Boarding Pet Care Assistant

Schedule and Pay:

Full-time or part-time schedules are available and will be based on your written availability.

Schedules may include every other weekend, and holiday.

We can schedule around school hours if needed.

Pay is based on experience and is subject to annual performance evaluations.

General Summary:

The Boarding Specialist’s primary responsibility is to ensure a safe, stress-free environment for pets in our facility overnight. This role involves monitoring dog behavior, maintaining safety and cleanliness, feeding, providing medications, and otherwise supporting the physical and emotional well-being of all pets. The Boarding Specialist performs tasks such as snout-to-tail exams, deep cleanings, FAS (Fear, Anxiety, Stress) assessments, inventory, and related duties. Specialists may collaborate with other Specialists on busy nights, consistently maintaining an encouraging and professional attitude with staff and clients.

You are the right person if you are an independent night owl and have a passion for pets!

Company Culture

YPS Makes Pets Better—Period. We do whatever it takes. We believe in Excellence--not Perfection. We work in a “Get It Right The Second Time” method.

What’s in it for you?

1. Night-Owl Economics--Extra income that can work around other employment demands
2. Self-managed schedule, putting pet safety and comfort first, and allowing the time and opportunity for personal study or self-development
3. Flexible, fun, and family-oriented workplace where you are valued by team members, clients, and pets!
4. Opportunities for advancement and self-development, and access to professional education
5. Leadership training
6. IBPSA – International Boarding Pet Services Association certification
7. Fear Free Program – understand how pets see the world around them
8. CPR and First Aid training for pets and people
9. Free daycare or overnight care for your furry family when present
10. 50% off all services for your furry family when not present, and 20% discount for immediate family

Key Responsibilities

Safety & Security

o Follow staff safety procedures and facility emergency guidelines.

o Practice proper deep-cleaning and sanitation standards in dog and cat boarding areas.

Administration & Communication

o Communicate with leadership and other staff about health, safety, and pet/client updates.

o Monitor supply, tool, and equipment stocks and enter them into the inventory sheet in accordance with YPS Protocols.

Dog Management

o May check dogs in and out, communicating any client instructions at the car side to the appropriate Specialist.

o Feed and medicate dogs according to schedules and protocols, recording meals accurately and reporting missed meals.

o Rotate dogs outside for night and morning potty breaks.

o Monitor spontaneous playgroups, ensuring dogs’ safety by recognizing play styles, maintaining moderate to low arousal levels, and preventing conflicts and stress.

o Use obedience cues safely and effectively to distract from behaviors such as humping, resource guarding, bullying, and packing up.

Physical Assessment and Monitoring

o Conduct Snout-to-Tail exams nightly to monitor dogs’ physical condition.

Education and Self-Development

o Participate in ongoing training and education (Fear Free, IBPSA, safety modules).

Qualifications

1. Must Complete YPS Daycare Specialist training
2. Dependable, team-oriented, and a willingness to learn and grow.
3. Pet-oriented and the ability to interact with clients or other staff as needed.
4. Strong observational, oral, and written communication skills.
5. Ability to use a computer, two-way radio, and cleaning tools effectively.
6. Knowledge of standard US measures for feeding.
7. Experience in dog handling, daycare, boarding, or related fields preferred.
8. Commitment to professional growth and ongoing training.
9. Two professional references (previous employer, teacher, etc.).
10. High school diploma or equivalent.
11. Clean background check.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The position requires acute awareness of staff and diligent alertness to duties:

Responsibility for care, monitoring, and handling emergencies

Ensure completion of cleaning and administrative tasks

The Boarding Specialist is awake throughout the entire shift

Occasional loud and dynamic environment requiring focus and prioritization.

Exposure to pets of various sizes, breeds, and temperaments (Aggressive dogs not allowed at YPS).

Active role requiring standing, walking, and bending throughout shifts.

Ability to alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in animals.

Physically able to lift and carry 40 lbs. and have stamina for active, hands-on work.

Use of cleaning supplies, kennel tools, and safety equipment.

Messages from our staff telling us the things they are most proud of working at Your Pet Space:

Genuine caring for pets among their work teams.
We are interested in each individual pet.
Good communication among all departments at all levels.
No hidden agendas among staff or management.
The owners back up the staff in the case of a rude or abusive client.
Excellent leaders—they feel comfortable working with everyone.
Everyone is treated as an individual.
Pleasant co-workers who are always willing to help one another.
Input is focused on improvement, not criticism.
Management is understanding and patient. They take an interest in the staff.
We have a personal relationship with our clients.
Clients believe in the staff.