BluePath Service Dogs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing autism service dogs that offer safety, companionship, and opportunities for greater independence. Through a mission-driven approach, BluePath trains and places service dogs with children and families affected by autism, helping to ease parents’ safety concerns and empower children to lead fuller, more connected lives.
BluePath also provides boarding services for pet dogs and is committed to ensuring that every dog in our care receives exceptional attention, enrichment, and compassionate handling. As a Kennel Assistant, you play an important role in supporting both our service dog program and boarding guests. Through daily care, enrichment activities, exercise, and maintaining a clean and comfortable kennel environment, you help promote the health, happiness, and well-being of the dogs entrusted to us while contributing to the success of BluePath's mission.
The Role
- Provide attentive daily care for future service dogs and boarding pets, including feeding, watering, exercising, grooming support, and enrichment activities.
- Create positive experiences for dogs through safe handling, socialization, and engagement that supports their physical and emotional well-being.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kennel environment by following established cleaning, sanitation, and safety procedures.
- Observe dogs for behavioral, medical, or safety concerns and communicate observations promptly to supervisors and appropriate staff.
- Assist with daily kennel operations, including laundry, dishwashing, inventory organization, and facility upkeep.
- Support canine training and enrichment programs as directed by staff.
- Maintain accurate records and communicate effectively with team members regarding canine care and daily activities.
- Interact professionally and courteously with clients, volunteers, visitors, and fellow staff members.
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support BluePath's programs and operations.
Qualifications
- A genuine passion for dogs and a commitment to providing exceptional care.
- Ability to safely handle small to large dogs.
- Physical stamina to stand, walk, bend, kneel, lift, and perform repetitive tasks throughout the workday.
- Strong observation skills and the ability to recognize changes in canine behavior, health, or well-being.
- Excellent communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.
- Reliability, professionalism, integrity, and punctuality.
- Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and varying shifts as needed, including one night check weekly.
- Previous experience working with dogs in a kennel, boarding, daycare, veterinary, rescue, or training environment is preferred but not required.
- Ability to work safely around cleaning and sanitation products.
- Valid driver's license preferred.
- Must successfully pass a background check as a condition of employment.
This is a part time position (16-24 hours weekly) based in Carmel, NY. Pay: $18.00–$20.00 per hour, commensurate with experience.
BluePath is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, height, weight, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This job description outlines the general scope and responsibilities of the role; it is not an exhaustive list. Additional duties may be assigned to meet the evolving needs of the organization.