Ossining
Job Description Job description: Compensation: $18–$24/hour (commensurate with experience) For the Love of Dogs is a nonprofit rescue and rehabilitation organization devoted to transforming the lives of abandoned, surrendered, and at-risk dogs. Through individualized care and structured enrichment, we help each dog recover, rebuild trust, and transition into a lifelong home. Job Description Overview: We are seeking a reliable, observant Dog Handler to provide consistent care, structure, and enrichment to the dogs in our program. This role is essential to ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of each dog during their rehabilitation journey. The ideal candidate is patient, intuitive, and grounded in present-moment awareness. We value intentionality and a deep focus on nuanced observative behavior and relationship-based guidance. MUST HAVE PREVIOUS DOG-HANDLING EXPERIENCE. Key Responsibilities Daily Dog Care & Enrichment • Carry out feeding, exercise, enrichment, and cleaning routines according to individualized care plans., • Maintain clean, safe, and organized kennel and play areas., • Observe and report behavioral or health changes to the Trainer(s), Enrichment Specialist(s) or leadership., • Safely handle dogs of all sizes, temperaments, and medical, • Assist with leash training, basic manners, and decompression protocols for new arrivals., • Engage positively and calmly with fearful, reactive, or under socialized dogs using force-free handling techniques., • Use project management tools (e.g., Basecamp) to receive assignments and log updates on dogs., • Complete digital forms (Google or Microsoft) for feeding logs, medication confirmation, and behavior notes., • Use mobile devices to capture photo/video updates and communicate progress or concerns with staff in real time., • Prior experience in a kennel, dog daycare, rescue, or veterinary REQUIRED., • Confident handling dogs of varying sizes and temperaments., • Excellent communication, teamwork, and time-management skills., • Comfortable working outdoors and indoors in varying weather conditions., • Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs., • Comfortable standing, walking, or bending for extended periods.