Canine Wellness Technician (Kennel Technician)

At Canine Companions, we’re dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. As an employee, you’ll help provide independence to individuals, while also giving a dog a meaningful job. Our commitment to our mission is reflected in our equally strong dedication to our employees. 

Our Employee Benefits 

We believe in offering a comprehensive benefits package to ensure the well-being and growth of our team: 

• Employer-Paid Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits for staff 

• Paid Time Off: 14 paid holidays annually, including an Inclusion Holiday, plus 17 paid days off (PTO) during your first year 

• Retirement Savings: Employer-matched 403(b) retirement plan 

• Community Engagement: Additional paid hours to volunteer within your community 

• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs: Support for both professional and personal well-being 

• Inclusion and Diversity Committee dedicated to ongoing efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace by setting actionable goals and evaluating progress  

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 Member 

The Canine Wellness Technician I 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. 

Key Responsibilities  

• Sanitation/Maintenance: Daily clean and disinfect kennels, exercise, training areas and grounds and other kennel facilities using approved cleaning supplies, tools and methods. Clean and sanitize toys, beds, feeding bowls, crates and other equipment. Report maintenance problems or repairs to the supervisor. 

• Dog Feeding: Prepare and dispense food in appropriate amounts and time intervals, including feeding of special diets to kennel dogs and puppies per feeding instructions and guidelines. 

• Dog Care: Provide quality care and a safe environment to kenneled dogs and puppies. Understand approved commands and leash etiquette for all dogs. Groom dogs including bathing, trimming hair and nails. Keep records of dogs coming and going from kennels. Exercise and socialize dogs and puppies in approved locations. 

• Veterinary Care: Provide immediate response to a dog or puppy in distress. Administer approved medications orally, topically, or by injection under the direction of a veterinarian or supervisor. Provide and assist in emergency first aid, wound treatment, tests, and exams.  

• Inventory Management: Monitor, store and inventory kennel supplies and replenish as needed.  

• Administrative Duties: Record keeping and special projects. Work with and coach kennel support volunteers, such as bathing and walking. Work with staff and volunteers with special events and tours as needed. Communicate and log all health or veterinary concerns, needs and problems. 

Qualifications  

To be successful in this role, candidates should possess the following: 

Must Have:  

• Must be able to safely lift 45 pounds and safely handle, hold and restrain active dogs weighing up to 110 pounds.  

• Able to remain on one’s feet, standing, walking, bending and/or stooping on cement for extended periods. 

Nice to Have:  

• Prior dog handling, training and dog health care experience preferred 

Compensation 

• Salary: $18.25 per hour.

Inclusion and Diversity Commitment 

We 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.  

The base salary range above represents the low and high of the range for this position. Actual salaries will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors, including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. 

Pursuant to local Fair Chance Ordinances, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 

Accommodation Request 

If 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.