Breeding Program

**Do you have the leadership skills to jump into an organization in the midst of exciting and transformational change?**_
- **Do you have an interest in puppies and genetics?**_

**At Lions Foundation Canada Dog Guides (LFCDG) we help people with medical or physical disabilities lead independent lives by providing them with a dog guide at no cost to support them in their daily lives. The school is unique in offering 7 different programs serving between 150-200 new clients annually and supporting over 1100 active clients. The school operates out of our central location in Oakville, ON, and a breeding and training facility in Breslau, ON with plans to move to our new leading edge facility in early 2025.**

**The Opportunity**:
Full-time Breeding Dog Care & Welfare Attendant - Breslau Location:
The Breeding Dog Care & Welfare Attendant is responsible for maintaining a high standard of care for all breeding dogs and puppies housed at the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides (LFCDG) breeding facility. This is an active working position, cleaning kennel areas and observing canine medical and behavioural changes to report to the necessary staff. This is a physically demanding role requiring the majority of time spent standing, walking, lifting, and bending in all weather conditions. The Breeding Dog Care & Welfare Attendant will foster a positive and productive work environment, and support a team that can deliver on the assigned work and initiatives. As a member of the breeding program team, the Breeding Dog Care & Welfare Attendant is responsible for training new team members, creating and communicating task outlines, and working collaboratively with other team members and departments to ensure the wellbeing of the dogs. Professional canine care knowledge and experience are preferred.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- **Kennel Duties**:_
- Maintain a clean and safe kennel environment
- Handle all dogs in a humane and efficient manner
- Walk and socialize dogs and puppies while adhering to basic obedience guidelines
- Accurately prepare meals and feed dogs
- Bathing and grooming of dogs
- Assist with whelpings and matings
- Examine dogs regularly to ensure good health
- Provide necessary medical care to dogs including medications (oral, topical)
- Effectively and efficiently manage veterinary emergencies
- Maintain accurate records and communicate concerns to the appropriate staff members
- Communicate with Breeding Program Supervisor, veterinary clinic staff, and foster families regarding behavioural and medical issues as required
- Train other breeding kennel team members as needed
- Inventory and restocking of supplies as needed
- Adhere to all workplace health and safety guidelines, policies, and procedures as outlined
- Safe operation of large fleet vehicles for occasional transportation of dogs, as needed
- Regularly report to Breeding Program Supervisor on all areas of responsibility
- **Leadership, Communication, and Interpersonal**:_
- Identifies opportunities to increase the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of the Breeding Department and puts a focus on continuous improvement
- Assists staff with new and ongoing training as required
- Leads by example with a dedication to workplace duties
- To work independently without direct supervision
- Open and ongoing communication with coworkers and other departments to ensure all tasks are being addressed
- Accurately and confidently communicate medication usage and care to other staff and the dog’s caretaker
- Interact with all staff, volunteers, clients, and the public in a professional manner
- Willingness to take on extra tasks and duties as outlined by the Breeding Program Supervisor
- **Contribute to team Effectiveness**:_
- Shares in handling workload for positive results
- Works to build collaborative relationships with all LFCDG staff
- Excellent time management
- Fosters knowledge-sharing and communication across all departments and across the organization to ensure collaboration and informed work
- Performs other duties as required and as requested

**You will bring to the opportunity**:

- Minimum completed: High school or equivalent education
- Post-secondary education in Animal Care or Veterinary Technician/ Assistant training an asset
- Proven animal care in a professional environment - 1 year
- Knowledge or experience in animal/canine reproduction and genetics strongly preferred
- Professional grooming experience or experience with breeding animals an asset
- Ability to identify signs of canine ill health and treat as prescribed
- Demonstrated capacity to work in a busy and noisy work environment
- Demonstrated capability in problem-solving and reasoning
- Proven ability to foster positive, productive working relationships
- Positive attitude, and ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to lift 50 lbs. of food products and dogs weighing 60 lbs.
- Efficient use of PCs; the Internet; MS Word, Excel, and Outlook; ability t