Dog Training/Kennel Assistant

The Ability Center (ACT) is a non-profit Center for Independent Living. Together, we will work to make our community the most disability friendly in the nation by increasing independence for people with disabilities, discovering true passions, and changing the community’s perception of disability. The assistance dogs program uses science-driven training techniques that empower dogs to engage in the learning process to achieve high quality results in becoming service, facility, or therapy dogs. As a member of the assistance dogs’ team, the assistant will provide support to dog trainers and ensure dogs at the facility are well cared for.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Assist with care of program canines including scheduling and transporting for vet visits, grooming, bathing, and general care.
  • Transfer dogs to and from facility buildings and prepare them for scheduled trainings.
  • Clean and disinfect kennel rooms and dog crates on a weekly basis.
  • Collaborate with volunteer coordinator to arrange transportation for puppies to/from other service dog organizations.
  • May assist with breeding related tasks such as genetic health testing and vet visits.
  • Assist with specific training classes as scheduled utilizing set lesson plans.
  • Prepare materials for all testing of service dogs, which includes setting up the testing sites, and documenting results.
  • Monitor inventory including food, medications, training, and office supplies. Reorder items as needed.
  • Keep supplies and dog training areas clean and organized.
  • Participate in Smart Start Puppy training.
  • Care for puppies while they are in the facility.
  • Compile and organize, and assemble training materials/logbooks for each puppy in the program.
  • Prepare and send puppy kits to service dog organizations who are transporting a puppy to assistance dogs.
  • Data entry of training logs, recording dog’s progress, and other related tasks per program schedule.
  • Correspond with fosters via email, phone calls, and the online classroom.
  • Travel will be required via use of a personal vehicle.

Qualifications:  Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. Prefer experience around or handling dogs of different breeds, groups, and temperament. Valid driver’s license is required. Desire someone with a love of dogs and the ability to interact with diverse individuals including those with disabilities and members of the prison population. The training assistant should have an interest and willingness to learn dog obedience skills, service dog tasks, canine development, and gain an understanding of dog health and behaviors. Must have professional attitude and appearance, with the ability to communicate well with others. Must be dependable, able to work independently with minimal supervision, and in a collaborate team setting. Must be detailed oriented, organized, and able to multi-task. Must have willingness to become proficient with various modes of technology (e.g., web-based video conferencing, email, Microsoft programs). Will adhere to Assistance Dogs International Standards once trained.

Essential Physical Demands: When taking care of service dogs, the employee is regularly required to be very physically active. The employee is frequently required to stand, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and perform a variety of physical motions with his or her hands, arms, shoulders, legs to properly test, transport and train dogs. The employee must be able to manipulate and use all equipment and tools necessary to care for and transport dogs, including leashes, medicines, locking medicines, balance harnesses, wheelchairs, and clickers used for training. The employee may regularly lift and move up to 50 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee may work in proximity to cleaning agents and disinfectants and must be able to follow instructions for the use and storage of these chemicals.

At the Ability Center, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are. We are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of belonging by changing perceptions, and discovering true passions. Our employees are our most valuable asset. Your life experiences, self-expression, and unique capabilities represents our team, and the diverse communities we serve.

ACT is an equal opportunity employer.
The Ability Center is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.
We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefit package.

Please visit the careers page of our website to apply or fax resume to 419-885-5005.