Senior Caretaker and Dog Handler
Location: Ocean Acres Animal Sanctuary, Barbados
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Type: Full-Time
Position Overview
The Senior Caretaker and Dog Handler plays a central role in ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of the dogs at Ocean Acres Animal Sanctuary. This position requires advanced dog handling skills, deep knowledge of canine behavior, and the ability to manage both individual care and the broader needs of a large dog population. Working closely with the CEO and other caretakers, this person provides leadership, training, and guidance to the team, while maintaining high standards of animal welfare and sanctuary operations.
The ideal candidate is experienced, energetic, and compassionate, with proven accreditations in dog handling and training. They must be able to make sound decisions under pressure, communicate effectively, and foster teamwork across the sanctuary.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Dog Handling and Training
- Demonstrate excellent dog handling skills, supported by accreditations and professional training.
- Provide training and guidance to other caretakers, ensuring consistent handling practices.
- Advise on additional equipment or supplies required for safe and effective dog care.
- Identify behavioral issues and recommend appropriate interventions.
2. Health Care and Medical Oversight
- Monitor dogs daily for signs of illness or injury and advise when veterinary attention is needed.
- Manage healthcare for incoming sick dogs, ensuring they receive appropriate treatment.
- Administer medications, including tablets, and oversee preventative healthcare schedules for over 100 dogs.
- Maintain accurate medical records and ensure filing systems are up to date.
3. Team Coordination and Communication
- Work collaboratively with other caretakers and report directly to the CEO on dog-related issues.
- Communicate clearly to prevent adoption delays by flagging health or behavioral concerns.
- Cover for other staff when necessary, ensuring continuity of care and operations.
4. Promotion and Adoption Support
- Provide brief bios, photos, and videos of dogs for the sanctuary’s website and promotional materials.
- Appear comfortably in photos and videos used to promote dogs and Ocean Acres.
- Conduct guided tours of the sanctuary for visitors and potential adopters.
- Make thoughtful suggestions of adoption candidates based on visitors’ lifestyles and home environments.
5. Facilities and Outdoor Work
- Work outdoors in all weather conditions, maintaining energy and resilience.
- Ensure equipment, kennels, and facilities are functional, safe, and well-maintained, reporting any problems.
Skills and Qualifications Required
- Proven experience in dog handling and training, with relevant accreditations.
- Strong knowledge of dog behavior and welfare practices.
- Ability to work under pressure and make sound decisions.
- Experience administering medications and managing large-scale preventative healthcare schedules.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Strong organizational skills and familiarity with filing systems and record keeping.
- Fit, energetic, and enthusiastic about walking and exercising dogs.
- Valid driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle for sanctuary-related tasks is not essential but a bonus.
Personal Attributes for Success
- Compassionate and deeply committed to animal welfare.
- Strong work ethic and “can-do” attitude.
- Open-minded, adaptable, and willing to learn new skills.
- Professional, calm, and composed under pressure.
- Reliable, proactive, and accountable.
- Excellent team player with a positive, solution-oriented mindset.
Success in This Role Looks Like
- Dogs are handled safely, confidently, and consistently across the sanctuary.
- Health issues are identified early, with timely medical intervention and accurate record keeping.
- Preventative healthcare schedules are maintained for all dogs.
- Communication between caretakers and the CEO is clear, proactive, and prevents adoption delays. Progress with ‘problem’ dogs is communicated.
- Visitors receive informative, engaging tours, with adoption recommendations tailored to their needs.
- Promotional materials (bios, photos, videos) are professional, accurate, and support adoption goals.
- The caretaker demonstrates leadership, teamwork, and resilience, ensuring smooth operations and high standards of animal welfare.
