Dog Daycare Shift Lead / Kennel Supervisor (Part-Time)
Camp Bow Wow – West Seneca, NY
31 N. America Drive, West Seneca, NY 14224
Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour (Part-Time, Non-Exempt)
Schedule: Weekdays, Weekends & Holidays Required | Shifts between 6:15 AM – 7:15 PM
About the Role
Camp Bow Wow West Seneca is seeking a reliable, experienced Dog Daycare Shift Lead ("Alpha Dog") to help oversee daily operations and support team members on shift. This is a hands-on leadership role, not a desk position-you'll be actively working in the yards while also guiding staff and ensuring safe, efficient operations.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with kennel, daycare, or animal handling experience who is ready to step into a supervisory role and grow within a stable, family-owned business.
What Makes This Role Different
- Leadership responsibility – oversee staff and daily flow of operations
- Decision-making authority during shifts (including opening/closing)
- Identify and handle emergencies
- Direct impact on safety, quality, and team performance
- Opportunity to grow into higher-level roles within the company
Important: Physical & Work Environment Expectations
This is a physically demanding, high-responsibility role. You must be able to:
- Stand, walk, bend, and stay active for entire shifts (up to 8 hours)
- Safely handle and control large, strong dogs (100+ lbs)
- Prevent or quickly and confidently break up dog altercations when needed
- Lift/move 50–60+ lbs regularly
- Work in a loud, fast-paced environment with constant movement
- Be exposed to odors, cleaning chemicals, outdoor weather, and animal-related risks (scratches, bites, etc.)
This role requires physical capability, awareness, and confidence. It is not suited for individuals unable to meet these demands.
Key Responsibilities
In addition to standard dog care duties, this role includes leadership responsibilities such as:
Operations & Safety
- Oversee all play yards, kennel areas, and facility cleanliness
- Ensure proper dog-to-staff ratios and safe group play management
- Monitor dog behavior and intervene appropriately when needed
- Conduct headcounts and ensure all dogs are accounted for
Team Leadership
- Assign tasks and direct Camp Counselors throughout the shift
- Ensure staff are following all safety protocols and procedures
- Act as the point of contact in the absence of management
- Assist with onboarding and training new employees
Dog Care & Facility Duties
- Supervise group play and maintain a safe environment
- Feed, medicate, and monitor overnight dogs
- Clean and sanitize all areas (play yards, cabins, common spaces)
- Track and communicate behavioral or health concerns
Administrative Support (as needed)
- Assist with reservations, check-ins, and customer interactions
- Handle basic transactions and end-of-day procedures when needed
- Maintain accurate records (feeding, medications, attendance)
(Responsibilities aligned with internal Alpha Dog role expectations)
Qualifications
- 18+ required
- Previous kennel, dog daycare, veterinary, or animal handling experience required (minimum ~6–12 months preferred)
- Prior leadership or supervisory experience strongly preferred
- Confident handling multiple dogs in group settings
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Dependable with consistent attendance (especially weekends & holidays)
- Comfortable taking initiative and leading a team
- Authorized to work in the United States
Why Join Camp Bow Wow?
- Step into leadership in a growing, family-owned business
- Consistent part-time hours (year-round stability)
- Supportive, team-oriented environment
- Opportunity for advancement into management roles
- Employee discounts
Schedule Expectations
- Must be available for weekends and holidays
- Flexible scheduling within operating hours (6:15 AM – 7:15 PM)
Apply Today
If you have dog handling and customer service experience and are ready to lead, this is your opportunity to take the next step in your career.
Camp Bow Wow West Seneca is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable New York State and federal employment laws.