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The Pet Care Services Association (formerly known as ABKA or American Boarding Kennel Association) is the non-profit trade association for over 3,100 pet care service businesses in the United States and around the world. Only Pet Care Services Association members commit to the Pet Care Services Association Code of Ethics and the Pet Owners' Bill of Rights which assures pet owners that their beloved pets will receive professional, loving care.
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K9HQ Founder
Deborah Sanders
Deborah opened K9HQ in 2004 after 2 years of research. It then took several months to develop the facility & years to perfect it.
The goal was to offer a clean and safe facility for dogs where they could socialize utilizing a mentor system. Studying dog behaviour and management she pulled together a team of K9 Caregivers to offer a positive healthy envirionment.
Deborah sold the business in 2011 so she could refocus on her passion - dogs.
Dogs are not my whole life; they help make my life whole.
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K9HQ Owner
| Jamie Patterson Photo & Bio coming soon |
CAREGIVERS (alphabetical order)
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Jessica Magus
Jessica has been with K9HQ since 2007. She has spear headed our emergency preparedness program through her extra training with Noah's Wish.
Jessica takes every opportunity to gain more knowledge of dogs, their behaviour and how to effectively manage it using positive methods.
Jessica is a Mom to Ryder and has two dogs Willow (pictured here) & CC, both rescues. In addition she is fostering Pita a medium size dog from Mexico. Outside of K9HQ Jessica keeps busy with her young son, the dogs that she boards, and gardening.
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Emily Garland ~
Formally a small town Saskatchewan girl Emily has been with K9HQ since April 2010. She is always learning something new with each new addition to the daycare but most enjoys building confidence in shyer dogs as well as getting overexcited dogs to a place where they can be active, but calm. A foster-mum, she brings not-quite-adoptable dogs into her care to build confidence and learn city skills.
Emily is the proud full-time mum of Beckett, a mostly-blind reject sled-dog fromNorthern BC who helps both rehabilitate foster dogs with his calm, steady energy, and assess new dogs for daycare.
Outside of work, Emily has just finished her Undergraduate Degree in Creative Writing, and has been accepted to an online Masters of Creative Writing through UBC this coming fall. With her blend of training she has jump-started K9HQ’s new Adoption Events to highlight the need for rescue and hopes to continue to provide new avenues for K9HQ to explore.
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Allie Plaschka
Allie has been an avid animal lover for as long as she can remember. Always the child to bring home “strays”, there has never been a time where animals were not a part of her life.
Gaining invaluable experience volunteering at animal shelters, as well as looking after other people’s dogs.
Allie jumped at the chance to become part of the team at K9HQ – what could be better than a job with these fascinating animals and the opportunity to constantly learn more about them?
Having an extensive background with horses, she has found it to be extremely helpful while interacting with the dogs. The similarity is amazing between some body language of canines vs. equines. Allie's use of pressure rather than voice or physical touch (transferred from equine to canine) has brought about exceptional results. In addition, dogs respond to Allie's calm demeanor by lowering their excitement (stress) levels enhancing their visit.
Allie has been with K9HQ since October 2008 and currently holds her Pet First Aid certificate. When not at work or doing something dog-related, Allie can be found riding her horse or working on her Equine Studies diploma through the University of Guelph.
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Meshum Prey
Meshum has been at K9HQ since May of 2006 starting as a dog walker. Currently Meshum is a Certified Pet Care Technician (CPCT) and holds her Pet First Aid certificate. In addition, she is working on becoming a professional trainer through the Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). This requires many hours of training, volunteering, courses, workshops, and self-study.
For years Meshum shared her home with rescued dogs, mainly red zone Rottweilers (commonly called Rotties). Before coming to K9HQ she worked with a Bernese Mountain Dog breeder and assisted with the birthing and hand rearing of pups.
Privately, Meshum operates an in-home boarding service. Bringing vacation dogs into her home for a stress free visit. Some of her volunteer activities have been with Hug-a-bull Rescue fostering litters of puppies.
