Four Paws Goal
The Goal of all The Four Paws staff is to create an environment where dogs and cats not only are safe and healthy, but emotionally happy as well. We strive to make the most compatible playgroups and require a temperament test to ensure only the most suitable dogs are allowed in our play group sessions. We will always provide all dogs with fresh water throughout the day and ensure that pets receive their appropriate food amounts at the proper times. We strive for well-mannered playgroups by properly managing and maintaining a certain level of playroom etiquette. We do this by educating our staff with training courses designed by the leading experts in our industry. Our Staff use consistent and effective positive reinforcement techniques that do not take away from your pets’ joy of attending daycare but adds to it. We will provide care for all pets whether they participate in our group play or have to have more of a traditional boarding experience in which we provide more personal one-on-one care. We guarantee up to six potty breaks throughout the day and promise to keep their rooms clean, with fresh water always available. We offer a variety of Pampered Pet Services and experiences that add excitement and opportunity for a more personalized stay. We understand the importance of “going the extra mile” and hope that these extended services add to an overall welcoming experience for the client and the pet. We consider a job well done when the pet is just as excited to arrive at the Four Paws Hotel and it is to go home to their family!
Front Desk Associate (Receptionists):
The goal of our Front Desk Associate is to serve as the first point of contact for all clients. They typically handle all phone calls, check our guests in and out of their reservations, have a vast knowledge of our policies and pricing, must possess the ability to upsell and encourage sales, and schedule appointments. A Front Desk Associate needs strong customer service skills, have great communication skills, and good problem-solving abilities.
Front Desk Associate needs to perform the following tasks:
1. Answer phones
2. Respond to emails and messages in a professional and timely manner
3. File and Data Entry
4. Have the strength to walk a dog weighing up to 150 lbs.
5. Sweeping, mopping, and/or spraying down of Front of the House area
6. In order for an employee to excel in the role of Front Desk Associate, they should possess at least the following characteristics
1. Professionalism: As a Front Desk Associate, you are the first person a client or other visitor sees upon arriving. That means you are responsible for providing everyone’s first impression of The Four Paws Hotel. You must therefore embody The Four Paws Hotel’s ideals, both in your behavior and in your professional appearance.
2. Communication: Communication is very important, since your primary job is to greet clients, find out what their need is, and help the find the best way to meet this need. Most of this communication will be verbal, either in person or over the phone. Most
importantly you will have to make sure information flows through you accurately and efficiently between the client and the Back of the House, it is imperative that you are able to communicate the client’s and pet’s needs as well as the staff’s wants or concerns.
1. Multitasking: You will seldom have only one thing to attend to. A new call may come in meanwhile; three clients may be waiting in line with questions or to check in/out of a service, and the Back of the House staff have important information to relay to you in regards to a pet. You will have to keep the needs of each person separate in your mind, not neglect anyone, and not get overwhelmed or frustrated.
2. Technical skills: Most obviously, you will be using a phone system, with the potential for multiple lines that you must keep operating smoothly. You’ll also most like need to be familiar with Microsoft Word and Excel, The Four Paws Hotel emailing system, and possibly social media platforms.
3. Organization: You will be expected to be a large part of The Four Paws internal communication. That means you’ll not only have to keep the Front Desk area organized, you’ll play a part in everyone else’s organization. You may also be responsible for stocking business cards and brochures, straightening the over the counter products, pricing and displaying new product, and refilling/ restocking all internal forms.
4. Dependability: Being a part of a small business each employee plays a vital role. The Four Paws Hotel employees are asked to be dependable and self-sufficient, needing little guidance once training is complete.
1. The Front Desk Associates are asked to perform some of the following tasks this list is non- inclusive:
1. Welcomes all visitors or current clients by greeting them, in person or on the phone.
2. Ensure front lobby area is tidy and presentable, with all the necessary stationery and material (i.e. pens, business cards, and brochures)
3. Answer and screen all phone calls, documenting accordingly.
4. Maintains communication amongst Front and Back of the House by documenting actions, irregularities, and continuing needs of the clients and or the pets.
