The Canine Care Manager provides hands-on operational leadership for all adult dog housing within the Canine University and Canine Assessment Center. This role ensures the consistent implementation of high standards for kennel cleanliness, wellness, enrichment, and behavioral care while maintaining a positive, professional culture among staff and volunteers.

The Canine Care Manager directly supervises Team Leaders and Canine Keepers and is responsible for daily operations, staff readiness, and first-level problem solving. Working closely with the Senior Director of Canine Care, this position also plays a key role in reinforcing cultural standards, coaching staff, and collaborating with other departments to ensure dogs are housed and cared for in a way that supports their long-term success as guide and service dogs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• Oversee daily operations of the Canine University and Canine Assessment Center, ensuring consistent implementation of care, handling, and enrichment protocols.
• Manage staff schedules, PTO approvals, timecards, and shift coverage to ensure adequate staffing at all times.
• Monitor housing flow, kennel spacing, and dog movement between areas, adjusting as needed for safety, wellness, and operational efficiency.
• Maintain inventory and supply readiness, ensuring appropriate stocking of cleaning, enrichment, and wellness materials.
• Uphold and reinforce biosecurity and safety protocols, addressing operational issues promptly.

Staff Management & Culture

• Supervise Canine Keepers, ensuring clear task assignments, training, and adherence to protocols.
• Provide regular coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations to build staff skill and professionalism.
• Reinforce the cultural and professional standards established by the Senior Director of Canine Care, creating a positive, collaborative, and solutions-focused environment.
• Handle first-level staff or volunteer conflicts, escalating unresolved or systemic issues to the Senior Director.

Wellness & Enrichment Oversight

• Ensure staff accurately complete wellness tracking logs, fecal scoring charts, and weight documentation.
• Support daily enrichment plans, coaching Keepers to maintain consistency and quality in enrichment activities.
• Collaborate with Medical Services to ensure staff follow medication schedules, wellness protocols, and preventative care plans.
• Promptly report unusual health or behavior concerns to Medical Services and the Senior Director.

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Work closely with Medical Services, Training, and Volunteer Services to coordinate housing, wellness, and enrichment practices that support the behavioral resilience and readiness of dogs.

Provide the Senior Director with timely updates on housing capacity, staffing readiness, and wellness trends.

Required Skills and Experience

• Proven experience managing animal care operations or kennel facilities.
• Strong knowledge of kennel husbandry, enrichment, and wellness practices.
• Experience supervising teams, providing coaching, and maintaining high standards of care.
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience in working dog or service dog programs.
• Familiarity with biosecurity protocols and wellness tracking systems.

Work Environment

• Onsite presence required, with standard working hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Evening, weekend, and on-call availability may be required to support operational or wellness needs.

Active role requiring extended periods on feet, frequent walking, and lifting up to 70lbs with assistance.

Why Join Dogs Inc?

At Dogs Inc, we don’t just change lives—we transform them. Here’s why you’ll love working with us:

• Comprehensive Benefits: Full dental and vision insurance premiums covered, competitive medical coverage, and a $15,000 life insurance policy.

• Retirement Match: A 5% retirement plan match for all benefit-eligible employees.

• Campus Perks: Free access to our fitness center and chef-prepared lunches served on campus (Monday-Friday).

• Time to Recharge: Generous Paid Time Off policies (12-20 days/year based on tenure). Enjoy 13 paid holidays—including your birthday!

• Reward-Based Programs: Our Learn and Earn education program and Pawsitive Strides walking program offer many opportunities to earn additional Paid Time Off.

• Dog-Friendly Workplace: Bring your well-behaved, pre-screened dog to work and enjoy the ultimate companion-friendly environment.