Meshum has two children, a dog named Chiko ( a small breed called a “sportster”), a Beagle named Kenya, a Jack Russel Terrier named Bree formerly known as Emma, and two cats. Meshum and Chiko have now completed K9 PreSchool, K9 Elementary, K9 Middle School, Agility Foundations Level 1&2, and is also learning the dog sport of Flyball. With Meshum's assistance, her daughter has been training Kenya & has now completed K9 School - beginners. In her spare time, Meshum is an avid gardener.
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Ashley Woods
A native of Calgary Ashley was involved in the pet industry working at a pet store and doing dog walking. This past year Ashley apprenticed as a Groomer & has now rejoined K9HQ as K9 Caregiver & Groomer. In addition, Ashley is Certified Pet Care Technician (CPCT).
Currently she has a young Pug named Keanna and also fosters dogs. In addition, Ashley & Keanna have done obedience through K9HQ’ training programs. They have completed Level 3 and Agility Foundations Level 1.
At K9HQ Ashley spends her time playing games, with both the big & little dogs. If anyone can get a dog up and motivated to play in a group – it’s Ashley.
Ashley is an avid student of Canine Behaviour and Psychology through study groups, research, workshops, and seminars. Ashley is devoted to learn more about dog behaviour and applies her knowledge at K9HQ ensuring safe play and good manners. In addition, Ashley holds her Pet First Aid certificate.
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K9 Walkers
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K9HQ Caregivers also walk dogs. However, dogs are not walked from the daycare. We believe daycare is for socialization & offers both exercise plus social stimulation. Having the outdoor potty allows large dogs free access and small dogs hourly access leaving the dogs to the business of socializing.
Walking is offered from people's homes for dogs that can not benefit from our environment (age, injury, temperament, etc.). We offer both individual dog walks or group adventure hikes.
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Groomers
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Crystal Stevens
Crystal has been with K9HQ since it's inception. Having grown up on a farm, Crystal has a love for all animals especially dogs - big and small. Crystal holds her Professional Groomer's certificate in addition to her Pet First Aid certificate. Continuously improving her grooming skills through annual workshops and personal study. Her reputation for precision cuts, undercoat removal, and just what the customer had hoped for has spread far and wide. Crystal also does in-home boarding.
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Ashley Woods
Ashley started her grooming career in Calgary with an apprenticeship program.
You will find that Ashley has a calming demeanor and has a way with dogs. Her cuts are very precise doing kennel cuts, puppy cuts, or what ever you want. Ashley is one of the few groomers left that LOVES to do LARGE BREEDS. Yes, Golden Retrievers, Collies, Bernese Mountain Dogs to mention a few.
Ashley does grooming on Saturday for those that don't find mid week convenient.
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Trainers
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Deborah Sanders
Deborah trained her first dog in 1986. Since then she has trained many of her own dogs in addition to assisting other trainers in the field. In addition to obedience Deborah has competed in Agility.
Deborah believes in training for the real world. People are busy and need programs that will work for their schedules while still getting positive results with their dog and his/her behaviour.
Having worked with groups of 30+ dogs five days a week for over 7 years Deborah has had to learn how to manage and control distracted dogs. This has been a labour of love attending many seminars and workshops in North America learning more about dog behaviour and training.
Dedicated to teaching people how to enjoy their canine companions by helping them build a good relationship based on trust. Deborah teaches by using games and playful rewards as motivation for the dog to work with the handler. You can have fun while learning how to teach your dog to have manners, great confidence, and develop trust in you which enhances your bond.
We want people to be able to teach their dogs without feeling pressure and learn in an encouraging, upbeat atmosphere, through fun and games.
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Meshum Prey
Working with 30+ dogs a day for several years has given Meshum an insight into dogs that many can not claim to. In addition, she spent a month doing an internship in Utah at the Best Friends Animal Sancturary working with some of the best trainers in the country.
Meshum uses positive reinforcement methods to help you train your pooch. Yes, it is you she trains....
