Our mission is to support lifelong harmonious relationships between people and their pets. As experts in our field, we offer trusted guidance to pet parents and support them through all ages and stages while delivering 360° of Happy Health® to their beloved pets. We strive to empower a creative team of individuals in building careers in animal care where they feel valued, inspired, and live in a culture of recognition and growth.

At JM Pet Resort and Veterinary Clinic, you'll be part of a supportive, collaborative team that values both pets and people. We offer opportunities to grow, make a difference in the lives of animals, and help clients feel confident in their pets' care.

Job Summary

The PLAYtrain® Daycare Manager ensures a successful "play and learn" experience for each pet, leads group activities, manages team members to follow all protocols and maximizes safety for both pets and employees. The PLAYtrain® Manager remains closely connected to our 360° of Happy Health® principles as outlined in our company mission and vision statements.

Essential Responsibilities

• Sets up playgroups following established PLAYtrain® guidelines
• Ensures playgroups are in place at scheduled times and that dogs are grouped correctly according to their temperament
• Works closely with Kennel Operations to achieve safe and timely rotations
• Ensures cleanliness routines are followed (scooping, spraying, emptying buckets, etc.)
• Continually monitors dog behaviors in all playgroups throughout the day
• Makes necessary adjustments (recall, create smaller groups, exchange dogs between groups, limit play/time out, etc.)
• Directs staff to follow proper protocols for dog handling and behavior modification
• Mentors staff to develop behavior modification knowledge and skills; demonstrates examples of behaviors, ensures team members can identify behaviors and take action to solve problems
• Updates exercise reports
• Follows specific handling guidelines to safely navigate dogs throughout the facility
• Assists in managing and following the color-coded caution system, describing employee restrictions and permissions for dog handling
• Assists with dog rotations and playgroup setups/breakdowns throughout the shift at prescribed times
• Applies specific language designed to communicate and reinforce behavior expectations to dogs
• Accurately interprets dog body language to understand actions, anticipate possible reactions and make sound judgments “in the moment” to maximize safe outcomes
• Properly receives dogs in groups, ensuring name tags, collars, haltis, muzzles and drag leashes are used and properly fitted
• Interfaces with clients in a friendly, professional manner during all interactions
• Follows up with the Client Liaison on any injuries sustained at the facility
• Awareness of boarding round findings
• Awareness of quarantine activity and follow infection control protocols
• Monitors evaluation dogs, write evaluation summaries and distribute emails daily
• Coordinates the addition of working dogs to the daily leash training schedule
• Identifies dogs in need of personalized training
• Works with dogs on individual improvement programs to assist in rehabilitation
• Conducts special socializations and monitor trainers
• Ensures grounds are sanitized, shoveled and ready for use
• Ensures each shift is fully functional and balanced; communicate needs with the General Resort Manager and Vice President
• Standardize and defines specific criteria to evaluate candidates performance during the working interview to maximize successful hiring decisions
• Motivates staff to improve skills and performance levels, create new ways to reinforce protocols, engage the staff and provide timely feedback
• Acknowledges individual contributions and take disciplinary action when necessary
• Prepares and leads thoughtful performance reviews
• Monitors and enforces readiness for work (e.g., dressing to code and bringing all required tools to assigned play stations)
• Manages inventory for the department and communicate needs to management
• Makes recommendations for product changes as needed
• Participates in Lead Meetings, Staff Meetings, Training Opportunities and other resort activities as required
• Communicates openly, respectfully and constructively with the Management Team to solve problems, exchange ideas and achieve company objectives
• Assist with evacuation of all animals if an emergency occurs

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Doggie Daycare or Dog Training required
• Previous supervisory experience required; pet industry experience preferred
• Passionate about animal welfare; treats all animals with compassion and kindness

Education

• High School Diploma required
• Professional Dog Training Experience preferred

Computer Skills

• Must be able to learn and efficiently use company software
• Must be able to learn new technology in accordance with business needs

Physical Demands

• Position requires a person to be both indoors and outdoors regardless of the weather
• Majority of the day is spent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds regularly, up to 100 pounds with assist
• Must be comfortable working with a wide variety of animals including small and large dogs
• Must be able to work around pet hair and dander
• Must be able to climb 2 flights of stairs multiple times per day

Working Conditions

• Potential exposure to dog and cat bites
• Potential exposure to contagious disease or infection
• Exposure to contaminants
• Exposure to extreme weather (i.e. heat and cold)
• Must work around pet hair and dander

Disclaimer

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed or deleted in accordance with business needs.

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Employee Discount
• Paid Time Off

#LI-DNI