Kennel Tech

Digs Dog Care; Hudson (WI); On-site; USD 20,457 - 29,136; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental and vision benefits

401(k) with company match

Medical benefits after 6 months

DigIn Shared Ownership Program

DayPlay discounts

Job summary

Paws & Claws Hudson, part of the Digs Dog Care network, is seeking a Kennel Tech to help care for dogs during day play and overnight stays. You’ll maintain a calm, clean environment, follow feeding and medication protocols, and work with Pack Leaders to ensure every guest feels safe and welcome.

This role requires physical stamina, a love of animals, and flexibility for weekends and holidays. Training is provided, with opportunities for growth toward Pack Leader.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic dog behaviours 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 demeanour.
• Physically able to lift up to 40 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 by using proper handling techniques.
• Monitor and proactively address dog health and behavior; report any concerns to the 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 clean, including clean‑up of bodily functions and proper use of cleaning chemicals.
• Follow all feeding, medication, 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.
• May assist with grooming tasks (bathing, brushing, drying) upon completing the required training sign‑off.
• Pitch in on additional tasks that contribute to the overall culture, pet well‑being, and hospitality experience at Digs.
• Work respectfully with teammates and maintain a positive, professional attitude at all times.

Skills

Dog behavior knowledge

Kennel operations

Communication skills

Animal handling safety

Attention to detail

Follow directions

Teamwork and independence

Calm demeanor

Physical strength (40 lbs)

Flexible scheduling

Indoor/outdoor work

Job description

About this position

About Paws & Claws Hudson

Paws & Claws Hudson is a premium dog care that is part of the Digs Dog Care network (Digs), 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

Kennel Techs are the quiet backbone of the Digs overnight experience — ensuring every boarding dog feels safe, comfortable, and cared for from check-in to check-out. This role requires a calm and attentive presence, a genuine love for animals, and a commitment to the cleanliness and hospitality standards that set Digs apart. Kennel Techs work closely with Pack Leaders and supervisors to make sure every pup’s stay feels less like a kennel and more like a home away from home.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety and well‑being of all daycare and boarding dogs by using proper handling techniques.
• Monitor and proactively address dog health and behavior; report any concerns to the 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 clean, including clean‑up of bodily functions and proper use of cleaning chemicals.
• Follow all feeding, medication, 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.
• May assist with grooming tasks (bathing, brushing, drying) upon completing the required training sign‑off.
• Pitch in on additional tasks that contribute to the overall culture, pet well‑being, and hospitality experience at Digs.
• Work respectfully with teammates and maintain a positive, professional attitude at all times.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic dog behaviours 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 demeanour.
• Physically able to lift up to 40 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 Dig’s Code of Conduct and positively contributes to team culture and teamwork.

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.

The pay range for this role is: 18 - 18 USD per hour (Paws & Claws Hudson).