Dog lovers - this is the PERFECT opportunity for you. Become a Kennel Assistant and work with dogs!

The Winona Area Humane Society will be seeking a compassionate, outgoing, personable, and active individual to join the team as a Kennel Assistant. Kennel Assistants at WAHS are responsible for ensuring the everyday care of dogs awaiting adoption. You’ll work with a team of like-minded individuals to ensure humane treatment of homeless dogs until forever homes are found. 

Assistants get the dogs out on regular walks, maintain a clean living environment, assist dog-walking volunteers during shifts, and carry out other necessary tasks as directed. You must also be comfortable with administering medications (training is provided).

Previous work experience with dogs is highly preferred since the dogs we help come in all shapes, sizes, breeds, and ages, and may have varied needs depending on their history, temperament, medical status, and training progress.

Typical duties of the Kennel Assistant will include:

• Taking dogs out for bathroom breaks, walks, and playtime

• Cleaning kennels: sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, refilling water bowls, etc.

• Assisting dog-walking volunteers during shifts

• General maintenance of the outdoor dog runs

• Cleaning the indoor dog area: laundry, organizing items, washing dishes, sanitizing surfaces, etc.

• Working on basic dog obedience skills, if instructed
  

Working in an animal shelter is an incredibly rewarding occupation; however, it can also be quite demanding and take an emotional toll. And the Kennel Assistant position is a very physical job. People most likely to thrive as a Kennel Assistant will possess the following skills and qualities:

• General knowledge of dog behavior

• Kindness and patience toward animals and people

• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team

• Desire to constantly be on-the-go (pups in the kennels always have energy!)

• Effective communication skills, both written and spoken

• Ability to multitask and complete tasks on a schedule

• Willingness to provide assistance to coworkers

• Willingness to accept help from coworkers

• Attention to detail

• Ability to carry out daily tasks as directed

• A welcoming and positive attitude

• Passion for the cause

• Reliability, responsibility, and dedication

• Adaptability to a fast-paced environment

• Ability to remain calm under stress

In order to apply for the Kennel Assistant position, you must:

• Be 18 years or older

• Have a reliable form of transportation to attend all scheduled shifts

• Have a reasonable flexibility of schedule

  • There are two dog shifts per day: morning is from 7am-11am, and evening is from 3pm-7pm. Our primary focus is to fill AM shifts from 7-11am, although occasional PM shifts may be necessary.

• Be able to work weekends as needed, and some holidays

• Be able to lift 40+ lbs and perform moderate physical activity for 4 hours at a time

• Have availability during the summer as well (this is a year-round position)

Kennel Assistants work morning and evening shifts, with shifts scheduled out every two weeks. The morning shift works from 7AM - 11AM, while the evening shift works from 3PM - 7PM. Additional hours may be necessary depending on emergencies, vet visits, and fundraising events. Assistants work between 12-30 hours per week, depending on availability and animal population size. Pay is hourly and begins at $14.50/hour.

HOW TO APPLY:

If you meet all of the above qualifications and feel that you’d make an excellent addition to WAHS, we’d love to have you apply! Click the button below to fill out an application. After you submit the application, a resume must be sent to office@winonahumane.org. Feel free to call us at 507-452-3135 or email with any questions about the position!

Please note that while we are accepting applications now, the training process will not begin for several weeks. Once you submit an application to indicate your interest in working as a Kennel Assistant, you’ll be followed up with for next steps.