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Customer Testimonials
- Jax attends every week Jan/11
Received email - Nov4,2006
Our dog Jax has been attending K9HQ for more than a year now, and we could not be happier. He gets the socialization that he needs, he comes home after a day at daycare tired and happy, we know that he is very well looked after, and he behaves better than before he started there.
We researched and visited several day cares before choosing K9HQ and we know our decision was the right one, it is very clean, the staff are all knowledgeable about dogs, and OH YEAH we love the webcam so we can check up on him anytime during the day.
We would recommend K9HQ to anyone and everyone looking for the best day care for their dog.
Betty and Chris
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Excerpt from an email received Jan30,2009...
By the way, Jasper and I really enjoyed last nights class.
All your previous tips to help me work with his reactive behaviour to dogs has also worked extremely well. Baked liver, roasted with garlic, sliced and frozen, given only on the Galloping Goose when another canine was sighted, has worked wonders with him. We are no longer nervous about unmanageable behaviour. He's had one blip at an intersection a few weeks ago, but it was very mild and I was able to guide him through/past the encounter.
Also, his one month experience with daycare was a huge beneficial experience for Jasper too. He now looks forward to playing with other dogs. He also plays in the house now, something that he previously did not do.
The month of September (when we adopted him) to middle of November were extremely difficult due to his behaviour, and we wondered if we were the right home for Jasper. The progress that we've made, since I first walked through your door, has been wonderful. Thank you again for all your support, and I look forward to continuing our training with everyone. ...Bev
Jasper crossed over the rainbow bridge Oct/2011
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Hi everyone!
In 2006, Dan and I adopted Kodi from the SPCA, where he ended up after being taken from his original owners. He was about 5 months old, and a wild thing.
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We tried one dog trainer with no success (actually I think it made him worse), and then we found K9HQ! Julie Carter helped us to learn how to take the edge off of our crazy pup, and the staff at your daycare has obviously had a huge impact on his behaviour, by teaching him how to behave correctly around other dogs and people.
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I am proud to say that this year we were confident that would could take Kodi to our annual family Thanksgiving gathering at our cabin in Merritt, which included the company of 14 people and two other dogs. He behaved impeccably! We would never have dreamed that this was possible a year ago. He also smelled fantastic after the great bath your groomer gave him just before we left on our trip, which always helps a dog’s image when he’s meeting new people .
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Thanks to all of you for the important and very successful role you’ve played in helping our Kodi-Bear become the best dog he can be! Can you show him how to vacuum?
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Kathy and Dan Overby
Oct2008
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We have two dogs, Sadie and Mandy going to K9HQ.
Sadie has been going since she was a puppy and is now 4 years old and Mandy, who we adopted from SPCA, started going when we got her at 4 months old and is now two years old. They go one day a week.
We have never seen two dogs get so excited for Wednesday (and it is like they know when Wednesday is!!!). They are dancing at the door just waiting to go. As we get closer to K9HQ they start singing as if to say "We're here at last" and can't wait to get inside.
We watch them on the K9 Web Cam and they are always having a good time playing with their day care doggie friends and care takers. They come home exhausted after a fun filled day.
We have always found the staff pleasant and helpful if we have any dog related questions and for friendly chats. The facility is always clean and if you didn't know it was a doggie day care you would never know because you never smell that dog smell that some places have. Keep up the good work.
Marc and Cindy Forest
.Attend weekly Oct/04-current Oct/2011
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Each morning Larz runs directly to the car and circles it until we let him in, he is so excited to go to K9HQ to see his friends and play all day.
It is so great knowing that he is going to be with people that genuinely care and are happy to be with him and he is safe and happy all day.
It is wonderful to be able to check in and see how he is doing on the webcam, people at work crowd around and like to watch too. It makes me so proud to see him having fun and making new friends.
We looked around for daycare for Larz and K9HQ well exceeded our expectations and we had no doubt in our minds that it was the best place to leave our baby boy.
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Thank you to all the staff and Deborah for providing such a great happy, clean and safe environment, you are God sent!
Ryan & Jill
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When I drop my little Chihuahua off at K9HQ, I go off to work knowing she is completely safe and happy. The web cam is proof of that, and in addition it allows me to enjoy a quick look at my little girl!
