If you love dogs and the great outdoors, then this job is for you. One of our best job perks is that you get to bring your dog to work every day (subject to behavioural standards and approval).

Unleash the Adventure!

Groovytown Dog Lodge offers exciting off-leash group adventure hikes and overnight boarding for dogs who love a great outdoor escapade. Nestled on 33 private acres just 10 minutes west of Kingston in Odessa, Ontario, we provide daycare, door-to-door adventure hikes, and overnight boarding designed for dogs who thrive outdoors. At Groovytown, everything we do is built around Freedom. Friendship. Adventure. Learn more at Groovytown.ca.

We are hiring a Dog Pack Leader.

This is a full-time position (approximately 35–40 hours per week, including some weekends). This is an active, outdoor leadership role for someone who enjoys responsibility, independence, and working in all seasons.

We offer competitive wages and promote a healthy work-life balance. New team members are paid $23.00/hr,

Health benefits are provided after the 3rd month of employment (Health Spending Account with the option of a health allowance, RRSP contributions, or TFSA contributions).

We are looking for someone who sees value in building something steady and long-term within a small, close-knit team.

Application Deadline: Until position is filled.

Requirements (non-negotiable)

• Clean criminal record / bondable
• Minimum 5 years clean Class G driving record
• Minimum 5 years as primary insured on a vehicle (we supply a company vehicle, but you must maintain a clean insurance record)
• Certification in Canine First Aid / CPR (may be acquired after hiring)
• Physically capable of hiking several kilometres daily in all weather conditions
• Able to lift 50+ lbs comfortably and safely

How to Apply

Forward your resume to kadis@groovytown.ca, along with a cover letter finishing these three statements:

1. I want to work for Groovytown Dog Lodge because…
2. When I am not working, I like to…
3. One time my sense of humour helped me was…

Applicants under consideration will be asked to provide work and personal references, a certified criminal background check, and a current driving record.

Job Description

Working with Groovytown Dog Lodge is a walk in the park — but sometimes it’s a challenging walk in the park. From cold or rainy days to dogs that don’t always cooperate with your plans, some days can feel like a constant uphill climb. Members of the Groovytown team meet these challenges with grit, determination, strong situational awareness, and a positive attitude, finishing the day with a sense of accomplishment. The greatest reward is the bond you build with your pack and the trust you earn from our clients.

This is not simply a dog-walking position. As a Pack Leader, you are responsible for the safety, structure, and experience of every dog in your care. You are a leader, a problem-solver, and a brand ambassador for Groovytown.

If you see yourself in this description, please read on.

Duties Include

• Direct client interaction and communication
• Pick-up and drop-off of dogs using a company vehicle (including winter and rural driving)
• Leading structured off-leash group hikes in all weather conditions
• Monitoring dog behaviour and maintaining pack safety
• Washing dirty dogs as needed
• Taking and submitting quality photos
• Cleaning and maintaining the work site and equipment
• Managing day-to-day challenges calmly and independently

Applicant Qualities

• Excellent driving skills and confidence in all seasons
• Natural leadership and calm presence
• Patience and strong observational skills
• Independent thinker with sound judgement
• Love of dogs — and really, all animals
• Comfortable getting muddy and working outdoors year-round
• Strong attention to detail
• Friendly, professional customer service skills
• Reliable, punctual, and accountable

If you love dogs and the great outdoors, then this job is for you. And one of our best job perks is that you get to bring your dog to work every day! (conditions apply)

Groovytown Dog Lodge offers exciting off-leash group adventure hikes and overnight boarding for dogs who love a great outdoor escapade! Nestled on 33 acres, just 10 minutes west of Kingston, in Odessa, Ontario, we offer daycare, day hikes with door-to-door service, and overnight boarding. Learn more at Groovytown.ca .

We are hiring a Lodge Attendant.
This is a full-time dog pack leader position (approximately 35 – 40 hours per week, including some weekends).
Typical work week: 12pm – 730pm, Monday through Friday.
We offer competitive wages, employee benefits, and promote a work-life balance. 
Starting wage is $20.00/hr. 

Application Deadline: this position has been filled.

Requirements

• Certification in Canine First Aid / CPR (can be acquired after hiring)
• Clean criminal record check / bondable
• Experience around dogs 
• A love of dogs and getting dirty!

Additional requirements for Pack Leader Position

HOW TO APPLY

Forward your resume along with a cover letter finishing these 2 statements:

1. I want to work for Groovytown Dog Lodge because …

2. When I am not working, I like to…

Apply for this exciting opportunity by sending your resume and cover letter to kadis@groovytown.ca. We can’t wait to hear from you and learn more about your skills and experiences!

