Kennel Attendant

Canines for Service; Wilmington (NC); Hybrid; USD 18,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Canines for Service is seeking dependable individuals for part-time Kennel Attendant roles year-round. Shifts may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Compensation starts at $13/hour. Applicants must be 18+ and able to lift up to 60 pounds and manage dogs up to 90 pounds.

Responsibilities include daily kennel care, basic handling, health monitoring, and recordkeeping. Training and support for volunteers are expected, with opportunities to work with service dogs in training.

Qualifications

• Passion and love for animals.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Must be punctual, dependable, and responsible.
• Must be capable of lifting at least 60 pounds and handling a service dog up to 90 pounds.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment including computers and copiers.
• Preferred: Basic computer skills and Salesforce knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a clean, safe kennel environment.
• Provide daily care and basic handling for service dogs in training.
• Monitor dog health and communicate concerns promptly.
• Support volunteers and coordinate with team for smooth operations.
• Maintain kennel records and assist with data entry in Salesforce.

Skills

Animal care

Dependability

Communication

Lift 60 lbs

Driver's license

Tools

Salesforce

Office tools

Job description

Position Description

We’re always interested in meeting dependable people who may be a great fit for our kennel team! Canines for Service accepts applications for part-time Kennel Attendant positions year-round, even when we do not have an immediate opening.

Our staffing needs can change throughout the year, and keeping applications on file allows us to reach out to qualified candidates when a position or schedule becomes available. Kennel Attendant schedules vary by opening and may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Submitting an application does not guarantee an immediate interview or indicate that a position is currently available.

*This position is open for individuals 18+ and is not seasonal.

Compensation starts at $13/hour

CORE FUNCTION

Provide daily care for service dogs in training by following established kennel routines in order to ensure each dog’s health.

KEY OUTCOMES & ACTIVITIES

OUTCOME 1 – Maintain a clean, safe, and healthy kennel environment.

• Ensures kennels, crates, floors, and the overall facility are cleaned on a regular basis.
• Change dog bed covers as needed or a minimum of once per week.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by supervisor or management.

OUTCOME 2 – Provide consistent daily care and basic handling for service dogs in training.

• Feed dogs defined amount of food per dog as directed and provide fresh water for all dogs.
• Administer prescribed medication to service dogs in training as needed.
• Walk dogs for quick relief of bladder and/or bowels from kenneling.
• Provide kennel enrichment and work with dogs in the training room.
• Learn basic commands for service dog in training.

OUTCOME 3 – Monitor dog health and behavior and communicate concerns promptly.

• Monitors and communicates with the Kennel and Canine Care Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, Kennel Attendants, and Lead Trainer, about any behaviors and health issues of the dogs at the facility.

OUTCOME 4 – Provide effective support to ensure smooth operations and positive experiences for volunteers and dogs.

• Assist with volunteers and provide guidance and direction as needed.
• Transport service dogs in training to Veterinarian appointments as required.

OUTCOME 5 – Support kennel operations through accurate recordkeeping and professional teamwork.

• Acts as shift lead to coordinate the daily operation of the kennels.
• Maintains training kennel records and enter data into Salesforce database system.
• Assist other employees, interns, and volunteers in a cheerful and respectful manner.
• Must be able to work independently as well as participate as a member of the CFS team.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

REQUIRED

Passion and love for animals

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Must be punctual, dependable, and responsible.

Must be capable of lifting at least 60 pounds and handling a service dog in training that can weigh up to 90 pounds.

Ability to operate standard office equipment including but not limited to computers and copiers.

PREFERRED

• Basic computer skills to include e-mail and Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of Salesforce.

CORE VALUES

All employees are expected to use our core values as a guide for daily decision‑making, interactions with others, and their overall approach to their work with Canines for Service. The CFS core values are as follows:

• Teamwork: Collaborating and supporting each other to accomplish our mission
• Integrity: Upholding the mission through honesty, transparency, respect, and trust
• Compassion: Acting with consideration, care, and understanding

REQUIREMENT FOR ALL POSITIONS

• All positions are expected to identify and appropriately collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license that is acceptable to Canines for Services’ general liability insurance carrier and must maintain their own automobile insurance for the duration of employment. This requirement will be governed by and enforced under the organization’s Employee Handbook.
• Must be able to successfully pass and maintain any required background checks, including criminal and, where job-related, financial or credit screening.

DISCLAIMER AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications; duties may change at any time with or without notice at Canines for Service’s discretion. This job description does not constitute an employment contract, and employment is at-will, meaning either the employee or the employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, to the extent permitted by law. The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. Employment with Canines for Service is governed by the policies and procedures set forth in the Employee Handbook, as amended from time to time, which controls in the event of any inconsistency with this job description.