CAREERS

CURRENT OPENINGS

Are you passionate about quality of life for shelter dogs and those that love them?

Dogs Playing for Life is frequently hiring canine handlers that travel to our advanced behavior center and mentor shelters across the country. For canine handlers and other available career opportunities, please see below.

If no jobs are posted, please feel free to send your resume to Emily at [email protected].

Canine Handler

Job Title: Canine Handler

FLSA Status: Full-time employee, non-exempt

Reports to: Operations Manager

Date last reviewed: October 9, 2023

Position Summary

The Canine Center Handler works cooperatively with other Handlers to help facilitate behavior modification of Canine Center board and train dogs. Animal handling will be commensurate with the philosophy of DPFL and DPFL’s mission. This position is responsible for daily dog handling and training under the direction of the Lead Trainer. Current opportunity is in Lake City, Florida, but candidates that want to travel in for their shifts by air, at DPFL’s expense, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

On leash training working with dogs independently and in group sessions with other Handlers.
Support of playgroup management either by bringing dogs to play yards or by assisting Lead within yards during playgroups.
Provide in-kennel enrichment
Report to Lead Trainer any concerns preventing safe and effective handling
Obtain and upload photos and videos of dogs’ progress
Occasional cleaning as needed to support kennel functions
Other tasks as requested by the Lead Instructor

Compensation

Annual pay starts at $36,400 with extensive growth opportunities and benefits include Paid Time Off and Health Insurance with option to purchase Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.

Education and Experience:

At the discretion of the CEO

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of basic dog behavior and training principles.
Demonstrated excellent verbal communication skills.
Able to work a flexible schedule.
Must hold a valid driver’s license and have an insurable driving record.

Working Conditions:

Frequent travel with airplane and car if traveling to work.
Physically demanding work, walking and standing all day.
Office and animal kennel environment.
Potential exposure to high noise levels, behaviorally challenged animals and zoonotic diseases.
Exposure to all weather conditions.
Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.

To apply, please email your resume and a cover letter to [email protected].

Canine Enrichment Coordinator-Los Angeles

Job Title: Canine Enrichment Coordinator

FLSA Status: Full-time employee, non-exempt

Reports to: Director of Los Angeles Programming

Date last reviewed: October 9, 2023

Position Summary

The Canine Enrichment Coordinator will work in collaboration with staff and volunteers at Los Angeles Animal Services to maintain individualized enrichment and training protocols commensurate with the philosophy of DPFL Programming and overall mission of
enhanced quality of life for maximum life-saving. This position attends to the emotional and
behavioral well-being of the entire shelter canine population.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

● Ensures rotation of all qualifying dogs through daily PG.
● Responsible for ensuring sufficient daily exercise and time outside of their enclosure for all
sheltered dogs while helping to coordinate assistance from staff and volunteers.
● Communicates promptly and effectively with other shelter staff in order to assure
consistency of dog handling based on changing needs and to provide updates on individual
behavior concerns.
● Assists in maintaining adequate signage and documentation (on kennels, around the
building, and within electronic records) for the entire canine population.
● Works with shelter staff to implement enrichment and training protocols for individual dogs
(on-site and off-site).
● Develops and maintains a check-point system to assess behavioral well-being of the canine
population.
● Assists, as requested, in training volunteers to handle the dogs consistently and safely.
● Maintains kennel environment by relocating dogs when behaviorally advantageous,
designating daily kennel enrichment and providing for necessary kennel communication to
guide staff and volunteers in ideal care for each dog.
● Communicates with Adoption Staff about dog behavior updates and adoption promotion
opportunities unique to individual dogs.
● Provides adoption counseling to potential adopters for dogs specified as needing special
adoption recommendations and/or support.
● Conducts dog-dog interactions with potential adopters, when requested.
● Teach/train designated kennel staff proper handling techniques in accordance with DPFL
Programming.
● Ensures canine enrichment areas (playgroup yards) are properly cleaned and maintained.
● Supports organization in the development and implementation of any new protocols or
programs designed to enhance the quality of life for the entire canine population.
● Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

● Proven knowledge of the guidelines and practices in an animal welfare/shelter
environment.
● Knowledge of local animal control laws and state humane laws and their application to
the general public and the relationship to adoption.
● Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
● Excellent interpersonal communication, public speaking, and customer service skills.
● Ability to use a PC and widely used software packages, e.g., spreadsheets (Excel), word
processing (MS Word), Chameleon shelter software; ability to learn new
software as necessary.
● Ability to meet deadlines; ability to set and accomplish work in order of priority;
professionally maintain composure and effectiveness under pressure and changing
conditions.
● Able to work a flexible schedule with regular weekend and evening activities.
● Must hold a valid driver’s license and have an insurable driving record.
Working Conditions:
● Office and animal shelter environment.
● Potential exposure to high noise levels, behaviorally challenged and potentially
aggressive animals and zoonotic diseases.
● Exposure to all weather conditions.
● Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.
● Frequent use of computer and telephone.