5. Provide basic and accurate information in person and via phone and email conversations.
6. Receive, sort, and delete daily emails and faxes once handled.
7. Keep updated records of the Client’s and Pet’s information
8. Perform other clerical duties such as filing and photocopying.
The Valet (Runners):
Our Valet staff helps with the transportation of the pets from Front of the House to the Back or vice versa. They are responsible for knowing where each pet is located in the facility and how to retrieve them correctly. A Valet needs to be available at least 2-3 days a week (including weekends and holidays), and is a good fit for those that have to work around busy school schedules or other jobs.
The Valet needs to be physically able to perform the following tasks:
1. Have the strength to walk a dog weighing up to 150 lbs.
2. Be able to stay on their feet for up to 3-4 hours
3. Sweeping, mopping, and/or spraying down varying areas of the facility from kennels to daycare floors
4. In order for an employee to excel in the role of a valet, they should possess at least the following characteristics.
1. Confidence with the Dogs: Dogs are pack animals and need the guidance of a positive leader. Valets should have confident personalities. We can train how to handle the dogs, but confidence with them is something that an individual must already possess.
2. Dependability: Being a part of a small business each employee plays a vital role. The Four Paws Hotel employees are asked to be dependable and self-sufficient, needing little guidance once training is complete.
The Animal Attendants (Play Attendants):
Our Animal Attendants do the bulk of the work around the Four Paws Hotel. They are responsible for everything from excelling in customer service to managing playgroups and making sure the day’s activities run smooth. Animal Attendants need to be able to work at least 3-4 shifts a week (including weekends and holidays), have their own transportation, and have good personal and past work references.
Animal Attendants need to be physically able to perform the following tasks:
1. Lift a 40 lb. dog into a tub raised off the floor.
2. Carry a 40 lb. bag of dog food
3. Have the strength to walk a dog weighing up to 150 lbs.
4. Be able to stay on their feet for up to 7 hours
5. Sweeping, mopping, and/or spraying down of approximately 6,500 square feet
6. Ability to deal with outside elements. Managing play groups outdoors in the rain and winter months is sometimes necessary.
7. In order for an employee to excel in the role of Animal Attendants, they should possess at least the following characteristics
1. Hardworking: The job is very physical; directors must be able to handle the physical responsibilities.
2. Confidence with the Dogs: Dogs are pack animals and need the guidance of a positive leader. Animal Attendants should have confident personalities. We can train how to handle the dogs, but confidence with them is something that an individual must already possess.
3. Organizational Skills: The job of an Animal Attendant requires the ability to be able to multi- task.
4. Dependability: Being a part of a small business each employee plays a vital role. The Four Paws Hotel employees are asked to be dependable and self-sufficient, needing little guidance once training is complete.
5. Eye for Detail: Supervising dogs is more than just being in the room. Attendants need to learn animal behaviors and be able to watch for a dog’s “Silent Language” that could indicate a potential disagreement.
6. Team Player: Shifts are always run with a team of three or more. Employees must be able to work well as a member of this team.
7. Responsibility: There are many important task involved with the care of pets, feeding meals, caring for special need dogs, etc. Each employee needs to possess a high sense of responsibility and take pride in his or her work.
8. Animal Attendants are asked to perform some of the following tasks this list is non-inclusive:
1. Grooming: Attendants are expected to have basic bathing knowledge (i.e bath, blowout, and trim toenails for dogs of all sizes)
2. Cleaning: Attendants are responsible for keeping the play areas and sleeping areas clean and sanitized and performing the daily detailing responsibilities.
3. Organization: Attendants must be able to keep track of pets’ belongings and make sure all paperwork is completed and initialed, and all checklists are completed.
4. Playgroup Management: Mentioned above, Attendants need to learn animal behaviors and be able to watch for a dog’s “Silent Language” that would indicate a disagreement. You must have the confidence to discipline and control dogs weighing up to 150 lbs.
5. Feeding and Watering: Animal Attendants are responsible for making sure all dogs are provided fresh water and are fed their correct foods in the correct amounts.
6. Supervision: Animal Attendants understand the importance of never leaving dogs in playgroups unattended. We pride ourselves in providing constant supervision.
