Attendant, Dog Care and Welfare

Position Title: Attendant, Dog Care and Welfare

Part time or Full Time

Location: Carleton Place, ON (CNIB Guide Dogs Canine Campus)

Reports To: Manager, Canine Care

I. Scope and Summary of Primary Responsibilities

As an attendant, Dog Care and Welfare, the employee is responsible for providing a high level of care for the dogs and puppies staying at the CNIB Guide Dogs Canine Campus, achieving skills and knowledge checks and maintaining a high standard of cleanliness.

The Attendant, Dog Care and Welfare will act as an ambassador for CNIB Guide dogs, promoting good public image for the visitors and volunteers to CNIB’s Canine Campus and supports the Association’s strategic direction while working at the campus.

II. Essential Functions

• provide daily care for dogs who are boarding at the campus while on shift
• assist with kennel maintenance. This includes cleaning, disposing of dog feces, scrubbing and drying dog pods
• Complete required theoretical and practical inputs to pass dog care and welfare skills and knowledge checks.
• handling dogs appropriately in all situations following advice from Manager Canine Care, Technical Training Team and Veterinary Health Team
• receive dogs at campus intake and prepare dogs for campus exit
• bathing, grooming, feeding, exercising and enrichment of dogs
• checking dog's health and administering treatments, medications
• monitoring the behaviour of the dogs in their care including monitoring for signs of stress and any behaviour issues that need to be addressed with the dogs' trainer
• maintain records of dogs' behaviour while living in the dog pods, health and any other issues and enter into Salesforce DogTracker
• help handle dogs who are being checked by veterinary team or trainers
• support Canine Enrichment Volunteers on shift
• other duties as assigned

Relationships

Manager, Canine Care

• mentor and provide ongoing support for role
• schedule shifts

Other Attendants, Dog Care and Welfare

• work collaboratively to attend to the day-to-day needs of all dogs and puppies at the Canine Campus

Veterinary Advisor

• work collaboratively to ensure all dogs health needs are met
• arrange vet appointments for local puppies and dogs in training
• advise on hygiene and safety procedures and protocols to protect the health of dogs
• advise and assist with physical and mental health issues of individual dogs
• help with regular health checks on dogs
• assist to maintain a healthy nutrition plan for all dogs at the Canine Campus

Guide Dog Trainers/Guide Dog Mobility Instructors

• communicate regarding the individual needs of dogs in training – health, behavioural, training
• discuss day-to-day routines of each dog in training

Puppy Development Trainers

• discuss boarding needs of puppies
• provide details of new dogs as they enter Canine Campusfor training

Volunteers (Puppy Raisers and Boarders)

• discuss care and/or boarding needs at Canine Campus
• arrange for provision of dog food as necessary

Lead, Buddy and Ambassador Dog Trainer

• communicate regarding the individual needs of future Buddy Dogs – health, boarding, behaviour, training
• assess the health and other care needs of individual and groups of dogs to ensure the highest quality of care possible
• act immediately and effectively when facing emergencies involving dog health
• act immediately and effectively when dealing with other serious dog/puppy issues, e.g. lost dog

III. Qualifications

• knowledge and understanding of dog care needs, canine health and diseases and basic veterinary care
• ability to effectively administer dog health treatments
• knowledge and understanding of small animal husbandry, especially the maintenance of a high standard boarding facility for dogs, e.g. control of infectious diseases, provision of a safe and happy accommodation for all dogs in their care
• knowledge of environmental enrichment programs to maintain good mental health in all dogs in their care
• good dog handling skills, especially with larger breed dogs and groups of dogs
• ability to perform various health and care procedures such as grooming, bathing, basic health checks and nail trimming.
• knowledge of dog nutrition and weight maintenance
• good understanding of dog behaviour
• professional, compassionate and understanding when working with both people (staff, vets, volunteers and the general public) and dogs
• physical stamina to handle large dogs, heavy loads (dog food, etc)
• The position requires fixed working hours, with the campus operating seven days per week. Including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal English
• Demonstrated aptitude for dog handling; Ability to practically apply theoretical knowledge
• Ability to undertake the physical demands of the role, including walking long distances, controlling and walking with a range of dog breeds, ages, and temperaments
• Enthusiastic team player who can also work well independently
• Proficient in the use of MS Office
• Current valid driving licence
• High school diploma
• Legally eligible to work in Canada
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Accredited learning and previous experience in the areas of animal welfare and/or behaviour an asset (i.e.: experience in Kennels)
• Knowledge of dog handling and training techniques/approaches, basic dog care, and first aid an asset

Work Environment (indicate working conditions)

• CNIB Canine Campus "dog pods", facilities and agile office areas
• CNIB Canine Campus property
• Employee is exposed to kennel noise, cleaning and antibacterial solutions and dust, animal dander and hair (including cat hair) in confined areas such as vans and kennels.

CNIB is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities and will work with applicants requesting accommodations at any stage of the hiring process