Dog Care Specialist - Part Time

Sol Dog Lodge; Marana (AZ); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Sol Dog Lodge is seeking a Dog Care Specialist to provide hands-on care for dogs, including feeding, enrichment, and safety in a busy facility. You will interact with clients, document care, and help maintain kennels and play areas.

The role offers daytime, evening, and overnight shifts as part-time hours (20–29/week). Ideal candidates have a high school credential and at least a year of dog-care experience, with a passion for animal welfare and strong communication skills to ensure outstanding

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• At least 1 year of professional dog care experience.
• Experience with varied temperaments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care for dogs including feeding and medication administration.
• Observe health and behavior changes and report to management promptly.
• Maintain kennels and outdoor play areas, ensuring safety and cleanliness.
• Greet clients during drop-offs and communicate care instructions clearly.
• Collaborate with team to ensure consistent, high-quality care.

Skills

Dog behavior understanding

Excellent communication

Organization & time management

Positive attitude & problem solving

Animal welfare passion

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

OUR MISSION: Service the needs of all dogs and the people who love them.

OUR VISION: To foster a community where all dogs are valued and thriving and compassionate services are accessible for every facet of their care.

JOB SUMMARY: This position serves a critical role in ensuring all dogs at sol Dog Lodge and Training Center are safe, happy and loved. You will be responsible for providing hands on care for dogs of all types and behaviors, including feeding, outdoor exercise activities, cleaning kennels and maintain outdoor play and turnout areas.

Job Summary

The Dog Care Specialist serves a critical role in ensuring all dogs at Sol Dog Lodge and Training Center are safe, happy, and loved. This position is responsible for providing hands on care for dogs of all types and behaviors, including feeding, cleaning kennels, maintaining outdoor play and turnout areas and providing limited dog enrichment activities.

In addition to working directly with the dogs, the Dog Care Specialist interacts with the public and clients, representing Sol Dog Lodge's mission to serve the needs of all dogs and the people who love them. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about animal care, with shifts available during the day, evenings, and overnight. This position will be scheduled part-time (averaging 20-29 hours per week).

Responsibilities

Dog Care and Safety

• Provide direct care for all dogs, including feeding, administering medications, and monitoring overall health and behavior.
• Assist to ensure all dogs receive proper exercise, enrichment, and socialization during outdoor play and turnout sessions.
• Observe and report any changes in behavior, health concerns, or potential safety issues to management promptly.

Facility Maintenance

• Clean and sanitize kennels, outdoor areas, and common spaces to maintain a safe, healthy, and welcoming environment.
• Assist with the monitoring of outdoor play and exercise areas, ensuring they are safe and secure for all dogs.
• Assist with restocking and organizing supplies, such as food, bedding, and cleaning materials.

Client Interaction

• Greet clients warmly during drop-offs and pick-ups, ensuring all instructions regarding dog care are clearly communicated and documented.
• Assist staff with providing updates to clients about their dogs' behavior, activities, and overall well-being.
• Represent Sol Dog Lodge professionally and courteously, fostering positive relationships with clients and the community.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with other staff and volunteers to ensure seamless and efficient care for all dogs.
• Participate in team meetings to discuss care strategies, operational improvements, and updates.

Essential Functions

• Deliver hands on care for dogs of all types, ensuring their safety, health, and well-being.
• Perform daily cleaning and maintenance of kennels, play areas, and facilities.
• Provide excellent customer service during interactions with clients and the public.
• Respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations involving dogs or facilities.
• Follow all organizational protocols and safety procedures to maintain a high standard of care.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 1 year of experience working with dogs in a professional capacity, such as boarding, daycare, training, or rescue.
• Preferred: Experience as a dog handler or in a similar role working with dogs of varied temperaments and behaviors.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of dog behavior, care, and handling techniques.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with clients, team members, and management.
• Ability to stay organized and manage time efficiently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Positive attitude and strong problem‑solving skills, especially when working with dogs of different personalities.
• Passion for animal welfare and commitment to the mission of Sol Dog Lodge.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable working on your feet for extended periods, bending, kneeling, and handling dogs of various sizes and temperaments.
• Willingness to work flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends, and overnights as needed.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation. Maintain a clean driving record.
• Pass a background check.
• Passion for the mission and vision of Sol Dog Lodge and a strong commitment to animal welfare.

*This is a part-time position, averaging approximately 20-29 hours per week. We usually schedule people for 3 or 4 shifts per week; each shift is typically 8 to 10 hours. The scheduled hours for this position are usually between 06:00 am and 11:59 pm.

Please note that all employment offered at Sol Dog Lodge and Training Center are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check.