Shift Leader, Dog Daycare

Since 2018 Happy Tails Urban Adventures has been helping dog guardians by providing unparalleled attention and care for their pet. We advocate and are proud to provide exceptional pet care built on positive reinforcement, force and shock free with a focus on canine enrichment.

Happy Tails Urban Adventures is expanding and we are looking for an afternoon Shift Leader for our Riverside Dog Daycare Centre who is looking for a long-term career and to develop into a Team Leader.

Shifts will be between 4-6 hours long, Mondays to Fridays between 12pm - 6:30pm.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise playgroups to maintain proper dog-to-staff ratios, safe play, and adherence to behavior management protocols.
• Coach and guide daycare attendants throughout the shift—modeling positive handling, engagement, and enrichment techniques.
• Monitor dog behavior, identifying stress, fatigue, or inappropriate play. Step in promptly to redirect, separate, or rest dogs as needed.
• Ensure structured schedule execution (rotations between play, rest, and enrichment) based on facility standards.
• Perform daily opening/closing checklists, including sanitation, safety checks, and proper setup of rest and enrichment spaces.
• Communicate shift updates to managers—behavior issues, incidents, supply needs, or maintenance concerns.
• Engage in customer communication when needed, relaying daily report details or reviewing dog behavior in a professional, upbeat manner.
• Train and mentor new team members on safe group management and company procedures.

This is an intermediate level position and preference given to candidates with direct experience working with dogs.

Candidates should have a minimum of 2+ year direct experience working in a dog daycare or boarding facility with a combine experience in operations, customer service or employee manager role in a similar capacity.

Candidates should demonstrate a working knowledge in canine body language and off leash group play dynamics. Be able to maintain a calm presence around active dogs. We manage our playgroups using positive reinforcement methods only.

REQUIRED & MUST HAVE ATTRIBUTES:

• Must currently reside in British Columbia
• Legally allowed to work in Canada
• Fluent in English, spoken and written for client communication and reporting
• Confident taking care of small and large dog breeds
• Proven knowledge of dog behavior and passion about caring for dogs
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, which include the ability to sit, stand for extended periods of time (up to 8 hours), reach, climb, bend, run and lift 30 lbs.
• Supporter and promoter of positive reinforcement handling techniques
• Excellent customer service skills and attention to detail and quality
• Demonstrate calmness and prepared to troubleshoot when mishaps occur
• Effective time management and quick thinking skills
• Ability to work flexible schedules, reliable transportation and be over 18 years old.
• Strong multitasking, organization, communication and problem solving skills

TO APPLY AND BE CONSIDERED:

• A cover letter detailing how you fulfill the above requirements
• A resume outlining your work history

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $20.00-$22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 30 per week

Benefits:

• Company events
• On-site parking

Application question(s):

• List the names of Dog Daycare/Boarding/Kennel facilities that you have worked at, position title and employment dates.
• Have you led a team previously? Please answer yes/no.
• Do you currently reside in the Lower Mainland, British Columbia? Please answer Yes/No.

Experience:

• COMMERCIAL DOG DAYCARE OR BOARDING: 2 years (required)

Work Location: In person