Skillbridge Canine Wellness Apprentice

Canine Companions; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 31,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Canine Companions in Santa Rosa, CA is seeking a Canine Wellness Apprentice to help care for dogs and maintain kennels. You will learn Canine Companions’ values and training protocols through structured training and hands-on experience, supporting daily kennel operations and canine wellness while preparing for the Canine Training Instructor Apprentice program.

The role emphasizes safety, care protocols, recordkeeping, teamwork, and volunteer support, with potential progression to paid employment

Qualifications

• Must be an active-duty U.S. service member within 180 days of separation or retirement.
• Completed at least 180 days of active-duty service.
• Expect an honorable discharge.
• Complete required transition assistance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Canine care, handling, and welfare.
• Sanitation, infection prevention, and facility maintenance.
• Feeding, nutrition, and medication protocols.
• Health observation and emergency response.
• Grooming and behavioral observation.
• Recordkeeping and attention to detail.
• Inventory management and operational organization.
• Communication, teamwork, and volunteer support.
• Professionalism, accountability, and commitment to organizational value.

Skills

Dog handling

Sanitation

Recordkeeping

Teamwork

Communication

Job description

The Canine Wellness Apprentice is responsible for providing quality care of the dogs and puppies housed in the kennels as well as the cleaning and maintenance of the kennels, dog exercise yards and kennel complex. This position will also learn Canine Companions’ values, mission and training protocols.Through structured training, observation, and supervised hands-on experience, the Canine Wellness Technician I develops the knowledge and practical skills needed to support daily kennel operations and canine wellness. Helps to prepare for Canine Training Instructor Apprentice program. The position requires adherence to established safety procedures, care protocols, documentation standards, and supervisory direction while prioritizing the health and well-being of every dog and puppy.Program Duties:Canine care, handling, and welfareSanitation, infection prevention, and facility maintenanceFeeding, nutrition, and medication protocolsHealth observation and emergency responseGrooming and behavioral observationRecordkeeping and attention to detailInventory management and operational organizationCommunication, teamwork, and volunteer supportProfessionalism, accountability, and commitment to organizational valueSuccessful completion of the Canine Wellness Apprentice program may lead to consideration for paid Canine Companions employment based on qualifications, performance, business needs and position availability.Employee Testimonial“Getting to work closely with the dogs who will be changing someone else’s life is beyond rewarding and knowing I play a part in our mission to help make that happen is an indescribable feeling of happiness.”— Canine Wellness Team MemberMust HaveTo be eligible for this opportunity, you must:Be an active-duty U.S. service member within 180 days of separation or retirementHave completed at least 180 days of active-duty serviceExpect an honorable dischargeComplete required transition assistance requirementsBe able to work in person in Santa Rosa, CANice to HavePrior dog handling, training and/or dog health care experienceScheduleFull-Time, 40 hours/weekProgram Duration: up to 26 weeksInclusion and Diversity CommitmentWe recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.Accommodation RequestIf you need accommodations during the interview process, please let us know. We are committed to ensuring all applicants have equal access to the opportunity to succeed.