Kennel Manager

Job Overview K9cation is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and dedicated Kennel Manager to lead our animal care team and help maintain the highest standards of safety, pet welfare, customer service, and operational excellence. This leadership role is ideal for someone who is passionate about animals, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and takes pride in building strong teams and exceptional client experiences. We are open to candidates with experience in kennel management, veterinary boarding, shelters, or equine/barn management backgrounds who understand animal behavior, facility operations, and team leadership. At K9cation, safety is our top priority. We are looking for a proactive leader who genuinely cares about our dogs, clients, staff, and company culture while helping us continue to grow as an industry leader in dog boarding, daycare, and training. Responsibilities Leadership & Operations Supervise daily kennel and daycare operations, including feeding, cleaning, medication administration, enrichment, and monitoring animal health and behavior Lead, train, mentor, and support kennel staff while fostering accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and a positive culture Maintain high operational standards and ensure smooth daily workflow Assist with staff scheduling, performance management, and team development Take ownership of facility operations and contribute to business growth, customer retention, and profitability Enforce K9cation policies, procedures, and safety standards Dog Safety & Animal Care Prioritize prevention of dog fights, injuries, escapes, and unsafe handling situations Coordinate safe pet handling and proper animal restraint techniques Monitor dog behavior and maintain safe playgroups and interactions Oversee dog training sessions using positive reinforcement methods Assist with pet bathing, first aid, medication administration, and daily care needs Respond calmly and effectively during emergencies or high-stress situations Customer Service Deliver exceptional customer service and build positive relationships with clients Address client questions, concerns, and special requests professionally and compassionately Maintain accurate pet records and communicate updates clearly with pet owners Ensure every client and dog receives a positive, safe, and welcoming experience Facility & Administrative Duties Maintain cleanliness and organization of kennels and common areas in compliance with state and local health and safety regulations Assist with inventory management and supply organization Support marketing efforts and social media content creation Utilize software systems including Google Workspace, Connecteam, and scheduling/communication platforms Assist with heavy lifting of supplies or animals as needed to support daily operations Qualifications & ExperienceRequired Qualifications Proven leadership experience in kennel management, veterinary boarding, animal shelters, dog daycare, equine/barn management, or similar animal care environments Strong background in dog handling, animal behavior, and safe handling procedures Excellent customer service and communication skills Dependable, organized, proactive, and solution-oriented mindset Ability to multitask and manage a fast-paced environment calmly and effectively Strong leadership, accountability, and team management abilities Ability to troubleshoot problems and make sound operational decisions Physical ability to perform cleaning duties and heavy lifting safely Preferred Qualifications Experience with dog training and behavior work Experience with staff supervision, coaching, and performance management Experience with scheduling, financial reporting, and operational oversight Familiarity with kennel software, Google Workspace, Connecteam, and social media platforms Experience growing customer relationships and supporting business development What We're Looking For The ideal candidate is someone who: Leads by example Truly cares about animal welfare and team culture Prioritizes safety above all else Takes ownership of their role and responsibilities Is calm under pressure and highly dependable Wants to grow with a respected and expanding company Brings professionalism, positivity, and strong leadership to the team every day Benefits Competitive pay based on experience Opportunity for growth and advancement Work alongside experienced dog professionals Employee discounts and perks Positive and supportive team environment

To Apply:

Send cover letter, pay requirements, schedule availability and years of experience. Applicants with no management experience will not be considered. Join a passionate team dedicated to providing top-tier care, enrichment, and safety for our furry guests while helping shape the future of one of Colorado's premier dog care facilities

Pay:

$23.66 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Employee discount Opportunities for advancement Paid training People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply Application Question(s): Are you available to work a minimum of one weekend day per week? Are you available to work ALL holidays? Are you able to begin your workday at 6:30am?

Experience:

management: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

Drivers License (Required)

Work Location:

In person