Full-Time Kennel Assistant

About the Position

Neuman K-9 Academy is seeking a dependable, hardworking Full-Time Kennel Assistant to join our team.

This is a hands-on position in a professional dog training and boarding facility. Our Kennel Assistants play an important role in the daily care, safety, cleanliness, and overall well-being of the dogs staying with us.

We are looking for someone who genuinely enjoys working with dogs but also understands that professional animal care involves much more than playing with puppies.

This position includes feeding, cleaning, laundry, dog handling, bathing, facility upkeep, and closely monitoring the dogs in our care.

And yes — sometimes there are puppy cuddles.

There is definitely laundry.

Schedule

The current open position is:

Tuesday–Saturday
12:30 PM–9:30 PM
40 hours per week
One-hour unpaid lunch

Applicants must be available to work this schedule, including Saturdays.

Because the dogs in our care require consistent daily care, dependable attendance and punctuality are essential requirements of this position.

Responsibilities

Kennel Assistants are responsible for helping provide safe, consistent daily care for dogs participating in our training and boarding programs.

Responsibilities include:

• Feeding dogs according to established instructions
• Providing fresh water and routine potty breaks
• Cleaning and sanitizing kennels and dog-care areas
• Washing dishes, bowls, bedding, and training equipment
• Completing facility laundry throughout the shift
• Sweeping, mopping, disinfecting, and maintaining common areas
• Safely handling dogs of different sizes, breeds, personalities, and energy levels
• Bathing and brushing dogs
• Assisting with routine grooming tasks such as nail trims and ear cleaning
• Monitoring dogs for changes in appetite, behavior, stool, mobility, or general condition
• Promptly communicating any concerns regarding a dog to supervisors
• Following established kennel, safety, and dog-handling procedures
• Assisting with other daily facility responsibilities as needed

What We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate is someone who is:

• Reliable and punctual
• Comfortable working around dogs of different sizes and temperaments
• Able to follow established procedures and instructions consistently
• Observant and attentive to changes in a dog's behavior or physical condition
• Comfortable asking questions when clarification is needed
• Able to communicate professionally with coworkers and supervisors
• Willing to perform cleaning and physical work throughout the shift
• Able to work independently while also functioning as part of a team
• Interested in learning more about professional dog care and training
• Comfortable working outdoors throughout the year in Minnesota weather

Professional dog-handling, kennel, veterinary, grooming, daycare, boarding, or training experience is helpful, but candidates with strong reliability, good judgment, and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.

Physical Requirements

This is an active, physical position. Employees must be able to perform the essential duties of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

The position regularly involves:

• Standing and walking for extended periods
• Bending, kneeling, reaching, and squatting
• Handling and controlling dogs of varying sizes
• Lifting and carrying supplies, food, laundry, and equipment
• Working indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Performing repetitive cleaning and sanitation tasks

Why Reliability Matters

Our dogs depend on a consistent schedule for feeding, exercise, potty breaks, training, and bedtime routines.

They do not understand:

• Oversleeping
• A dead phone
• Forgetting you were scheduled
• Transportation problems
• Mercury being in retrograde
• “I thought someone else was doing it”

They understand:

WHY IS MY DINNER LATE?

For that reason, dependable attendance is one of the most important qualities we look for in our team members.

Benefits

Benefits for eligible full-time employees include:

• Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST)
• Minnesota Paid Leave benefits as applicable
• Paid time off after meeting eligibility requirements
• Employee training and development opportunities
• Hands-on experience in a professional dog-training environment

Additional details regarding eligibility and company policies are provided during the hiring and onboarding process.

About Neuman K-9 Academy

Neuman K-9 Academy is a professional dog-training and boarding facility located in Hugo, Minnesota.

Our team works with dogs participating in training, boarding, and related programs, and we place a strong emphasis on safety, consistency, cleanliness, attention to detail, and professional dog handling.

The dogs cannot send us an email when something is wrong.

That means we rely on our team members to pay attention, communicate, and care about the details.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, applicants must complete our Career Questionnaire and submit a résumé through the Neuman K-9 Academy careers page:

https://www.mndogtraining.com/careers-questionnaire/

Please be sure to indicate that you are applying for the Full-Time Kennel Assistant position and confirm that you are available to work the required Tuesday–Saturday, 12:30 PM–9:30 PM schedule.

Applications submitted without a completed Career Questionnaire and résumé may not be considered.

We are looking for someone who wants to work with dogs professionally, is willing to work hard, and understands that caring for dogs sometimes means cleaning something you swear you cleaned 20 minutes ago.

And then cleaning it again.

Pay: $18.00 - $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Uniform allowance
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

License/Certification:

• Drivers License (Required)

Location:

• Hugo, MN 55038 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person