K-9 Caregiver/Basic Groomer
Our organization is about people and their dogs. It’s about helping people and INSPIRING them to do more with and more for their dogs. We are a group of energetic, motivated people who love what we do and are looking for other like-minded, high-quality people to join us. We offer exciting opportunities that will challenge your abilities, expand your skills and reward your contributions. Our Leadership Team is passionate about fostering both personal and professional growth for all.
Happy Camper offers limited grooming services. We provide a small dedicated grooming area with a tub, table and cage. We provide brush outs, bathing, nail trims, and ear cleaning. These services may be expanded to coordinate with the talents of our groomer. Currently, our plan is for the Groomer to also act as a K-9 Caregiver.
This position we are currently hiring for is at our new, company, where we offer several different services for people and their pets. It is a full time or part time opportunity, 20-40 hours per week including weekend work, and also, must be flexible to work extra hours when needed. This is a Pet Care position with a great support staff and leadership team that you would be joining.
Safety is the responsibility of each individual and management expects all work to be done in a safe manner.
At Happy Camper we have a three phase hiring process. Only those who complete ALL phases will be considered for employment.
Phase 1: Read Our Strategic Vision (below)
Phase 2: Online Application (below) &
Phase 3: Hiring Seminar (upon invitation)
Only online applications will be accepted.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Pets in our facility must be cared for promptly, every day. The facility is staffed 365 days a year and is exceptionally busy when schools are on holiday recess. Experience is preferable; however a genuine love for animals is mandatory. You must be able to handle dogs of all sizes without being afraid of them and without allowing them to control you. You must be in good physical condition, able to squat, stoop, bend, lift, and do a lot of walking. You also MUST be willing to maintain the highest standards in cleanliness. There will be opportunities for advancement, if you excel.
- All employees must be able to read, write legibly, and communicate clearly in English both in person and on the telephone. Employees must have good oral and written communication skills including the ability to listen, talk, write, type, and otherwise communicate with professionalism and tact. Proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation are expected.
- Basic computer literacy including the ability to type on a computer keyboard, use a computer mouse, and view information on a computer screen is required.
- You Are Dependable – being a few minutes early for work is normal for you. You look at what the great day ahead spent with dogs will bring. Our staff knows they can count on you to do whatever it is you are assigned with excellence.
- You Love the Details – As a team, we want to make sure each guests’ needs are met. From medications to meals, play times to pampering, it is all in the details to make our guests stay the best it can be.
- You Are a Team Player – you want the best for the dogs that are staying with us and work as a team member to get that accomplished. You add to the conversation and brainstorm with fellow staff on ways to make the experience more enriching.
- You Are a Goal-Setter – you have goals for your work and for yourself. At Happy Camper we have built a work culture were accomplishing goals is key to success. We have educational opportunities and areas that you can grow in as you deepen your experience in the pet care field.
NEED TO (the must have’s):
- Be able to lift 40 lbs.
- Previous dog experience meaning more than that you have owned a dog
- Good dog handling
- Ability to bathe a dog, trim nails, and clean ears.
- Not required, but would be beneficial: experience in hair cutting, teeth cleaning, other grooming services.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:
As a part of our Kennel Care Team you are involved with all of the day-to-day activities that happen at Happy Camper. You are the key to each pet’s stay, making sure everything they need is happening. You ensure our doggie guests have a great vacation while their owners are away. As the primary contact person with our dog guests, you are responsible for:
Expectations and Duties
- Customer Service
- Learn how to greet clients with a friendly demeanor when handing off a dog or receiving one
- Dog Care
- Ensure that the dogs have fresh water at all times.
- Making sure every guest is comfortable, happy and receiving all of the services that an owner requests.
- Maintaining the daily duties and in a timely manner including properly cleaning and disinfecting all enclosures, kennel yard, and common areas as well as general housekeeping throughout the entire kennel.
- Learn what information to provide for daily reports
- Learn how to perform feedings accurately and pass on communication if dogs are not eating
- Assist in the integration new dogs into the pack following the protocol and evaluate throughout the day using New Dog Evaluation form
- Learn how to intake daycare dogs safely and in a controlled manner.
- Learn how to intake boarding dogs safely and in a controlled manner, ensure that all belongings are reviewed, feeding/med instructions are provided, and that all boarding check in questions have been answered
- Learn how to set up dogs in the evening and consult with owners on proper sleeping arrangements
- Learn how to implement progress report as necessary
- Learn how to hand off dogs following procedure
- Observe the work we are doing with the dogs on the floor to continue our commitment to training and keeping the dogs engaged in a positive manner on the floor
- Assist grooming when needed and help groomer retrieve dogs from play arenas
- Ensure that all dogs are kept clean by any means necessary
- Observe dogs for any and all odd behaviors, signs of illness or injury and report to owners if anything of concern comes to your attention
- Conduct daily health evaluations. Closely monitoring the health and wellness of every guest.
- Constantly observe dogs by feeling, looking at feet, ears, teeth, etc.,, so we can communicate to clients when a dog is in need of a nail trim, teeth clean, groom, or if there’s anything concerning that a vet should look at
- Feeding and medicating guests, and keeping detailed records of our guests entire stay
- Making sure every guest goes home clean, happy and we exceeded the expectation.
- Facilities
- Maintaining a highest level of cleanliness in all areas of our facility inside and in play yards.
- Teamwork/Communication
- Ensure that all notes are passed along to next shift’s teammate
- Communicate clearly with our leadership team.
DESIRED EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Previous experience in a pet facility or pet care environment a plus
- Previous experience at bathing, nail trimming, and anal glands cleansing.
- Excellent work history and references
COMPENSATION
Pay depends on experience. Performance based bonus upon approval.
We don’t hire to just fill a position. We take our time looking for the right people. If you know, without a doubt, that you are a fit, let’s talk.
We Really Believe in This Stuff
Everyday we get to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. Providing inspiration to dog parents who need it. Getting our message out there. Helping customers learn how to change the course of their relationship with their dogs. Educating the dog owner how to speak “dog”. Making the connection between dog and owner is the goal for us. It’s why we do what we do. Work that changes lives, work that gives inspiration.
Work in Your Strengths
Our goal is to help position each team member in a role that plays to their strengths, that sets them up to shine…to win. Know yourself well enough to know what you do well, and just as importantly, what you don’t do well.
Win or Lose as a Team
Our team openly works together to create remarkable experiences that positively impacts lives. Everyone on the team is responsible for bringing new ideas, perspectives and solutions to the table. Starting with day one, we want your voice as part of the conversation.
About Our Company
We’re a privately-owned and operated pet care facility focused on a single mission: ”Happy Camper provides experienced-based, canine education and services to improve the canine/human relationship which gives INSPIRATION to everyone from the dog enthusiast to the dog owner.”
Step 1: Read Our Strategic Vision
Step 2: Fill Out Our Online Employment Form

