Front Desk Associate

Happy Dog Hotel and Spa; Carmel (IN); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental and Vision Benefits

401(k) with company match

Medical benefits after 6 months

Shared Ownership Program

Employee discounts on DayPlay

Job summary

Digs Dog Care is hiring a Front Desk Associate for its Happy Dog location. You will be the first smile pet parents see, handling check-ins/outs, scheduling, and payments while maintaining a welcoming front desk.

Ideal candidates love dogs, communicate clearly, and stay organized in a fast-paced, pet-focused environment. Weekend/evening availability is a plus; opportunities for growth exist within the company.

Qualifications

• Genuine love for dogs and hospitality focus.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Excellent phone etiquette and guest service mindset.
• Highly organized with attention to detail and multitasking ability.
• Comfortable using phones, computers, and POS systems during peak times.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests warmly as the first point of contact.
• Check in/out pets, update profiles, and process payments.
• Answer calls with professionalism and accuracy.
• Coordinate with grooming to manage appointments and handoffs.
• Inform clients about services and updates relevant to their pup's stay.
• Maintain a clean, welcoming front desk and lobby area.
• Record clear daily notes for team communication.
• Perform opening/closing procedures and cleaning routines.
• Support daycare and kennel areas as needed.
• Contribute to overall culture and pet wellbeing.

Skills

Love for dogs

Customer service

Communication

Organized

Phone etiquette

POS systems

Tools

POS systems

Job description

Happy Dog is part of Digs Dog Care, a premium dog care company offering DayPlay, Overnight Stays, Grooming, and Training across multiple locations nationwide. 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.

About the role

The Front Desk Associate is the face of Digs, the first smile every pet parent and pup sees when they walk through our doors. This role is equal parts hospitality, organization, and genuine love for animals. You'll set the tone for every visit, ensuring pet parents feel confident and cared for from check-in to check-out. If you thrive in a fast-paced, people-first environment and love dogs as much as we do, this role is for you.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact for all guests, greeting pet parents and pups with warmth and professionalism
• Check pets in and out of our system, manage and update parent and pup profiles, and process payments accurately
• Answer phones promptly and professionally, maintaining excellent phone etiquette at all times
• Support the grooming team by communicating service details, managing grooming appointments, and ensuring a smooth handoff between the front desk and grooming areas
• Ensure every pet parent is informed about our services, products, and any updates relevant to their pup's stay
• Maintain an organized, clean, and welcoming front desk and lobby area
• Keep clear and accurate daily notes to support seamless communication across the team
• Conduct opening and closing procedures and follow standard cleaning protocols
• Assist with daycare play groups and kennel areas as needed
• Pitch in on additional tasks that contribute to the overall culture, pet wellbeing, and hospitality experience at Digs

Qualification

• A genuine love for dogs and a passion for delivering exceptional hospitality
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with excellent phone etiquette
• Highly organized with sharp attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks at once
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with a calm, solutions-oriented mindset
• Comfortable using phones, computers, and POS systems in a busy environment
• Comfortable interacting with dogs of all sizes and temperaments
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods and move between front and back-of-house areas
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. occasionally (e.g., small dogs, supplies)
• Available for flexible scheduling, including weekends, evenings, and holidays
• Understanding of the trust pet parents place in us when leaving their family members in our care
• 1 year of reception experience in a veterinary, hotel, or hospitality setting preferred but not required

Growth Path

Demonstrates readiness for the Supervisor position when

• Sets the standard for attendance – on time, every time and ready to go
• Consistent positive feedback from pet parents
• Mastery of booking and POS systems
• Demonstrates exceptional attention to detail and communicates effectively with all teammates
• Takes initiative to learn new skills and actively seeks out new responsibilities
• Upholds Dig’s Code of Conduct and positively contributes to team culture
• Full mastery of Pack Leader and Kennel Tech responsibilities
• Ability to lead, support, and hold accountable all front and back of house team members

What We Offer

At 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 should share in its success. Many locations also offer teammates discounted DayPlay as a little extra perk.