Catherine & Tiffany
attends twice weekly Apr/08 - Dec/09
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May2008 – An email excerpt from Pam arranging to bring in her 2nd dog Lucy (Wire Coated Jack Russell) to K9HQ.
One more thing, we can’t express enough the big positive change we’ve seen in Berger since he’s been attending your daycare.
He is calmer, well adjusted and a VERY happy dog.
Its like he’s done a 180 and is a different dog. Thank you and your staff for that! We are quite enjoying him and he does seem to be listening a lot better !! Kind regards, -Pam
Attends twice weekly current Oct/2011
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It is a wonderful place to take my dog and not have to worry. It is a great pleasure to know that I just say the word "daycare" and he is sitting at the door ready to go.
I truly enjoy reading the report cards that are prepared at the end of the day, to know exactly what he is up to good or bad.
I also have taken a few classes with my dogs, where I learned invaluable information and wonderful tips on how to correct or react to certain behaviors.
I can’t say enough positive things about K9HQ, as they have been such an asset to us since moving here. I have taken my dogs to other Daycares in the past, and at the end of the day sometimes they would come out with various injuries with no explanation. There is no fear in that at K9HQ, the staff is very hands on and will tell you about how your dog spent the day.
Also if you are new to the city as I was, they will recommend good vets for your specific dog, pet stores etc.
They only thing I wish was different is that MAC (Apple) users cannot access the web cams as it is sent up for Microsoft PC users only. I even had a Computer tech come by and try to access the cams - only to find out it can not be done on a Mac. (K9HQ is working with Anita on this ~ MACs do work with the K9 Cam)
Thank you so much for putting so much heart and education in your daycare!
Anita & Storm ~ the Boston
attends weekly Sep/06 - 2011 Storm crossed over the rainbow bridge 2011
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To all the people that are thinking about putting their dog or dogs in K9HQ...
I have just one question for you...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??
Let me tell you my story how Deborah and the staff has helped my dog in ways that no one else could.
My wife rescued our dog from a vet’s office in Cumberland. He was found in the bush when he was only about 4 weeks old and then my wife got him when he was about 5 weeks old.
Turtle was a very rambunctious Rotti/Shepherd mix that came in the house and put us through HELL. He chased our 3 cats every chance he could. He pestered our 11-year-old English Springer to the point where he wouldn't come out of the bedroom unless my wife or I was there to protect him from the ever-growing black bundle of energy. Turtle would walk casually over to my then 3 year old son and nibble or bite him on the ear, arm, leg or whatever to get him to play. Not a good thing.
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I took Turtle to Obedience classes...one for puppies and one for the next stage and they worked, as long as he was on a leash and under someone's control. But he still didn't have any "dog" skills.
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My wife and myself were ready to give up on Turtle and were one step away from calling the SPCA. But before I was going to make that call I phoned my Trainer and she said, "He needs to be dog socialized" and advised me to get him to a dog park or to a dog day care.
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Well, I already knew about K9HQ because we get our Springer groomed there, so I stopped in and talked to Deborah. She was understanding and helpful and knew my frustration.
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I set up the appointment for the following Saturday and sat there hoping that he would pass and be let in. He did with the "conditions" that his first visit being on a certain day where Deborah knew there would be dogs there to teach him the way of the DOG.
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On his first day I was nervous because I didn't know how he would do....would he start a fight? Would others hurt him? Etc. Deborah and the staff sort of sensed this and said to me as I walked out the door "Don't worry, he will be fine".
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I went home and watch on the computer link and I'm kind of glad that the link wasn't working on my end cause then I would have watched all day. When pick up time came I rushed over there, I wanted to see how he was but I was afraid that I would be greeted with "Sorry he didn't work out he is too aggressive or whatever". When I arrived I found an ever smiling Deborah and a very very tired Turtle.
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After the first day we noticed a difference in his behaviour. He was "tuned" into the dog world and when our Springer gave him the signs "stay away", he did. He didn't bug my son anymore and he was much more calm. After the second visit he even got better.
