Dog Daycare Attendant

Rippling, Inc.; Norwalk (CT); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental and vision benefits

401(k) with company match

Medical benefits at 6 months

DigIn Shared Ownership Program

Discounted DayPlay

Job summary

Dog Gone Smart seeks a caring Pack Leader to supervise and care for dogs in daycare and boarding programs. You will ensure safety, monitor health and behavior, and maintain cleanliness while delivering a premium, attentive experience for pet parents.

Responsibilities include assisting with grooming, handling emergencies, and supporting a welcoming lobby. This role requires physical fitness and flexibility, including holidays and weekends.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic dog behaviors and body language.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all daycare and boarding dogs using proper handling techniques.
• Monitor and address dog health and behavior; report concerns to supervisor immediately.
• Deliver a hospitality-first experience by engaging warmly with every dog and making visits welcoming.
• Keep play areas and accommodations clean, including cleaning and sanitizing.
• Follow feeding, medication, exercise and allergy protocols for every animal in care.
• Assist with lobby customer relations and ensure pet parents feel informed.
• Assist with grooming tasks (bathing, brushing, drying).
• Support team culture and contribute to a positive workplace.

Skills

Dog behavior basics

Communication skills

Follow directions

Teamwork

Calm under pressure

Physical fitness

Indoor/outdoor work

Flexible scheduling

Job description

Pack Leaders are the heart of the daily experience at Dog Gone Smart—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 DGS 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 DGS
• 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 Digs' Code of Conduct and positively contributes to team culture and teamwork.

What We Offer

• 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.
• 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 Dog Gone Smart

Dog Gone Smart part of Digs Dog Care and 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.