7. Customer Service: Even when not working front of the house, each employee understands the importance of good customer service and will strive to make The Four Paws Hotel have the highest customer service standards.
Canine Concierges (Lead Assistants):
The goal of our Canine Concierges is to add value to a pets’ stay by helping with all the “extras” we offer that make The Four Paws Hotel so unique. Our Canine Concierges do hikes, pawsome playtimes, massages, and room service selected menu items (i.e. peanut butter kongs, homemade Fro-Yo treats) etc. In addition they are expected to help with the Front Desk Associate in any simple daily duties needed for them to perform their tasks. The Canine Concierges’ job description is the same as the Animal Attendants description listed above with the exception of play group management tasks. The Canine Concierges need to be available at least 2-3 days a week (including weekends and Holidays), and is a good fit for those that have to work around busy school schedules.
Companion Coordinators (Lead):
The goal of our Companion Coordinators is to perform and assist in supervising the day-to-day tasks of the Back of the House, from the making of meals, giving medications, and basic grooming etc. The Companion Coordinators’ role is one where the individual must have an excellent grasp of the work of all the positions and flexibility to float from position to position. The Companion Coordinator’s job description is the same as the Valet, Animal Attendant, Canine concierge, and Front Desk Associate’s description listed above. The Companion Coordinator is often promoted from the working team because management appreciates his or her work ethic, company attitude, and commitment to quality.
Companion Coordinators need to be available at least 3-4 days a week, (including weekends and holidays). This may not a good fit for those that have to work around busy school schedules.
1. In order for an employee to excel in the role of Companion Coordinator, they should possess at least the following characteristics
1. Communication: Communication is very important, since you are the main advocate for the animal. It is your job to recognize varying situations (for example: a dog is having loose stool, may need a diet change suggestion) The Companion Coordinator is the go between from the Front of the House and the Staff that directly work with the animals. You will have to make sure information flows through you accurately and efficiently between the Front Desk Associate and the rest of the staff, it is imperative that you are able to communicate the client’s and pet’s needs.
2. Conflict Resolution: Conflict is when change happens and opinions differ. A Companion Coordinator needs to have the ability to manage conflict well and come up with resolutions quickly and efficiently.
3. Leadership: It is important for Companion Coordinators to lead their teams in the most effective way by recognizing what the strengths and weakness of each pet are and how improvement may be needed. It is also important that Companion Coordinators lead their teams by recognizing where the strengths and weakness are amongst their staff, as well as where improvement is needed.
4. Time and Priority Management: Being able to balance a heavy workload and time constraints while managing and delegating other employees and projects is an essential skill.
5. Problem Solving: Problem solving skills are greatly valuable to not only know how to take an issue and find the root of the real problem but also develop a process for solving said issue.
Our Core Values
From the moment our first staff member arrives until the final last staff member leaves, here at The Four Paws Hotel, our Core Values are always at the heart of what we do. Whether we’re greeting a familiar face, bathing a dog, or cleaning the kennels you can witness Our Core Values in action. These values are also listed in order of importance with the most important being number one. With this in mind even if a dog owner may get upset by us not allowing their dog into daycare with an overdue vaccine, or an unaltered pet we have to first rely on our Core Value #1; “We put the care, wellbeing, and safety of the animals and staff above ALL else.” These Values are very important to us and will always be upheld but we hope that they are just as important to our clients as well!
⦁ We put the care, wellbeing, and safety of the animals and staff above ALL else.
⦁ We create fun and happy experiences for both our pets and our clients.
⦁ We believe strongly in continuing education.
⦁ We build trust with our clients by having high personal integrity and honest relationships; they are an extension of our family.
Want to work here? Follow these steps to apply:
⦁ Visit and tour our location.
⦁ Pick up an application at the time of your visit or visit our website to print and email us a copy to ⦁ thefourpawshotel@gmail.com.
⦁ Turn in both your completed application AND at least one reference letter from someone that can attest to your work ethic.
Since we receive a high number of applications we do not contact every applicant. If we believe you would be a good fit for our team after reviewing your application, we will email you with additional questions or to set up an interview time. Thanks so much for your interest in being part of our team!
Download Application Here