Applicants under consideration will be asked to provide work and personal references, a certified criminal background check and a statement of driving record.

Job description

Working with Groovytown Dog Lodge is a walk in the park, but it can be challenging walk in the park. From cold or rainy day to dogs that just don’t want to cooperate with your plans, some days feel like a constant uphill climb. Members of the Groovytown team meet these challenges with grit, determination, and a positive attitude, finishing the day with a sense of accomplishment. And of course, the best reward is the bond you create with all those furry faces! If you see yourself in this description then please read on.

Duties include

Directly interacting with clients, off-leash group hikes in all weather conditions, washing dirty dogs, taking pictures, cleaning and maintaining the work site and equipment, and managing any day-to-day adventures and challenges as they occur.

Applicant Qualities

• leadership
• patience
• love of dogs and, really, all animals
• comfortable covered in mud
• attention to detail
• friendly / good customer service skills

The Dog Sitter has become an essential member of a dog’s family.  But how do you know if you are hiring a good dog sitter?  You know you want someone who is going to ensure your dog’s safety, using the same level of care that you use when caring for your dog.  You want to know there will be openness and honesty from your dog sitter.  And of course, you want to trust that they will show your dog love and kindness.

But how do you know that the person you are hiring can be trusted to measure up to these standards? 

Lean On Your Community

Before you hire someone, try to get referrals from friends, your local pet store, or your veterinarian.  If you find someone online then read through the reviews – negative as well as the positive. 

Smell Test

Next step:  the smell test.  Ever notice that your dog unexpectedly doesn’t like someone.  That is their instinct kicking in.  Their smell test, if you will.  So, first and foremost, meet your potential sitter.  If you don’t feel comfortable from the start, always trust your instincts.  It doesn’t matter if you are wrong – although you will never know.  But, if you don’t trust your gut and you were right, then it will matter, and it will be too late.

Once you get past the smell test, start asking some questions. 

Ask Questions

Find out where they will be taking your dog and how.  What safety measures do they have in place?  If using a leash, are they using their leash or yours and, either way, will the dog have any chance of slipping out of the lead or collar?  For example, at Groovytown Dog Lodge we offer off-leash walks but we still use dog leads during pick-ups and drop-offs of our day hikers. We choose to use our leashes for this as we use slip leads that do not rely on a dog’s collar being properly fitted. 

Will the dog sitter have your dog around other dogs?  Do they know these other dogs and is the dog sitter sure they are friendly?  Are they up to date on their vaccinations?

What are the dog sitter’s emergency protocols for injuries and/or health issues?  Do they have training in pet first aid?

Look For A Sitter Who Will Listen

There are a lot of variables that can make you feel overwhelmed by the process.  However, a prepared and safety-conscious sitter will have thought about these concerns and will be happy discuss these concerns.

Ultimately, no matter how much care you take, here is always going to be some risk of something happening – and this is true whether your dog is with you are your sitter.  What you want to know is if your sitter is careful enough to avoid the avoidable and prepared enough for the unavoidable. 

Why Choose Us?

Here at Groovytown Dog Lodge, just outside of Kington, Ontario, we have taken these concerns to heart.  We care for our guests like they were our own and we are always happy to answer your questions.  We also invite you to bring your dog out for an introductory hike.  That way you dog gets a chance to become familiar with our parks with mom or dad there to boost their confidence (think first day of kindergarten).  And that tour is for you too.  We want you to see where your dog will be playing when they are with us.  We are proud of what we have created and we want share it with you.

Book your introductory hike today!

Dog sitting has become a popular way to get some extra cash while hanging out with one earth’s greatest creatures – dogs!  But how do you know if you are hiring a good dog sitter?  You know you want someone who is going to ensure your dog’s safety, using the same level of care that you use when caring for your dog.  You want to know there will be openness and honesty from your dog sitter.  And of course, you want to trust that they will show your dog love and kindness.

But how do you know that the person you are hiring can be trusted to measure up to these standards? 

Lean On Your Community

Before you hire someone, try to get referrals from friends, your local pet store, or your veterinarian.  If you find someone online then read through the reviews – negative as well as the positive. 

