Animal Care and Kennel Assistant-Parat Time

Part-Time Kennel Assistant — Dog Rescue

Hugs for Harry is looking for a dependable, hardworking Part-Time Kennel Assistant to join our small animal-care team at our dog rescue and sanctuary in Lafayette.

This is a hands-on position for someone who genuinely enjoys caring for dogs — but just as importantly, someone who is responsible, reliable, attentive to detail, and willing to work hard.

Our dogs depend on us every single day. So does the rest of our team. If you are scheduled to work, we need to know that you will be here, on time, ready to work, and that your coworkers can count on you to do your part.

A large part of this job is cleaning. Dogs are messy, and keeping their environment clean, fresh, comfortable, and sanitary is one of the most important things we do for them. We are looking for someone who notices the details — a dirty floor, soiled bedding, a water bowl that needs changing, laundry that needs to be done, or something that simply doesn't look or smell right — and takes care of it.

What You'll Do

• Clean and sanitize dog areas, floors, bedding, bowls, crates, common areas, and outdoor spaces
• Stay on top of laundry throughout your shift
• Keep the sanctuary clean, organized, bright, and fresh
• Feed dogs and provide fresh water according to established routines
• Assist with medications as directed and trained
• Safely handle dogs with different personalities, ages, sizes, and needs
• Walk dogs and assist with outdoor care and enrichment
• Pay attention to changes in a dog's behavior, appetite, mobility, or general condition and report concerns promptly
• Restock and organize food, cleaning products, laundry, and other supplies
• Help greet and appropriately direct volunteers when they arrive
• Multitask when necessary while making sure the dogs' care and cleaning responsibilities remain the priority
• Work cooperatively with other staff so that everyone can depend on each other to complete the day's work

The Person We're Looking For

Reliability is extremely important to us.

We need someone who:

• Shows up for every scheduled shift and arrives on time
• Understands that coworkers and animals are depending on them
• Takes responsibility for their work without needing to be constantly reminded
• Is meticulous about cleaning and doesn't cut corners
• Notices what needs to be done and takes initiative
• Can follow established procedures and instructions carefully
• Is organized and able to multitask
• Is flexible when priorities change during a shift
• Communicates clearly with coworkers
• Is comfortable working independently as well as part of a small team
• Is patient, kind, and confident around dogs
• Can remain calm in a busy environment
• Is comfortable being on their feet and physically active for much of the shift
• Can safely lift and move supplies and equipment as needed

Experience

Previous experience working in a dog rescue, animal shelter, veterinary hospital, kennel, boarding facility, dog daycare, or similar animal-care environment is strongly preferred.

Experience with dog behavior, safe animal handling, enrichment, or training is a plus.

Just as important as experience, however, is your attitude toward the work. We are looking for someone who takes pride in doing a job thoroughly and understands that cleaning and maintaining the facility is an essential part of caring for our dogs.

Weekend Availability Is Required

Applicants must be available to work:

Every Sunday and every other Saturday, in addition to agreed-upon weekday closing shifts.

Please apply only if you can reliably commit to this weekend schedule.

About Hugs for Harry

Hugs for Harry is a nonprofit dog rescue and sanctuary caring for senior, disabled, vulnerable, and at-risk dogs. Some of our dogs have medical or behavioral needs, and many have been through difficult circumstances before coming to us.

We are a small team, which means every person matters and every person needs to be someone the rest of the team can rely on.

If you love dogs, aren't afraid of hard work, take pride in keeping their environment exceptionally clean, and believe that being dependable is part of caring for animals, we'd love to hear from you.

Work Location: In person — Lafayette, CA

Pay: From $19.00 per hour

Work Location: In person