Experienced Animal Attendant – Dog Daycare

Permanent & Casual Positions Available

The Doggy Den – Mount Gambier, SA

We’re looking for experienced dog handlers who are passionate about canine behaviour, committed to animal welfare and interested in further developing their careers in the canine industry.

We have both permanent and casual positions available for individuals with extensive hands-on experience working with dogs, a sound understanding of canine behaviour and the confidence to safely handle dogs of different breeds, sizes and temperaments.

All successful applicants will complete our structured training program to become familiar with The Doggy Den’s daycare operations, handling procedures and approach to dog care.

This is an active, hands-on role that requires physical fitness, strong observational skills, sound judgement and the ability to confidently manage dogs in a busy, structured environment. Applicants must be comfortable spending long periods on their feet, working outdoors in varying weather conditions and undertaking the physical responsibilities involved in professional animal care.

About The Doggy Den

The Doggy Den is a structured dog daycare and grooming facility in Mount Gambier. We believe daycare should be more than simply letting dogs play all day. Our approach focuses on appropriate social interactions, emotional wellbeing, engagement, rest and carefully managed group dynamics.

Every member of our team plays an important role in creating a safe, positive environment where dogs can learn, build confidence and enjoy their day while giving owners complete peace of mind.

What You’ll Be Doing

- Supervising structured daycare groups of small and large dogs.

- Reading canine body language and recognising early signs of stress, overstimulation and discomfort.

- Managing group dynamics to encourage calm behaviour, appropriate play and regular rest periods.

- Confidently and safely interrupting, redirecting or separating dogs when required.

- Learning and maintaining a strong knowledge of the dogs attending daycare, including their names, individual temperaments, behavioural needs, social preferences and any specific care requirements.

- Assisting with new dog evaluations and introductions.

- Providing engagement activities and encouraging positive interactions.

- Bathing and blow drying daycare dogs.

- Completing dog taxi pick-ups and drop-offs when required.

- Greeting clients at drop-off and discussing their dog’s day at pick-up.

- Maintaining exceptionally high cleaning and hygiene standards, including cleaning animal waste, washing equipment and maintaining indoor and outdoor areas.

- Spending extended periods standing, walking, bending and moving between daycare areas.





- Working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions throughout the year.

- Working collaboratively with colleagues to provide the highest standard of care for every dog.

We’re Looking For Someone Who

- Has extensive practical experience handling dogs in a professional, training or structured environment.

- Has a sound understanding of canine behaviour, body language and communication.

- Can recognise appropriate and inappropriate dog-to-dog interactions.

- Understands canine arousal levels, stress signals and the importance of managing group dynamics.

- Can confidently and safely handle dogs of all breeds, sizes and energy levels, including large and powerful breeds weighing 60kg or more.

- Has excellent attention to detail and the ability to quickly learn, remember and accurately identify individual dogs, including those of similar breeds and appearances.

- Can confidently remember each dog’s name, temperament, personality, behavioural tendencies and individual care requirements.

- Understands the importance of recognising each dog’s unique needs and consistently applying this knowledge to their daily handling, supervision and care.

- Remains calm, confident and level-headed in fast-paced situations.

- Has excellent observation skills and the ability to anticipate situations.

- Is physically fit, active and capable of meeting the demands of a hands-on animal care role.

- Is comfortable being on their feet for the entirety of their shift.

- Has excellent communication and customer service skills.

- Is respectful, reliable and works well within a team.

- Is proactive, hardworking and able to take initiative.

- Is open to feedback and committed to continual learning.

- Is kind, patient and respectful towards every dog in our care.

- Understands that maintaining a clean, safe environment is just as key as working directly with the dogs.

Experience & Qualifications

Extensive hands-on dog handling experience is essential for this position.

We are particularly interested in applicants with experience in one or more of the following areas:

- Professional dog daycare or boarding facilities.

- Dog training, obedience or behaviour.

- Veterinary nursing or animal care.

- Animal shelters or rescue organisations.

- Dog sports or other structured canine handling environments.





Applicants should be able to demonstrate practical experience handling a variety of dogs, along with an understanding of canine behaviour, communication and safe handling practices.

Formal qualifications in dog training, animal behaviour or animal care will be highly regarded but are not essential.

We value practical experience, sound judgement, professionalism and a willingness to continue learning.

Training & Professional Development

While previous experience is essential, ongoing education is an important part of working at The Doggy Den.

Paid training is provided through our PackPro learning platform and on-the-job mentoring, including:

- Canine behaviour and body language.

- Group management.

- New dog evaluations.

- Canine First Aid & CPR.

- Safe handling techniques.

- Customer service and client communication.

- The Doggy Den’s structured daycare program and operating procedures.

We are committed to continually improving our knowledge and handling practices and are looking for people who share this interest in professional development.

Essential Requirements

- Demonstrated previous dog handling experience and canine behaviour knowledge.

- Current Australian Driver’s Licence.

- Current Working with Children Check (or willingness to obtain one), as the role involves working alongside junior staff.

- Available Monday to Friday between 6:30am and 8:00pm.

- Able to work shifts of up to 10 hours.

- Physically capable of standing, walking and remaining active throughout the day.

- Comfortable working both indoors and outdoors in all seasonal weather conditions, including hot, cold, wet and windy weather.

- Confident and physically capable of safely handling large, robust and powerful dogs weighing 60kg or more, using appropriate handling techniques.

- Capable of undertaking physically demanding animal care tasks, including frequent bending, cleaning, moving equipment and maintaining daycare facilities.

- Comfortable working around barking dogs, muddy paws, dog hair, bodily fluids and cleaning throughout the day.

- Able to learn and accurately identify individual dogs, remember their names and understand their specific behavioural and care requirements.

How to Apply

If you have extensive experience working with dogs, a strong understanding of canine behaviour and are looking for an opportunity to further develop your skills within a structured daycare environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your previous hands-on dog handling experience, your knowledge of canine behaviour and any relevant qualifications or training.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to complete a paid practical assessment shift before appointment.

📌 Experienced Dog Handler - Animal Attendant (Mount Gambier)
🏢 The Doggy Den
📍 Mount Gambier