Pack Leader

Digs Dog Care; Lake Zurich (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental/Vision

401(k) Match

Medical benefits after 6 mo

Shared Ownership

DayPlay discounts

Job summary

Digs Dog Care is hiring a Pack Leader to supervise daily care of dogs in our daycare and boarding programs. You will help ensure safety, clean facilities, monitor health and behavior, and communicate concerns to supervisors while delivering warm, hospitality‑driven experiences for pets and their parents.

Ideal candidates love animals, stay calm under pressure, follow procedures, and can lift up to 40 lbs. Flexible scheduling including weekends is required, and you will join a team committed to

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic dog behaviors and body language.
• Familiarity with kennel operations and animal care.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to handle animals safely and confidently, including large/giant breed dogs.
• Strong attention to detail and careful adherence to procedures.
• Ability to follow directions closely (written and verbal).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Remain calm and level-headed with a pleasant demeanor.
• 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.
• Available for flexible scheduling, including holidays and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety and well‑being of all daycare and boarding dogs using proper handling techniques.
• Monitor and proactively address dog health and behavior; report any concerns to your supervisor immediately.
• 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 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

Ability to follow directions

Teamwork

Calm under pressure

Physical stamina

Flexible scheduling

Job description

About Digs Dog Care

Digs is 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 Digs Dog Care

Digs is 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

Pack Leaders are the heart of the daily experience at Digs — responsible for the hands‑on supervision, safety, and care of every dog in our daycare and boarding programs. This role requires genuine love for animals, sharp observational skills, and the ability to stay calm and proactive in a fast‑paced environment. Pack Leaders maintain the cleanliness of our facility, monitor dog health and behavior, and communicate any concerns promptly to their supervisor. A Pack Leader embodies the Digs standard: treating every pup like family and delivering the premium, attentive care our pet parents count on

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety and well‑being of all daycare and boarding dogs using proper handling techniques
• Monitor and proactively address dog health and behavior; report any concerns to your 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 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 behaviors 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 demeanor
• 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

What To Expect When Applying

• Phone screening regarding your application.
• An in‑person interview to meet the team, tour the location, and get a glimpse of what your day‑to‑day will be like.
• Orientation and training classes covering company policies, procedures, dog body language, and behavior.

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 Digs 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.

Digs Dog Care is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.