Kennel Lead at The Gold Leash – Ottawa, Illinois

Now Hiring: Kennel Lead – Join Our Growing Team at The Gold Leash!

Are you passionate about animals and ready to take the next step in your pet care career? The Gold Leash is looking for a dedicated Kennel Lead to help guide our team and ensure a safe, clean, and enriching environment for our furry guests.

Position: Full and Part-Time Kennel Lead
Location: Ottawa, IL
Pay: Competitive hourly rate + tip pool + weekly bonus opportunities

What You’ll Do:

• Lead by example in daily operations including feeding, cleaning, and dog handling
• Guide and support Pet Techs during playgroups, cleaning routines, and shift transitions
• Ensure a safe and sanitary environment is maintained at all times
• Assist with medication administration, feeding schedules, and accurate kennel assignments
• Communicate clearly with management and participate in daily team briefings
• Support customer service during check-ins and check-outs as needed
• Hep with scheduling management, Phone calls, text messages.

What We’re Looking For:

• Prior experience in kennel, daycare, or animal handling required
• Confident leading others with a calm, proactive, and team-oriented attitude
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow facility protocols
• Reliable, physically active, and comfortable working in a fast-paced setting
• Available to work weekends and holidays as needed
• Flexible schedule - We are open 365/7 5am to 8pm

Perks & Benefits:

• Eligible for tip pool
• 20% Off Staff discounts on services and retail
• Weekly performance bonuses based on performance and sales.
• 10 Free Daycare every quarter
• Room for growth within a supportive, animal-loving team

Ready to turn your love for animals into leadership? Apply today and help us provide the care every pet deserves.

• 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 of dog behavior