Breeding Kennel Manager

At Guiding Eyes for the Blind, we are passionate about connecting exceptional dogs with individuals seeking greater independence.  We are dedicated to creating and supporting life-changing partnerships between people and dogs.

At our facilities, we breed, raise, and train exceptional guide dogs – and match them with individuals ready to embrace a life of greater freedom, confidence, and possibility.  Together, they embark on incredible life adventures.  As the Breeding Kennel Manager , you will play a part in making that happen!  Join us and help be a part of transforming lives.

Our incredible dogs make our mission possible – and working with them will inspire you!  We put our clients first, striving to exceed their expectations by providing exceptional dogs trained to meet their unique needs and empower them to live the lives they choose.

It is in our Breeding Kennel where the foundation of future guide dogs is built. The Breeding Kennel Manager plays a vital role in overseeing the care and well-being of our Broods, Studs, and young puppies.  From supporting the dogs that make our breeding program possible to caring for puppies in the earliest stages of development, this role helps build the foundation for future guide dogs and the life-changing partnerships they create.

In this role, you will lead the daily operations of the Breeding Kennel, ensuring the highest standards of animal husbandry, enrichment, socialization, health monitoring, and overall canine welfare. You will oversee a dedicated team responsible for providing exceptional care to the dogs that are fundamental to the success of Guiding Eyes' breeding program.

You will work closely with your team in a hands-on environment, supporting daily care and ensuring each dog receives consistent, attentive care.  You will also help guide team practices in real time to maintain quality, consistency, and a strong collaboration across the kennel.

In addition, you will support your team side-by-side in the day-to-day work – reinforcing expectations through example, helping ensure care routines are followed effectively, and contributing to a well-coordinated, team-driven environment.  You will also coordinate with cross-functional partners as needed to support the health, safety, and well-being of every dog in our care.

This role blends hands-on animal care, team leadership, and operational support.  You’ll play a key part in developing your team in the moment – building skills, reinforcing best practices, and fostering a culture centered on care and consistency.

At Guiding Eyes, you'll work alongside passionate, caring professionals who are united by a love of dogs and a shared commitment to our mission.  Together, we help provide each dog with the foundation needed to succeed while supporting the individuals whose lives will be changed by their partnership.

If you're looking for meaningful work in a collaborative and purpose-driven environment, we'd love to hear from you.

The Role

Leadership & Team Management

- Direct and support the kennel team to ensure appropriate coverage across all areas of care, including feeding, cleaning, enrichment, and medication administration.
- Supervise, train, and mentor kennel staff to support professional growth, independence, and critical thinking.
- Provide hands-on coaching and real-time guidance to reinforce standards of care, accountability, and teamwork.
- Oversee staffing operations including scheduling, performance management, hiring, onboarding, and ongoing development.
- Provide active, hands-on leadership in the kennel environment, working alongside staff to ensure consistent execution of care standards and animal welfare practices.
- Provide operational coverage as needed, including daytime or overnight shifts during emergencies, inclement weather, staff shortages, or call-outs.

Animal Care & Clinical Support

- Provide hands-on animal husbandry oversight by actively participating in Kennel Technician duties, including feeding, bathing, health checks, grooming, medicating, medical treatments, and quarantine procedures, ensuring consistent standards of care and animal well-being.
- Ensure the highest standards of animal welfare, husbandry, enrichment, socialization, and behavioral support are consistently maintained.
- Provide clinical oversight in coordination with veterinary staff to ensure all medical care aligns with established protocols, treatment plans, and animal welfare standards.
- Maintain compliance with medical documentation, medication handling, and treatment protocols.
- Oversee and support medical treatments including vaccines, preventatives, fluid therapy, medication administration, and intensive care protocols as needed.
- Support diagnostics and clinical procedures including sample collection, testing, x-rays, ultrasound, and DNA sampling.
- Utilize triage and clinical judgment to identify pain, illness, stress, medication reactions, and urgent medical conditions, escalating care appropriately.
- Maintain ongoing health monitoring and support overall medical continuity of care in alignment with veterinary guidance.