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Turtle is happy...content...well mannered...he listens off leash...and he is a great companion. I know he wouldn't have been any of those if he didn't go to K9HQ. He has been going for about a year and a half now 3 times a week, well most weeks, and all I can say is without K9HQ he wouldn't be in our house. He has grown into a huge dog and with if he continued with his behaviour when he was a puppy, I would have made that call to the SPCA a long time ago.
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All the staff are great, they listen to your concerns and tell you what you need to do to help you dog along. They always tell us when he has had a good day and when they have made new friends.
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So in closing WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR...?
K9HQ SAVED MY DOG!!!!
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Chris Lehman & Turtle
attends twice or more weekly Mar/05 - current Oct/2011
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The day we found out about K9HQ our doggy day care prayers were answered!
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Chili our British Bulldog was in need of some basic training and those all so important doggy manners.
After only a few sessions at K9HQ he started to listen to us and was more obedient and well behaved. Trust me this is rare for bulldogs - who are extremely stubborn!
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The staff at K9HQ makes Chili feel so welcome each time he comes and me the paranoid mom feels safe leaving him there with the security measures in place as well as the very cool "Doggy Cam". I love being able to watch Chili when I am at work; it is so cute watching him play with all the dogs.
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I feel that Chili is also a happier dog since coming to K9HQ and I can only hope to one day find a day care for my new baby that I trust as much as Deb and her team at K9HQ. Keep up the good work guys!
Donna & Chili the Bulldog
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I couldn't have been more happy or excited about K9HQ Doggie Daycare!
I enrolled my Beagle Bristol into the daycare program when I was working; he really enjoyed the playtime and all the friends he had made.
The staff at K9HQ are very sweet and caring and a joy to speak with, especially if you had any questions. They wrote beautiful report cards about the days that Bristol had playing and meeting other dogs, big and small.
I have and I will continue to send people I know to them for daycare, because you couldn't ask for better people to look after your pet.
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Bristol looked forward to his days in daycare, he would sing all the way to the facility and then he couldn't wait to get his leash off to say hello.
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The only thing that I wished was for a picture of Bristol on the Website. (K9HQ now has a video of BristoI on the Photo Gallery page - check out his antics!) We love watching him on the K9HQ cam.
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I thank all you of deeply for the care and trust with our beagle. We will be back again, hopefully soon.
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Best Wishes
Donna MacDonald, Larry Bell & Bristol
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My dog loves going to K9HQ. She is so excited when I drop her off and she comes home tired from all the fun and exercise she has had.
The hours are great, especially for those who work early mornings. The staff are all friendly and love what they do!
It is so nice to know that I can go to work knowing that my dog is so well taken care of and getting exercise and socialization. Plus it is fun to check in on her on the K9 cam and watch her playing with the other dogs.
Tricia, Kyle & Sophie the French Bulldog
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Employment Opportunities
Not Hiring at this time. Please check back again.
Please read ALL the information below before following instructions at the bottom of page. We need people who can follow instructions!
All positions at K9HQ are permanent Part Time approx. 20hours +/- per week between the hours of 630am-630pm Monday to Friday Read on for more details.
K9 Caregivers / K9 Walkers (not hiring walkers at this time)
K9HQ Doggy DayCare Plus is the premier daycare on Vancouver Island. Our clients expect the highest level of care and service and we need responsible, passionate people to help us deliver. Whether you are looking for work, or know someone who is, we are always looking for good people to add to the K9HQ team.
Loving dogs is not enough! We need people who are passionate about dogs. What does that mean? Passion means you have taken that love for dogs and have educated yourself about the species. You have read books, gone to seminars, taken courses & volunteered or worked with other people’s dogs.
We carefully interview our employees and are only looking for people that meet all of our requirements. Please understand that our job is not just about playing with dogs, but entails hard work both physically and mentally. Understanding dogs and dog behaviour is essential. Owning a dog of your own is not sufficient experience to managing 20+ dogs in a group.