Smell Test

Next step:  the smell test.  Ever notice that your dog unexpectedly doesn’t like someone.  That is their instinct kicking in.  Their smell test, if you will.  So, first and foremost, meet your potential sitter.  If you don’t feel comfortable from the start, always trust your instincts.  It doesn’t matter if you are wrong – although you will never know.  But, if you don’t trust your gut and you were right, then it will matter, and it will be too late.

Once you get past the smell test, start asking some questions. 

Ask Questions

Find out where they will be taking your dog and how.  What safety measures do they have in place?  If using a leash, are they using their leash or yours and, either way, will the dog have any chance of slipping out of the lead or collar?  For example, at Groovytown Dog Lodge we offer off-leash walks but we still use dog leads during pick-ups and drop-offs of our day hikers. We choose to use our leashes for this as we use slip leads that do not rely on a dog’s collar being properly fitted. 

Will the dog sitter have your dog around other dogs?  Do they know these other dogs and is the dog sitter sure they are friendly?  Are they up to date on their vaccinations?

What are the dog sitter’s emergency protocols for injuries and/or health issues?  Do they have training in pet first aid?

Look For A Sitter Who Will Listen

There are a lot of variables that can make you feel overwhelmed by the process.  However, a prepared and safety-conscious sitter will have thought about these concerns and will be happy discuss these concerns.

Ultimately, no matter how much care you take, here is always going to be some risk of something happening – and this is true whether your dog is with you are your sitter.  What you want to know is if your sitter is careful enough to avoid the avoidable and prepared enough for the unavoidable. 

Why Choose Us?

Here at Groovytown Dog Lodge, just outside of Kington, Ontario, we have taken these concerns to heart.  We care for our guests like they were our own and we are always happy to answer your questions.  We also invite you to bring your dog out for an introductory hike.  That way you dog gets a chance to become familiar with our parks with mom or dad there to boost their confidence (think first day of kindergarten).  And that tour is for you too.  We want you to see where your dog will be playing when they are with us.  We are proud of what we have created and we want share it with you.

Book your introductory hike today!

The Dog Sitter has become an essential member of a dog’s family.  But how do you know if you are hiring a good dog sitter?  You know you want someone who is going to ensure your dog’s safety, using the same level of care that you use when caring for your dog.  You want to know there will be openness and honesty from your dog sitter.  And of course, you want to trust that they will show your dog love and kindness.

But how do you know that the person you are hiring can be trusted to measure up to these standards? 

Lean On Your Community

Before you hire someone, try to get referrals from friends, your local pet store, or your veterinarian.  If you find someone online then read through the reviews – negative as well as the positive. 

Smell Test

Next step:  the smell test.  Ever notice that your dog unexpectedly doesn’t like someone.  That is their instinct kicking in.  Their smell test, if you will.  So, first and foremost, meet your potential sitter.  If you don’t feel comfortable from the start, always trust your instincts.  It doesn’t matter if you are wrong – although you will never know.  But, if you don’t trust your gut and you were right, then it will matter, and it will be too late.

Once you get past the smell test, start asking some questions. 

Ask Questions

Find out where they will be taking your dog and how.  What safety measures do they have in place?  If using a leash, are they using their leash or yours and, either way, will the dog have any chance of slipping out of the lead or collar?  For example, at Groovytown Dog Lodge we offer off-leash walks but we still use dog leads during pick-ups and drop-offs of our day hikers. We choose to use our leashes for this as we use slip leads that do not rely on a dog’s collar being properly fitted. 

Will the dog sitter have your dog around other dogs?  Do they know these other dogs and is the dog sitter sure they are friendly?  Are they up to date on their vaccinations?

What are the dog sitter’s emergency protocols for injuries and/or health issues?  Do they have training in pet first aid?

Look For A Sitter Who Will Listen

There are a lot of variables that can make you feel overwhelmed by the process.  However, a prepared and safety-conscious sitter will have thought about these concerns and will be happy discuss these concerns.

Ultimately, no matter how much care you take, here is always going to be some risk of something happening – and this is true whether your dog is with you are your sitter.  What you want to know is if your sitter is careful enough to avoid the avoidable and prepared enough for the unavoidable. 

Why Choose Us?

Here at Groovytown Dog Lodge, just outside of Kington, Ontario, we have taken these concerns to heart.  We care for our guests like they were our own and we are always happy to answer your questions.  We also invite you to bring your dog out for an introductory hike.  That way you dog gets a chance to become familiar with our parks with mom or dad there to boost their confidence (think first day of kindergarten).  And that tour is for you too.  We want you to see where your dog will be playing when they are with us.  We are proud of what we have created and we want share it with you.

Book your introductory hike today!