Dog Handler

The Dog Stop Bucktown; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly pay

Training program

Advancement opportunities

Supportive team

Employee discounts

Job summary

The Dog Stop Bucktown is seeking energetic Canine Handlers to join our busy daycare and boarding team. You will help care for dogs, ensure safety, and provide enrichment while working on a fast-paced schedule.

This role requires physical stamina, reliability, and strong teamwork. Weekend availability is essential, and training is provided to help you grow within the company.

We promote from within and offer a clear path to more hours and responsibilities for reliable team members.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prior experience handling dogs in a daycare, kennel, shelter, or similar setting ideal.
• Physically able to stand, walk, clean, and lift throughout your shift.
• Strong observation, teamwork, and communication skills.
• Energetic team player who thrives in a dynamic environment.
• Must be reliable, detail-oriented, and passionate about dog care.
• Ideal Experience = Minimum 6 months of hands-on experience working with groups of dogs in a professional setting.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and interact with groups of dogs to ensure safety and positive behavior
• Spot and address early signs of stress or conflict among dogs
• Provide enrichment, exercise, and basic training during play sessions
• Clean play areas, kennels, and equipment routinely throughout shifts
• Record and report incidents, health issues, and behavioral notes
• Assist in feeding, administering medication, and transitioning dogs between activities
• Deliver excellent customer service to pet owners

Skills

Observation skills

Teamwork

Communication

Stamina

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

The Dog Stop® is looking for energetic Canine Handlers, dubbed "Canine Companions," to join our team. We prefer to promote from within, so starting out Handling and becoming reliable results in more hours, and eventually more responsibilities and pay.

The Role

Our Handlers care for and supervise dogs in daycare and boarding, ensuring their safety, well-being, and enrichment. While the role is relatively straightforward, it requires our handlers to prioritize dog safety above all else; and maintain cleanliness as a close second. This is a highly active, physical role, and not just sitting around playing with or petting dogs. This role was previously referred to as a “Runner” and all applicants should expect being on their feet all day, racking up over 10k steps.

Available Shifts:

Review the schedule carefully before applying. If this shift does not works for your availability, do not apply. Consistent attendance and availability are required.

• PM Shift: Monday–Friday, 12:00 PM–6:30 PM; Saturday or Sunday, 8:30 AM–5:30 PM. Weekend and holiday availability is required. We are not looking for applicants with limited or occasional availability.

Our facility operates 7 days a week to provide the best care for our pups, so weekend coverage is essential, and required.

Job Responsibilities Include

• Monitor and interact with groups of dogs to ensure safety and positive behavior

• Spot and address early signs of stress or conflict among dogs

• Provide enrichment, exercise, and basic training during play sessions

• Clean play areas, kennels, and equipment routinely throughout shifts

• Record and report incidents, health issues, and behavioral notes

• Assist in feeding, administering medication, and transitioning dogs between activities

• Deliver excellent customer service to pet owners

The Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required

• Prior experience handling dogs in a daycare, kennel, shelter, or similar setting ideal.

• Physically able to stand, walk, clean, and lift throughout your shift

• Strong observation, teamwork, and communication skills

• Energetic team player who thrives in a dynamic environment

• Must be reliable, detail-oriented, and passionate about dog care

• Ideal Experience = Minimum 6 months of hands-on experience working with groups of dogs in a professional setting

The Culture

We are a customer-focused, safety-first team dedicated to each dog’s happiness, health, and enrichment. Our environment values teamwork, transparency, and ongoing training.

The Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay

• Hands-on, industry-leading training - we have a whole program in place already!

• Opportunities for relatively quick advancement.

• Work with a supportive, dog-loving team

• Discounts on retail (15%), Free Employee Dog Daycare while working (FT only), Discounted Boarding, Discounted Grooming