Love dogs? We’ll teach you the rest.

We’re looking for reliable, high-energy people with calm judgment who genuinely enjoy working with dogs. Professional experience is welcome but not required — we hire for character and train the skills. You’ll learn how to read canine body language, keep group play structured and safe, spot stress early, and step in before anything escalates. The goal is simple: create an environment where dogs can play freely but always under steady, attentive leadership.

This is real hands-on work with a real path to grow. We invest in our team because we want people who stay and build careers here. Many of our handlers have been with us for years because they find the work meaningful and the environment supportive.

What You’ll Actually Do

You’ll be on your feet most of the shift -- active, engaged, and constantly tuned in. Every day includes:

• Guiding and supervising playgroups while joining in the fun
• Monitoring each dog’s behavior and emotional state
• Keeping the space clean (yes, that means handling messes promptly and thoroughly)
• Feeding dogs and learning their individual routines
• Bathing dogs, including learning the touch-ups, like nail trims, teeth brushing, etc.
• Building relationships with the dogs so they feel safe and understood

New hires train under our dedicated in-house trainers and will be supervised until they’re ready. We move at a pace that prioritizes safety and quality over speed.

Who Thrives Here

You’ll do well if you:

• Truly love dogs and feel happy when they’re happy
• Bring steady energy and calm presence even when things get lively
• Show up on time, every time -- reliability matters
• Communicate clearly and work well as part of a team
• Can commit to at least one year and want to grow with us

The Realities

This is physically and mentally demanding work. You’ll be lifting, moving, cleaning, and staying mentally sharp throughout your shift. We’re upfront about it because the people who love this job take pride in doing it well.

Why People Stay

• Paid training at $17/hour, then $18–$25+/hour as you gain skills and responsibility
• Tip pool that adds to your earnings
• Company-funded retirement plan (we contribute, you don’t have to)
• Paid time off (that increase up to 120 hours/year with seniority) and ongoing professional development
• Bring your own dog to daycare for free (once they meet our health and temperament standards)
• Free snacks provided during shift breaks

We run structured shifts across our four locations and have the flexibility to accommodate reasonable schedule requests when planned in advance. Weekend availability is needed.

If you’re someone who wants more than a summer job -- if you want to develop real dog-handling skills and be part of a team that takes the work seriously -- we’d love to hear from you.

Pay: $18.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Food provided
• On-the-job training
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Application Question(s):

• A short paragraph telling us why you are interested.
• When are you available to start?
• What is your weekday and weekend schedule availability (and whether and how it will change within one year).
• What is your desired number of hours per week (a range is ok)? Happy Dogs is flexible and is offering full time or part time positions.
• What is your location preference if any (midtown Manhattan, Williamsburg, and/or Long Island City)?
• Do you have a functional phone and a bank account?
• Can you make a good faith commitment to a year of work at Happy Dogs?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Work Location: In person