Staff Handbook
Boarding Attendant
Job Description
Every dog here belongs to someone who is worrying about them. Our job is to make that worry unnecessary — through steady routines, a clean building, and close attention to how each dog is doing. This handbook sets out what that looks like day to day.
01 Qualifications
- Genuinely loves dogs and enjoys working with animals
- Responsible, dependable, and punctual
- Works well independently and as part of a team
- Physically able to lift, walk, and care for dogs of all sizes
- Calm, patient, and attentive to each dog's needs
- Strong attention to cleanliness and safety
- Experience in pet care, boarding, grooming, or a veterinary clinic preferred
- Pet First Aid and CPR certification is a plus
02 The day, shift by shift
Morning Opening
- Health and wellness check on every boarding dog
- Feed breakfast and provide fresh water
- Administer medications exactly as instructed
- Clean and sanitise all suites, kennels, and common areas
- Record each dog's appetite, behaviour, and bathroom habits
Exercise & enrichment
- Supervise individual or group play sessions
- Walk dogs as scheduled
- Provide mental stimulation and enrichment activities
- Keep every dog safe and comfortable throughout play
Afternoon
- Refill fresh water
- Keep monitoring each dog's health and behaviour
- Spot clean rooms and play areas
- Prepare for evening care
Evening
- Feed dinner
- Take dogs outside for potty breaks or walks
- Clean and sanitise boarding areas
- Settle dogs for bedtime
Closing Before you leave
- Complete the final health check
- Make sure every dog has fresh water
- Confirm all doors and gates are securely locked
- Check room temperatures and ventilation
- Review the security cameras before leaving
03 Cleaning
- Clean and disinfect suites and kennels
- Mop and sanitise floors
- Wash food and water bowls
- Clean and disinfect toys
- Wash bedding and blankets
- Dispose of waste properly
- Keep the facility clean and organised at all times
04 Customer service
- Welcome guests at check-in and check-out
- Review boarding instructions with pet parents, and check the signed agreement and vaccination records are on file
- Answer phone calls and respond to messages
- Send photo and daily updates when requested
- Keep boarding records accurate and up to date
05 Emergencies
- Separate dogs safely when necessary
- Watch for signs of illness or injury
- Notify management immediately of any concern — never wait to see if it improves
- Contact the owner when required
- Assist with emergency veterinary visits if necessary
06 What we expect of you
Always
- Treat every dog with kindness, patience, and respect
- Follow all safety and sanitation protocols
- Communicate professionally with coworkers and clients
- Help create a safe, clean, and stress-free environment for every guest
Never
- Use harsh handling or punishment of any kind
- Leave dogs unattended in an unsafe situation
- Let an intact dog or a female in heat join group play
07 House rules to remember
- Group play is for neutered and spayed dogs only. Dogs six months and older that are not neutered get individual play with a staff member instead.
- Females in heat stay separated and must wear the diapers supplied by their owner for the whole stay.
- No dog is admitted without a signed boarding agreement and current vaccination records — rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella, with Bordetella given at least 7 days before the stay.
- Check every dog for fleas, ticks, and mites at the door. If found, treat immediately and keep the dog apart from the others until clear.
- Any dog that has recently been ill needs written vet clearance dated within the last 7 days.
- Air conditioning runs 24 hours a day. Check room temperature and ventilation on every round.
- Prices are quoted by phone only. Refer pricing questions to management rather than guessing.
Our core values
Safety•
Cleanliness•
Compassion•
Observation•
Communication
08 Acknowledgement
I have read and understood this handbook, and I agree to follow the responsibilities, house rules, and expectations set out in it.
Employee name (print)
Position / start date
Employee signature
Date
Manager signature
Date