Kennel Operations

- Oversee the daily operation of the Breeding and Puppy Kennel, ensuring a safe, clean, organized, and efficient environment.
- Monitor kennel occupancy, dog movement, and care needs to support breeding program objectives.
- Ensure appropriate inventory levels of food, medications, medical supplies, equipment, and enrichment materials.
- Coordinate facility and equipment maintenance needs and partner with internal departments to address operational concerns.
- Maintain accurate kennel, health, and operational records, ensuring timely and complete documentation.
- Support emergency preparedness and response efforts to ensure continuity of care and operations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Program Oversight

- Collaborate with Veterinary, Genetics, Whelping Kennel, and Home and Early Socialization teams to ensure alignment with organizational goals, animal welfare standards, and care continuity.
- Provide tours of the Breeding Kennel and serve as an ambassador for Guiding Eyes by sharing knowledge about the breeding program, canine care practices, and the organization's mission with visitors, volunteers, donors, and other stakeholders.
- Maintain clear communication with foster homes regarding brood and stud health, care status, and ongoing needs to support successful dog management and transitions.
- Serve as a subject matter expert and contribute to internal committees, meetings, and special projects focused on canine care, breeding operations, kennel management, and program improvement.

Operations, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

- Develop and implement strategies, policies, and procedures to continuously improve the health and well-being of broods, studs, and puppies in care, in collaboration with and subject to approval from the DVM.
- Ensure kennel operations are executed consistently in accordance with established policies, procedures, and care protocols.
- Oversee compliance with disease control, biosecurity, and quarantine standards to maintain a safe and healthy environment.
- Monitor and maintain inventory controls, including controlled drug logs, in compliance with regulatory and organizational requirements.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, consistency, employee effectiveness, and quality of care.
- Prepare and manage the department budget, monitor expenses, and operate within approved financial parameters.

Additional Responsibilities

- Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and organizational mission.

Qualifications You Will Need

Required Qualifications

- Three (3) to five (5) years of leadership experience managing teams, with a strong focus on coaching, team development, and day-to-day supervision.
- Experience supervising staff within an animal care, veterinary kennel, breeding, or similar operational environment.
- Experience handling dogs in a clinical, veterinary, breeding, research, or similar professional environment.
- Solid understanding of dog behavior and puppy development, with the ability to recognize healthy behaviors and support appropriate care using positive methods.
- Flexible availability, including overnight shifts, weekends, evenings, and holidays, as this is an essential personnel role.
- Dependable, punctual, and consistently demonstrates professionalism and personal integrity.
- Valid driver's license.

Professional Skills

- Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability, with the ability to manage competing priorities and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize effectively and keep daily operations running smoothly.
- Sound judgment with the ability to assess situations quickly and make confident decisions regarding animal care and staffing needs.
- Ability to lead by example while supporting a culture of accountability, teamwork, and high-quality animal care.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Communication & Collaboration

- Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to foster teamwork, build consensus, and create a positive, collaborative environment across teams.
- Clear, confident communicator with the ability to coach staff and explain animal behavior and care concepts in a practical, approachable way.
- Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Comfortable leading kennel tours and speaking with visitors, volunteers, donors, and community members about the breeding program, canine care practices, and the role breeding dogs and puppies play in supporting Guiding Eyes' mission.
- Ability to work collaboratively with veterinary staff, canine program teams, foster volunteers, and other internal and external partners to support the health and well-being of dogs in care.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
- Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with employees, volunteers, foster families, and other stakeholders.

Technical & Physical Requirements

- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs; Salesforce savvy a plus.
- Comfortable working with cleaning agents and maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and sanitation.
- Physically capable of working in an active kennel environment, including safely handling, restraining, lifting, and controlling dogs weighing up to 80 pounds and performing repetitive physical tasks on concrete surfaces.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

- Knowledge of canine reproductive practices and reproductive laboratory procedures.
- Experience supporting canine, working dog, service dog, livestock, or companion animal breeding programs, with an understanding of breeding program management, genetic diversity, and population sustainability.

Salary Range (annually) $65k - $70k, commensurate with experience.  Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as internal equity, relevant experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and market considerations .

Please include a cover letter along with your resume telling us ' About You ' and to share why you're excited about contributing to our mission.  As a Guiding Eyes employee, you will enjoy knowing that every day you make a difference in the lives of people with vision loss!

While we appreciate your interest and application, only candidates under consideration will be contacted .

Guiding Eyes for the Blind offers a comprehensive benefits package including the following:

- Competitive and generous healthcare (Medical/Dental/Vision)
- 403(b)
- Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off and Holidays
- You are invited to bring your well-behaved dog to work

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications.  Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as assigned in support of Guiding Eyes for the Blind's mission and operational needs.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F, D/V

Must be authorized to work in the United States.