Dog Daycare Attendant

Lake Forest Kennel Club; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 22,041 - 23,419; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) with match

Medical benefits

Shared Ownership Program

DayPlay discounts

Job summary

Lake Forest Kennel Club is seeking a compassionate Pack Leader to supervise and care for dogs in our daycare and boarding programs. You will help keep the facility safe, clean, and welcoming, delivering premium, attentive service to pet parents.

We offer dental and vision benefits, a 401(k) with company match after 90 days, medical benefits at 6 months, and our Shared Ownership Program after one year, plus DayPlay discounts.

Qualifications

• Must understand basic dog behaviors and body language.
• Experience with kennel operations and animal care.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in varying conditions.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety and well‑being of all daycare and boarding dogs using proper handling techniques
• Monitor and proactively address dog health and behavior; report any concerns to your supervisor immediately — zero tolerance for non‑approved handling methods
• Deliver a hospitality‑first experience by engaging warmly with every dog and making each visit feel welcoming and stress‑free
• Keep play areas and accommodations clean, including clean‑up of bodily functions and proper use of cleaning chemicals
• Follow all feeding, medication, exercise and allergy protocols for every animal in care
• Sanitize bedding, dishes, toys, and accessories; restock supplies as needed
• Assist with lobby customer relations, ensuring pet parents feel informed and at ease
• Assist with grooming tasks (bathing, brushing, drying)
• Pitch in on additional tasks that contribute to the overall culture, pet wellbeing, and hospitality experience at LFKC
• Work respectfully with teammates and maintain a positive, professional attitude at all times

Skills

Knowledge of dog behaviors

Communication skills

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Attention to detail

Following directions

Calm under pressure

Physical stamina

Flexibility

Job description

Pack Leaders are the heart of the daily experience at Lake Forest Kennel Club—responsible for the hands‑on supervision, safety, and care of every dog in our daycare and boarding programs. This role requires genuine love for animals, sharp observational skills, and the ability to stay calm and proactive in a fast‑paced environment. Pack Leaders maintain the cleanliness of our facility, monitor dog health and behavior, and communicate any concerns promptly to their supervisor. A Pack Leader embodies the LFKC and Digs standard: treating every pup like family and delivering the premium, attentive care our pet parents count on.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety and well‑being of all daycare and boarding dogs using proper handling techniques
• Monitor and proactively address dog health and behavior; report any concerns to your supervisor immediately — zero tolerance for non‑approved handling methods
• Deliver a hospitality‑first experience by engaging warmly with every dog and making each visit feel welcoming and stress‑free
• Keep play areas and accommodations clean, including clean‑up of bodily functions and proper use of cleaning chemicals
• Follow all feeding, medication, exercise and allergy protocols for every animal in care
• Sanitize bedding, dishes, toys, and accessories; restock supplies as needed
• Assist with lobby customer relations, ensuring pet parents feel informed and at ease
• Assist with grooming tasks (bathing, brushing, drying)
• Pitch in on additional tasks that contribute to the overall culture, pet wellbeing, and hospitality experience at LFKC
• Work respectfully with teammates and maintain a positive, professional attitude at all times

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic dog behaviors and body language
• Familiarity with kennel operations and animal care
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to handle animals safely and confidently, including large/giant breed dogs
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to follow directions closely (written and verbal)
• Strong ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to remain calm and level‑headed with a pleasant demeanor
• Physically able to lift up to 50 lbs., bend, and stand or walk for long periods
• Comfortable working indoors and outdoors with dogs of all sizes and temperaments
• Available for flexible scheduling, including holidays and weekends

Growth Path

• Demonstrates readiness for Pack Leader 2 by consistently and reliably meeting all job duties.
• Set an example for attendance standards by consistently and reliably showing up to work on time and ready to go.
• Demonstrates an exceptional attention to detail and can communicate effectively with peers and supervisors.
• Expresses interest in taking on new responsibilities and takes the initiative to learn new skills.
• Upholds LFKC’s Code of Conduct and positively contributes to team culture and teamwork.

What We Offer

At Lake Forest Kennel Club and Digs, we take care of our pack. Dental and vision benefits kick in shortly after your start date, and at 90 days you’re eligible for a 401(k) with up to 4% company match. At 6 months, medical benefits become available to full‑time teammates, and after one year you can join our DigIn Shared Ownership Program — because we believe the people who build Digs Dog Care Resorts should share in its success. Many locations also offer teammates discounted DayPlay as a little extra perk.

About Lake Forest Kennel Club

Lake Forest Kennel Club is a premium dog care company offering DayPlay, Overnight Stays, Grooming, and Training. We’re built on a simple belief: every pup deserves to feel safe, loved, and at home — and every team member plays a real role in making that happen. Our shared ownership program means employees don’t just work here, they have a stake in it.

Pay Range

16 - 17 USD per hour (Lake Forest Kennel Club)