Pet Care Technician / Front Desk Associate

Job Title: Pet Care Technician & Front Desk Associate

Reports To: General Manager / Pet Care Management

Location: Paw Commons Encinitas

Compensation: $19 - $22/hour + Client Tips & Performance Incentives

Be the Face of Fun. Be the Heart of Care. At Paw Commons, we don’t just board dogs; we create a home away from home. We are the premier destination for dog daycare, lodging, grooming, and training, and our mission is to create a safe, nurturing environment where every dog is treated like family.

We are looking for a Pet Care & Client Service Pro who embodies this mission. This is a dynamic, dual-role position for the ultimate multitasker—someone who finds as much joy in managing a busy front desk as in providing hands-on care to our four-legged guests. You will be the heartbeat of our daily operations, ensuring that both pets and their parents experience the Paw Commons standard of excellence from the moment they walk through our doors.

If you are a compassionate animal lover with a hospitality mindset, we can’t wait to meet you.

What You’ll Do:

• Create Warm Welcomes: You are the first smile our clients see! You’ll manage check-ins, check-outs, and reservations with professionalism and warmth, ensuring every human feels as special as their dog.
• Nurture & Nourish: Provide hands-on care for our guests, including managing feeding schedules, administering medications, and monitoring health and water intake with veterinary-grade attention to detail.
• Elevate the Experience: Uphold our uncompromising standard of safety and cleanliness in the lobby, daycare, and animal enclosures. A clean resort is a happy resort!
• Connect & Communicate: Serve as the bridge between the dogs and their owners. You’ll provide updates on pet behavior and health using positive, proactive language (mastering our "Bad Words Better Replacements" approach) to build trust and transparency.
• Keep Us Running Smoothly: From reconciling cash drawers to monitoring inventory for food and supplies, your organizational skills will keep the resort operating efficiently.

What You Bring (Qualifications):

• Passion for Pets & People: Previous experience in animal care, customer service, or hospitality is preferred, but a genuine love for dogs is a must.
• A Service Mindset: You are a skilled communicator who can resolve client concerns with grace and keep a positive attitude in a fast-paced environment.
• Tech-Savviness: You are comfortable with computers (Outlook, Excel, Teams) and ready to become a pro at our reservation software, Gingr.
• Resilience & Energy: You thrive in an active environment where you can lift up to 50 lbs, stand/walk for extended periods, and handle the noise and excitement of a busy dog resort.
• Bonus Points For: Certifications such as Pet First Aid/CPR.

Why You’ll Love Working at Paw Commons: We are committed to our team with the same passion we have for our pets. When you join us, you become part of a family that values growth, well-being, and shared success.

• Competitive Compensation: A strong hourly rate of $19–$22/hr, plus eligibility for client tips and performance incentives.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Full-time employees (30+ hours) are eligible for discounted Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage (eligibility begins after 60 days).
• Invest in Your Future: 401(k) with company match and Paid Time Off (PTO) eligibility for full-time employees after 1 year.
• A Culture of Care: Be part of a dedicated team in a respectful, collaborative environment where you can see the direct impact of your work on the lives of dogs and their families.

Ready to make a difference in the lives of dogs every day? Apply today!