to perform the job duties and lift/move items as needed.
Willingness to work front of house and daycare/boarding areas.

Responsibilities

Greet clients and pets professionally and provide excellent customer service.
Manage reservations, check-ins, check-outs, phone calls, emails, and payments.
Maintain accurate client records and communicate service information.
Address customer concerns professionally and involve management when necessary.
Keep the front desk and lobby clean, organized, and presentable.
Supervise dogs, maintain safe play, recognize canine body language, and report concerns.
Safely handle, feed, and care for dogs of varying sizes and temperaments.
Administer medications according to instructions and facility procedures.
Provide appropriate exercise, enrichment, and individual attention.
Clean and sanitize kennels, playrooms, floors, bowls, toys, bedding, and equipment.
Promptly clean up accidents, pet waste, and other messes.
Complete opening, closing, laundry, and daily maintenance tasks.
Follow all safety procedures and management instructions while taking initiative to keep the facility clean and safe.
Availability for weekend and holiday shifts is required.

Skills

Customer service experience

Teamwork

Professional communication

Reliability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Canine Care & Guest Services Associate

The Dog Stop Bucktown

Job Summary

Do you love dogs and enjoy working with people? We're looking for energetic, dependable team members to join our team in a cross-trained role that combines exceptional customer service with hands-on pet care.

This is a physically demanding, hands-on position that requires accountability, flexibility, and a strong work ethic. Employees must be willing to work both the front of house and daycare/boarding areas, including handling dogs, cleaning, feeding, assisting customers, managing reservations, and maintaining daily facility operations.

This is not a desk-only job, and it is not a job where you simply play with dogs all day. Cleaning, physical labor, animal waste, and constant attention to safety are part of the job. All employees are expected to contribute wherever needed, regardless of personal preferences.

We expect team members to arrive on time, follow directions, take initiative, work professionally with clients and coworkers, and complete responsibilities without constant supervision. If you are looking for an easy job, want to avoid cleaning, or only want to work with dogs when it is fun, this position is not for you.

Available Shifts

AM Shift: Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM-12:00 PM; Saturday, 8:30 AM-5:30 PM.
PM Shift: Monday-Friday, 12:00 PM-6:30 PM; Sunday, 8:30 AM-5:30 PM.

Weekend and holiday availability is required. We are not looking for applicants with limited or occasional availability.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Service & Front of House

Greet clients and pets professionally and provide excellent customer service.
Manage reservations, check-ins, check-outs, phone calls, emails, and payments.
Maintain accurate client records and communicate service information.
Address customer concerns professionally and involve management when necessary.
Keep the front desk and lobby clean, organized, and presentable.

Dog Handling & Facility Operations

Supervise dogs, maintain safe play, recognize canine body language, and report concerns immediately.
Safely handle, feed, and care for dogs of varying sizes and temperaments.
Administer medications according to instructions and facility procedures.
Provide appropriate exercise, enrichment, and individual attention.
Clean and sanitize kennels, playrooms, floors, bowls, toys, bedding, and equipment.
Promptly clean up accidents, pet waste, and other messes.
Complete opening, closing, laundry, and daily maintenance tasks.
Follow all safety procedures and management instructions while taking initiative to keep the facility clean and safe.

Job Expectations

Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and perform physical tasks throughout your shift.
Comfort working around barking, animal odors, waste, and frequent messes.
Willingness to switch between dog handling, cleaning, and customer service as needed.
Professional communication with clients, teamwork, reliability, and accountability.
Ability to stay productive and complete assigned tasks without constant reminders.

Required Qualifications

Previous customer service experience required.
High school diploma or GED required.
Reliable, detail-oriented, and committed to safe, responsible animal care.
Physically able to meet the demands of the position.
At least six months of professional, hands-on experience working with groups of dogs preferred.

Applicants must be available for their selected shift, including the required weekend and holiday schedule this is not optional.

Team Culture & Benefits

We are a customer-focused, safety-first team committed to each dog's health, happiness, and enrichment. Teamwork, accountability, and ongoing training are essential.

Benefits include: