Doggy Daycare Manager

**Doggy Daycare Manager**

**Employment Status**:Full-time, permanent
**Hours of Work**: 40hrs/week
**Location**:386 Windmill Road, Dartmouth NS

About Us

LakeCity Works supports people living with mental illness to build on their strengths, take on responsibilities and access work experience, education and employment. As well as our employment support and therapeutic services, we also operate several social enterprises. We’re best known for our flagship enterprise, LakeCity Woodworkers, where we produce beautiful solid wood furniture. Our other ventures are equal sources of pride and include LakeCity Plastics,

We are committed to creating an environment of belonging for all. We welcome the unique contributions of all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, gender identity and expression, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

The Role

Woofingtons’ Manager is responsible for overseeing the doggy daycare daily operations to ensure the delivery of excellent care for the dogs and support for the staff and volunteers. Through offering this service we look forward to connecting to our community in a new way, while also offering new and exciting employment and volunteer opportunities to LCW participants and supported employees.

**Duties and Responsibilities**
- Manage Woofingtons’ team by providing guidance, assigning tasks, and ensuring staff are properly trained in handling and caring for the dogs. This is a hands-on role which requires the ability to perform the duties independently as well as lead by example.
- Enforce safety protocols to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of all dogs and staff. Monitor dog behavior, intervene in any potential conflicts, and provide ethical care and attention to each dog's needs.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of the indoor and outdoor area, ensuring a clean, hygienic, and well
- maintained facility for the benefit of all.
- Develop and implement dog enrichment programs. Create and oversee daily schedules I.e. playtime, exercise, socialization, feeding, rest and training.
- Design and deliver healthy and insightful trial and onboarding sessions to ensure a positive social mix is maintained within the daycare. Identify and implement gentle but effective solutions for navigating any temporary shifts in dog temperament for their wellbeing and that of those around them.
- Ensure excellent customer service by interacting with dog owners, provide information about daycare services, answer inquiries through a variety of mediums, and raise and address any concerns or issues promptly and professionally.
- Maintain positive relationships with dogs, customers, staff, colleagues and volunteers. Lead and coach others in the team to do the same.
- Observe and record any changes in dogs' health or behavior. Administer medications as prescribed by veterinarians in accordance with written customer instructions and follow proper protocols for handling and storage of medication.
- Create and manage staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage throughout the daycare's operating hours, adjusting schedules as needed including coverage for absences. Ensure appropriate staffing levels for dogs attending in order to maintain optimum companionship ratio.
- Maintain accurate records of attendance, feeding and medication instructions, vaccination records, customer information, notable dog compatibility and any incidents or accidents with dogs or staff.
- Liaise effectively with colleagues in other departments, such as Retail, HR, Finance, and Facilities, to ensure the smooth operation of all functions and activities related to the daycare.
- Provide ongoing training and development opportunities for staff to enhance their skills in dog care, behavior management, and customer service.
- Complete other tasks arising, on an as-needed basis.

**Qualifications**
- Previous experience in a similar role, such as dog daycare management or animal shelter management.
- Strong knowledge of dog behavior, psychology, health, and care coupled with a naturally nurturing, kind and patient personality.
- Excellent leadership and management skills with the ability to motivate and supervise a team effectively.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to interact with clients, staff, and external stakeholders.
- Detail-oriented, organized with the ability to prioritize responsibilities.
- Must be physically fit and able to handle the physical demands of the job, including bending, lifting, and standing for extended periods.
- Pet 1st Aid.
- High school diploma or equivalent qualification; additional certifications in animal care or management are advantageous.

Must,
- have strong communications skills.
- have supervisory experience.
- be able to work as a team, as well as independently.
- be proficient in the use of MS Office 365 (One Drive, Word, Excel, Teams).
- be willing to participate in any/all training upon request. (i.e.: WHMIS, pet & human