Dog Enrichment Specialist

Bay Paws Pet Resort; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Free pet boarding and daycare

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employee discounts

Flexible scheduling

Advancement opportunities

Employee of the Month

Snacks in breakroom

Referral bonuses

Job summary

Bay Paws Pet Resort in Tampa, FL seeks a Canine Enrichment Specialist to design brain games and tailored activities that keep dogs mentally and physically engaged during boarding and daycare.

You’ll read body language, supervise small playgroups, report to owners with photos, and help maintain clean, safe play areas while contributing to a fun and supportive team.

Qualifications

• Experience designing enrichment activities for dogs in boarding, daycare, or training settings.
• Ability to read canine body language and adjust activities to manage stress.
• Creative thinker who can develop engaging brain games and puzzles.
• Strong observational skills to assess dog energy, temperament, and safety.
• Proficient written reporting for owners, including notes and photos.

Responsibilities

• Execute tailored enrichment activities (puzzle toys, scent work, agility, sensory play) customized for each dog's energy level and personality.
• Supervise small playgroups safely, matching playmates based on size, temperament, and activity style.
• Read canine body language to monitor stress and overstimulation, adjusting activities accordingly.
• Create positive, detailed report cards with notes and photos for owners about their pup's activities.
• Keep enrichment tools, toys, and play yards clean, safe, and well-maintained.

Skills

Enrichment design

Canine body language

Creativity

Observation

Written communication

Job description

Are you a canine behavior lover who gets excited about puzzle toys, scent games, agility, and tailored play? Do you love seeing the "lightbulb moment" when a dog figures out a brain game? If you're looking for a active, hands‑on role where you can focus on one‑on‑one and small group mental and physical stimulation, we have the ulti‑mutt job for you!

Bay Paws Pet Resort is looking for a Canine Enrichment Specialist to join our team. This is a rewarding position for a creative, detail-oriented individual who loves reading dog body language, creating fun games, and helping pets thrive during their stay.

Why Bay Paws is a Great Place to Work

At Bay Paws, we genuinely put the "PET in hosPETality." We operate under a supportive "inverted pyramid" leadership structure. This means management’s primary job is to support you, providing the resources, training, and industry education you need to feel confident and succeed in your role. We value integrity, safety, teamwork, and creative problem-solving—while keeping our workplace active and fun.

Key Responsibilities

As an Enrichment Specialist, you are the brain-game mastermind for our pet guests:

• Execute Tailored Enrichment: Facilitate daily active and passive enrichment activities (puzzle toys, scent work, agility courses, sensory play) customized for each dog's energy level and personality.
• Manage Small Group Play: Supervise small playgroups safely, matching playmates carefully based on size, temperament, and activity style.
• Read Canine Body Language: Monitor dogs closely for signs of stress or overstimulation, proactively adjusting activities to keep the vibe calm, structured, and fun.
• Connect with Pet Parents: Create positive, detailed report cards with notes and photos to show owners how much fun their pup had.
• Keep Equipment Pristine: Inspect, clean, and sanitize enrichment tools, toys, and play yards to maintain high safety and cleanliness standards.

The Perks (Because You're Worth It)

We believe in taking care of the people who take care of our pet guests. Here is a look at what we offer:

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and holiday pay/incentives
• Free pet boarding and daycare so your own dog can enjoy a vacation while you work
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental wellness support
• Generous employee discounts on retail and services
• Flexible scheduling and on-the-job training
• Real opportunities for advancement within the company
• Employee of the Month program featuring cash prizes
• Free snacks in the breakroom to keep your human battery charged
• Referral program cash bonuses for bringing talent to our team

Who We Are Looking For

• You have previous experience working with dogs in an enrichment, training, daycare, shelter, or veterinary environment (preferred).
• You understand canine body language, stress indicators, and positive reinforcement techniques.
• You are creative, observant, and enjoy thinking outside the box to keep dogs engaged.
• You have strong written communication skills for creating engaging report cards for owners.
• You have the physical stamina to stand, walk, play, clean, and manage active dogs outdoors in all types of weather.

Ready to turn daily dog care into an art form?