Description

PM Dog Care Team Members report to the Dog Care Coordinator and help to maintain the general health and welfare of the dogs in our care at the Animal Centre. In part this is achieved by participating in our Canine Enrichment Program to provide mental and physical stimuli to these dogs. To support the wide range of dog behaviours and needs we encounter at the GTHS, PM Dog Care Team Members complete a Dog Care Program*; quickly progressing from Green dogs (ie. puppies and seniors who are easy to walk and handle) to Yellow dogs (ie. young, rambunctious, pullers who can be slightly difficult to walk and handle), then work through the Orange and Purple levels at their own pace, with the ultimate goal of working with Red dogs (ie. strong, reactive dogs that are difficult to walk and handle, and that may have other behavioural issues). *Training is required upon joining the Dog Care Team and will be required intermittently to progress through the Dog Care Program.

Time Commitment

2 hours once a week. PM Dog Care Team Member shifts take place Monday through Sunday at a mutually agreed upon time between the hours of 1-4pm. An overall minimum commitment of 6 months is required.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Assist in the maintenance of dogs’ health and welfare
  • Prepare and provide medication, supper and clean water as required or instructed
  • Maintain clean and organized kennels (inside and outside)
  • Sweep and mop dog kennels’ and Animal Equipment Room’s floors
  • Deep clean kennels inside and outside for dogs that leave the Animal Centre (adopted, foster care, etc.)
  • Clean up after dogs (stoop and scoop) in the kennel area and outdoors, as appropriate
  • Oversee any cleaning and tidying resulting from own interactions with dogs
  • Dispose of garbage and recyclables

•  Assist in the maintenance of dogs’ physical and mental well-being
• • Interact with dogs for walks, training and socialization
  • Bathe / groom dogs
  • Reinforce behaviours that make dogs more adoptable
  • Disinfect any dog toys used for Enrichment
  • Create treats / food puzzles
  • Wash up dirty dog dishes and assist with laundry (washing, drying and folding linens), based on Enrichment activities undertaken
  • Ensure dogs are safe and secure

• Follow appropriate protocol, policies and procedures
• Use online Contact List & Schedule to reflect any absences and to coordinate shift coverage

Qualifications

• 18 years of age minimum
• A commitment to animal welfare
• A gentle and kind approach to dog handling
• Confident with dogs
• Current dog handling and/or training experience is required
• Medium and/or large dog experience is required
• Willingness and ability to complete multiple levels of the Dog Care Program is expected. Quick progression from Green to Yellow Dog Walker status will occur upon joining the Dog Care Team, followed by progression through the additional status levels to provide the necessary support for a wide range of dog behaviours and needs
• Self motivated
• Ability to work alone and in a team environment
• Ability to follow protocol