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We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Dog Daycare Team Lead to oversee daily operations and ensure the safety, well-being, and happiness of our canine clients. The ideal candidate will possess strong animal handling skills, leadership qualities, and a passion for pet care. This role offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, making a positive impact on pets and their owners while leading a team of pet care professionals.

Position Summary

The Dog Daycare Team Lead is responsible for ensuring smooth day-to-day operation of the daycare facility, providing leadership and support to staff, maintaining exceptional standards of pet care and safety, and serving as a key point of contact for clients and supporting the Operations Manager as needed. This role blends hands-on animal handling with administrative, customer service, and management responsibilities to ensure a positive, efficient, and professional setting for both dogs and staff. The team lead will act as the on-site manager when the Operations Manager is not on-site.

Leadership & Team Support

- Provide daily supervision and guidance to daycare attendants and support staff.
- Oversee shift organization, task delegation, ensure policies and procedures are followed, break schedule, dog enrichment schedule and time management to ensure smooth operations throughout the day.
- Foster a positive, team-oriented team culture through clear communication, respect, and accountability.
- Support staff with behaviour management techniques, safe handling practices, and conflict resolution.
- Serve as the first point of contact for staff questions, client concerns, schedule adjustments and operational challenges.
- Conduct daily team check-ins and debriefs as needed to ensure consistency and quality of care.

Administrative Tasks & Client Communication:
- Support check-in and check-out procedures to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
- Maintain accurate client records, vaccination updates, and special instructions in the daycare management system.
- Greet clients and provide skilled, informative, and timely communication regarding their dogs’ day and experience.
- Address client questions or concerns effectively and escalate issues when necessary.
- Respond to emails daily,



ensuring timely and professional communication with clients.
- Complete daily opening and closing checklists, ensuring the facility is secure, secure,and clean.
- Record incidents, accidents, and unusual behaviours accurately and promptly.
- Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations, including cleaning protocols and vaccination requirements.
- Manage and maintain Gingr administration, including updating client and dog profiles, monitoring reservations, and ensuring all information is accurate and current.
- Oversee invoicing, billing adjustments, and payment collection where applicable.
- Support the reservation booking process by confirming requests, following up on incomplete bookings, and ensuring capacity limits are managed efficiently.

Dog Assessments & Behavioural Management:
- Monitor all playgroups to ensure dogs are happy, healthy, and interacting safely.
- Conduct current dog behaviour assessments and temperament evaluations prior to group integration.
- Identify stress, illness, or behavioural concerns early and address them promptly using positive, humane handling methods.
- Ensure all dogs receive appropriate enrichment, exercise, and rest periods.
- Maintain accurate behaviour notes and communicate updates to clients and management.
- Manage and maintain the assessment schedule, ensuring timely follow-ups and clear communication with clients.
- Observe and document dog behaviour, providing feedback to staff and clients as needed.

Staff Onboarding & Training:
- Support onboarding and training of new staff and volunteers.
- Provide ongoing coaching on behaviour and handling, cleaning procedures, and client service standards.
- Model professionalism, empathy, and consistency in all interactions; motivate team members through clear communication, fair delegation, and a hands-on leadership style.
- Report and document any incidents, injuries, or policy concerns to management.





Facilities & Equipment Management:
- Ensure all play areas and equipment are kept clean, organized, and in safe working condition.
- Perform routine facility inspections and report maintenance needs promptly.
- Ensure all cleaning and sanitization standards are maintained to prevent illness and cross-contamination.
- Collaborate with the Operations Manager to improve systems, identify training needs, and contribute to overall efficiency.

Qualifications/Requirements:
- Minimum 3 years of experience in a qualified dog daycare setting in a team lead or full time role
- Strong understanding of dog behaviour, body language, and group dynamics.
- Proven communication and leadership skills.
- Organized, reliable, and proactive with excellent attention to detail.
- Comfortable using Gingr or similar client management software.
- Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment with close attention to detail.
- Must be comfortable with large groups of dogs of varying breeds, sizes, and temperaments.
- Must be available to work weekends - Saturday & Sunday
- Must be available to work 1-2 overnight (asleep shifts) each week

Attributes We Value:
- Calm, confident energy around dogs and people.
- Positive leadership and team-first mindset.
- Ability to multitask and make sound decisions under pressure.
- Passion for dogs, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

This position will offer between 32-45 hours per week depending on volume of dogs each week, and extended health care benefits. Pay: $19.00-$21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 32.0 – 45.0 per week

Perks

- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Vision care

Application question(s):
- Do you have at least 3 years experience working in one of the following industries: Dog Daycare, Animal Shelter or Veterinary Industry in a full-time or leadership role? (Please note work on Rover or independent dog walking, caring for family and friends pets is not applicable experience to this position.)
- Are you available to regularly work weekends - Saturdays and Sundays?
- Are you available to work overnight (asleep) shifts 1-2 days per week?

Work Location: In person

📌 Dog Daycare Team Lead (Toronto)
🏢 Come Play Stay Dog Daycare
📍 Toronto