Position Title: Attendant, Dog Care and Welfare

Location: Carleton Place, ON (CNIB Guide Dogs Canine Campus)

Reports To: Manager, Canine Care

I. Scope and Summary of Primary Responsibilities

As an attendant, Dog Care and Welfare, the employee is responsible for providing a high level of care for the dogs and puppies staying at the CNIB Guide Dogs Canine Campus, achieving skills and knowledge checks and maintaining a high standard of cleanliness.

The Attendant, Dog Care and Welfare will act as an ambassador for CNIB Guide dogs, promoting good public image for the visitors and volunteers to CNIB’s Canine Campus and supports the Association’s strategic direction while working at the campus.

II. Essential Functions

The Attendant, Dog Care and Welfare position entails, but is not limited to the following general responsibilities:

provide daily care for dogs who are boarding at the campus while on shift
assist with kennel maintenance. This includes cleaning, disposing of dog feces, scrubbing and drying dog pods
Complete required theoretical and practical inputs to pass dog care and welfare skills and knowledge checks.
handling dogs appropriately in all situations following advice from Manager Canine Care, Technical Training Team and Veterinary Health Team
receive dogs at campus intake and prepare dogs for campus exit
bathing, grooming, feeding, exercising and enrichment of dogs
checking dog's health and administering treatments, medications
monitoring the behaviour of the dogs in their care including monitoring for signs of stress and any behaviour issues that need to be addressed with the dogs' trainer
maintain records of dogs' behaviour while living in the dog pods, health and any other issues and enter into Salesforce DogTracker
help handle dogs who are being checked by veterinary team or trainers
support Canine Enrichment Volunteers on shift
other duties as assigned

Relationships

Manager, Canine Care

mentor and provide ongoing support for role
schedule shifts

Other Attendants, Dog Care and Welfare

work collaboratively to attend to the day-to-day needs of all dogs and puppies at the Canine Campus

Veterinary Advisor

work collaboratively to ensure all dogs health needs are met
arrange vet appointments for local puppies and dogs in training
advise on hygiene and safety procedures and protocols to protect the health of dogs
advise and assist with physical and mental health issues of individual dogs
help with regular health checks on dogs
assist to maintain a healthy nutrition plan for all dogs at the Canine Campus

Guide Dog Trainers/Guide Dog Mobility Instructors

communicate regarding the individual needs of dogs in training – health, behavioural, training
discuss day-to-day routines of each dog in training

Puppy Development Trainers

discuss boarding needs of puppies
provide details of new dogs as they enter Canine Campusfor training

Volunteers (Puppy Raisers and Boarders)

discuss care and/or boarding needs at Canine Campus
arrange for provision of dog food as necessary

Lead, Buddy and Ambassador Dog Trainer

communicate regarding the individual needs of future Buddy Dogs – health, boarding, behaviour, training
assess the health and other care needs of individual and groups of dogs to ensure the highest quality of care possible
act immediately and effectively when facing emergencies involving dog health
act immediately and effectively when dealing with other serious dog/puppy issues, e.g. lost dog

III. Qualifications

knowledge and understanding of dog care needs, canine health and diseases and basic veterinary care
ability to effectively administer dog health treatments
knowledge and understanding of small animal husbandry, especially the maintenance of a high standard boarding facility for dogs, e.g. control of infectious diseases, provision of a safe and happy accommodation for all dogs in their care
knowledge of environmental enrichment programs to maintain good mental health in all dogs in their care
good dog handling skills, especially with larger breed dogs and groups of dogs
ability to perform various health and care procedures such as grooming, bathing, basic health checks and nail trimming.
knowledge of dog nutrition and weight maintenance
good understanding of dog behaviour
professional, compassionate and understanding when working with both people (staff, vets, volunteers and the general public) and dogs
physical stamina to handle large dogs, heavy loads (dog food, etc)
flexibility with work hours: the attendants will be required to work irregular hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal English
Demonstrated aptitude for dog handling; Ability to practically apply theoretical knowledge
Ability to undertake the physical demands of the role, including walking long distances, controlling and walking with a range of dog breeds, ages, and temperaments
Enthusiastic team player who can also work well independently
Proficient in the use of MS Office
Current valid driving licence
High school diploma
Legally eligible to work in Canada
Excellent interpersonal skills
Accredited learning and previous experience in the areas of animal welfare and/or behaviour an asset (i.e.: experience in Kennels)
Knowledge of dog handling and training techniques/approaches, basic dog care, and first aid an asset

Work Environment (indicate working conditions)

CNIB Canine Campus "dog pods", facilities and agile office areas
CNIB Canine Campus property
Employee is exposed to kennel noise, cleaning and antibacterial solutions and dust, animal dander and hair in confined areas such as vans and kennels.

CNIB is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities and will work with applicants requesting accommodations at any stage of the hiring process

Canadian National Institute for the Blind jobs

Attendant, Dog Care and Welfare

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