Ruff Resort, LLC Dog Handler Montrose, CA · Part time Company website

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Ruff Resort is a premier dog resort in Montrose, California dedicated to providing a safe, fun, and enriching environment for dogs. We stand out by prioritizing personalized care, safety, and well-being, ensuring every dog feels comfortable and loved during their stay. Our facility offers engaging activities, including structured play, mental stimulation, and exercise options like our doggie treadmill. With a focus on trust, professionalism, and sustainability, we go above and beyond to create a stress-free experience for both pets and their owners.

Dog Resort Team Member

📍 Location: Ruff Resort – Montrose, California

💰 Pay: $18 - $20 per hour plus tips (based on experience and qualifications)

🕒 Job Type: Part-Time

📆 Schedule: Morning & Afternoon Shifts Available (Must be available at least 3-5 days per week, including weekends & holidays as needed.)

About Us

Ruff Resort is a premier dog resort committed to providing a safe, fun, and enriching environment for dogs of all sizes and personalities. We prioritize safety, compassionate care, and cleanliness while ensuring each dog enjoys a stimulating and social experience.

Job Description

We are looking for a Dog Resort Team Member to oversee off-leash group play, ensuring a controlled and engaging environment for multiple dogs at once. The ideal candidate will have strong dog handling skills, an understanding of canine body language, and the ability to assess behavior. This role also includes dog walking, bathing, cleaning, performing health checks, monitoring dogs on the treadmill, and checking dogs in and out of our booking system.

Job Duties Include:

🐾 Supervise off-leash group play with 15+ dogs, ensuring a safe and structured environment.

🐾 Monitor and assess dog behavior, body language, and play styles to make informed grouping decisions.

🐾 Record daily behavior and health notes, reporting any concerns to management.

🐾 Perform basic health checks and observe for signs of illness, stress, or injury.

🐾 Prepare food and medication for multiple dogs according to individual instructions.

🐾 Walk dogs outdoors to ensure they get proper exercise and enrichment.

🐾 Monitor dogs on the doggie treadmill, ensuring they are comfortable and safe.

🐾 Check dogs in and out using our booking system (Goose).

🐾 Answer phone calls as needed and assist pet parents with questions.

🐾 Take photos of dogs and upload them to Goose to update pet parents on their dogs' stay.

🐾 Keep dog personal items organized and ensure they are returned to owners properly.

🐾 Communicate with management and staff about any issues, irregular behaviors, or concerns.

🐾 Bathe dogs as needed (no haircuts required).

🐾 Clean and sanitize all play areas, sleeping quarters, and common spaces, including washing dishes.

🐾 Assist with general facility upkeep, including light filing, organizing, and other operational tasks as needed.

Physical Requirements:

✔️ 5+ hours of standing/walking per shift in a fast-paced, active environment.

✔️ Ability to lift and carry up to 40+ lbs (handling dogs, cleaning supplies, etc.).

✔️ Comfortable working outdoors and in various weather conditions.

Required Qualifications:

✔️ Experience handling multiple dogs in a daycare, boarding, or training environment preferred.

✔️ Strong knowledge of dog behavior, body language, and playgroup dynamics.

✔️ Ability to quickly assess situations and make safe decisions for dogs in group play.

✔️ Strong relationship-building skills and a client-focused mindset.

✔️ Receptive to feedback and eager to learn and improve.

✔️ Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

✔️ Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

✔️ Collaborative spirit—willing to support colleagues and celebrate team successes.

✔️ Comfortable with cleaning duties and maintaining a high level of facility hygiene.

✔️ Reliable, team-oriented, and passionate about animal care.

Perks & Benefits:

🐾 Opportunities for growth and professional development in animal care.

🐾 Hands-on experience with dog behavior & pack management training.

🐾 Work in a fun, supportive team environment with fellow dog lovers.

🐾 Paid sick leave

How to Apply

If you love working with dogs and want to be part of a professional, safety-focused, and fun team, we’d love to hear from you!

We are an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.