Canine Behavior Specialist

Key Responsibilities

• Model, implement, and promote fear-free, positive-reinforcement–based handling practices across all canine interactions, with the primary objective of reducing Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (FAS) and improving overall canine welfare outcomes.
• Represent KC Pet Project in a professional, polite, and enthusiastic manner.
• Process and maintain all paperwork, daily record keeping for dogs handled, and other essential processes with accuracy and attention to detail. Ensure staff participation in record keeping practices.
• Lead and support canine enrichment and behavior programs that improve quality of life, reduce stress, and promote successful outcomes.
• Provide guidance, training, and ongoing support to staff and volunteers to ensure safe, consistent handling and behavior practices.
• Assess canine behavior and contribute to pathway placement, behavior planning, and welfare-based decision-making, including participation in welfare discussions involving humane euthanasia and assisting with safe, humane handling when euthanasia is the determined outcome.
• Partner across departments to support dogs with medical, behavioral, or handling needs and to improve overall shelter operations.
• Support adopters and community members through behavior education and post-adoption guidance.
• Maintain clear documentation, communicate effectively with leadership, and uphold organizational policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Handle and restrain dogs with handling sensitivities to assist medical and intake staff in providing medical treatment and appropriate vaccinations when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Performance Factors and Necessary Skills

• Demonstrates openness, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning, particularly in animal behavior, handling, and shelter best practices.
• Communicates effectively and professionally with staff, volunteers, adopters, and the public, including the ability to navigate emotionally charged and difficult conversations with empathy and clarity.
• Works effectively both independently and as part of a team; provides and accepts real-time feedback and supports the training and success of volunteers.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of canine behavior and body language in a shelter environment and consistently applies safe, humane handling techniques with dogs of varying temperaments and medical needs.
• Performs effectively in a high-volume, fast-paced, and high-stress environment while adapting to changing populations, intake levels, and community needs.
• Maintains strong organizational, time management, and decision-making skills, balancing competing priorities in the best interest of the animal and the organization.
• Demonstrates professionalism, reliability, attention to detail, and basic computer proficiency, including the ability to learn shelter management systems.

Qualifications/Educational Background

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrated training and experience using modern, science-based, humane dog handling and training methods.
• Certification from IAABC, CCPDT, KPA, or a comparable, recognized certifying body that promotes modern, evidence-based, humane training practices, or equivalent education or hands-on experience in dog training or behavior (preferred but not required).
• At least one year of animal shelter experience required.
• At least one year of animal shelter behavior or dog training experience preferred.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities are preferred but not required.