But it is true; working at K9HQ Doggy DayCare Plus can be the most rewarding and fun job around, for the right person. Please read the following information before applying to our company. Individuals seeking short-term work need not apply.
What you can expect:
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Competitive pay rates within our industry: Starting Wages are dependent on experience level. Training wage for the first month $10.00 then $11.50 after 3 months with regular increases thereafter.
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4-7 hour shifts for K9 Caregivers // 2-4 hour shifts for K9 Walkers usually mornings
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Exciting opportunities to learn about the minds of our dogs
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Honest & friendly employers
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Hours of laughter from the interaction with dogs and puppies
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Personal growth by working in a learning environment
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Discounts on products, dog training classes, and grooming
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Complimentary doggy daycare (yes, you can bring your dog to work)
What we expect:
People who can follow instructions, yet are thinkers!!! This job is not for everyone. Sitting around cuddling puppies is not the only thing we do here. Yes, we do that, but our dogs require effort to ensure their safety and well being. The K9HQ facility is CLEAN & maintains strict safety guidelines, so the following is not taken lightly. If it doesn't scare you off, you can have a great job working with with DOGS.
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Must be 19 years or older
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Experience in the pet-industry is preferred or
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Previous documented volunteer work with dogs at the SPCA & or CRD or
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Proven passion for dogs - not just the idea of dogs! What have you done about it? - TV programs, books, walking neighbors dogs, dog sitting, etc. THIS IS MANDATORY!
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Must hold current Pet First Aid Certificate (or attain it within 2 months of employment - your expense)
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Must have a genuine LOVE for dogs and their people!!!!!
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Must have a great attitude!
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Must be comfortable with dogs of all breeds and sizes
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Must have basic knowledge of dog behavior and signals
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Must have a desire to learn about in-depth dog behaviour
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Must be honest, dependable & reliable & committed to work with good Work ETHICS!
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Must be bondable and be prepared to have a criminal check done
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Must be prepared to work hard (physically & mentally)
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Must have organizational and memory skills
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Must be able to follow instructions
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Must not be afraid of cleaning (including poop, pee, vomit and diarrhea)
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Must stand on your feet for your shift - no sitting, or leaning - K9 interaction is the goal!
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Must not be allergic to dog hair and/or cleaning products - see below
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Must be physically fit & healthy - see below
A note about your physical ability and health. Dogs shed, dogs drool, dogs have dander, dogs can vomit (& more), dogs move FAST. We use Vinegar, Organic Orange, and disinfectants for cleaning. We lift heavy items (plastic & or wire dog crates). ***** This is not the place for people who have Asthma, Allergies, physical limitations, or long cultured nails.***** The dogs care come first!
K9 Walkers – Always looking for dog saavy thinking on your feet people! (not hiring at this time)
The above holds true for our K9 Walkers with emphasis on the following:
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Physically fit
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Patience and Common Sense
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Calm demeanor
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Ability to think on your feet
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Must be willing to work in all weather conditions
Follow the directions below to apply:
Please mail, fax, email, or hand deliver your resume to be considered.
No phone calls please - hand deliveries drop in mail basket at front gate.
Include a cover letter explaining how you meet our requirements, your dog behavior knowledge, and why you would be an asset to K9HQ (this is the part about following instructions).
K9HQ Doggy DayCare Plus Inc.
102-721 Station Ave. Langford
FAX: 250 474-2209
EMAIL: info@K9HQ.ca
The hiring process should take no more than 2 days to complete....
Stage 1 - Acceptable applicants will be contacted and asked to complete an in-house application.
Stage 2 - Applicants references will be checked & in-house application reviewed.
Stage 3 - Short-listed applicant(s) will be called back for a (working) interview
Stage 4 - Successful applicant(s) will be called back and offered a training position
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K9HQ works under employment standards guidelines. All working interviews are paid. New employees are on a three-month probation to ensure the right fit for both you and K9HQ.
K9HQ doggy daycare plus inc.
102 - 721 Station Ave.
Victoria , BC V9B 2S1
Phone: 250 478-2273
Fax: 250 474-2209
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