Kennel Manager at The Gold Leash – Carol Stream, Illinois

Position: Full and Part-Time Kennel Manager
Location: Carol Stream

The Gold Leash Pet Hotel & Daycare is looking for a dedicated Kennel Managher to join our team. This role combines Pet Tech and Front Desk/Kennel Associate responsibilities with added leadership duties. You’ll oversee group play, feeding and medication routines, staff training, and daily kennel operations. As you grow, there are clear career paths into higher-level management positions.

Leadership & Staff Support

• Lead by example in daily operations, including handling dogs, cleaning, and shift routines.
• Train, guide, and support Pet Techs and Front Desk/Kennel Associates.
• Ensure team members follow safety, cleaning, and care protocols consistently.
• Communicate clearly with management and contribute to daily team briefings.

Animal Care & Supervision

• Oversee group play sessions, ensuring safe and positive dog interactions.
• Confidently handle dogs of all breeds and temperaments during transitions and play.
• Manage accurate kennel assignments, feeding schedules, and behavior notes.
• Administer medications according to individual pet needs and instructions.
• Provide individualized attention and enrichment when needed.

Front of House Support

• Assist with client check-ins, check-outs, and customer communication when needed.
• Maintain a professional, clean, and welcoming reception area.
• Support managers during busy periods by bridging FOH and BOH operations.

Facility Maintenance

• Maintain high standards of sanitation across kennels, play areas, and common spaces.
• Support daily cleaning routines, laundry, and other operational tasks.

• Strong understanding of dog behavior and playgroups is required.
• Prior kennel, daycare, or animal handling experience (supervisory experience preferred).
• Comfortable with feeding, medication administration, and detailed care protocols.
• Confident leading others with a calm, proactive, and team-focused approach.
• Excellent communication skills with staff and clients.
• Reliable, dependable, and able to work in a fast-paced, physically active environment.
• Flexible availability — The Gold Leash is open 365 days a year, 5 AM to 8 PM (weekends and holidays included).
• Dependable transportation.

• Hands-on leadership training with experienced managers.
• Access to Dog Gurus video training program + one-on-one coaching.
• Employee discounts on boarding, daycare, and spa services.
• 10 free daycare packages per quarter for personal pets.
• Weekly tip pool
• Career growth opportunities — path into higher-level management with proven performance.
• Supportive, pet-loving team environment.
• For full-time: 3rd party health insurance (BCBS), PTO accrual

How to Apply:
Submit your resume and a short note about why you’d be a great fit for our team.

• 1+ year of dog handling experience (kennel, daycare, vet clinic, or training facility).
• 3+ years of customer service experience.
• 1+ year of POS/software experience (boarding, scheduling, or retail systems).
• 1+ year managing/supervisor experience
• 1+ year experience dog behavior (preferred)