The Langley Animal Protection Society is a registered not-for-profit charity that services the Township of Langley, City of Langley, and surrounding areas. Our mission is to support healthy human-animal connections through leadership, education, programs, and municipal animal control services. Our vision is to see thriving animals, and caring people throughout our service area.
Job Title : Doghouse Program Supervisor
Salary : $45,000–$60,000 Per Year
Job Status : Permanent – Full-time
Summary of Position
As per LAPS strategic direction, under the direction of the Director of Animal Welfare (the manager), the Doghouse Program Supervisor (the Supervisor) is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operation of the Doghouse Program at the Fraser Valley Institution for Women (FVI) operated by the Correctional Services of Canada (CSC). The Supervisor will participate in pre‑screening for suitability, oversee intake, and ensure high welfare standards for all boarding and daycare dogs. The Supervisor will supervise inmate participants and provide employment training regarding grooming, dog handling, dog training, husbandry, and client relations.
In addition, the Supervisor will promote the program in the community and provide private and group dog training classes based on positive reinforcement techniques. This will include providing behavior modification plans and supporting guardians to foster a healthy relationship with their dog(s). The Supervisor position interacts and collaborates with all organization levels at both LAPS and CSC.
Duties and Responsibilities
Doghouse Program Operations
- Oversee health and welfare of dogs in cooperation with internal stakeholders ensuring compliance with the Canadian Standards of Care for Animal Shelters and the Fear Free Sheltering and Handling Programs.
- Responsible to ensure daily enrichment of dogs to support physical and mental well‑being.
- Promote progressive and evidence‑based welfare enhancements to animal care.
- Conduct onboarding and training of inmate participants to the program, ensuring accurate record keeping and communications.
- Supervise inmate participants and ensure good quality of work, healthy work culture and clean environment.
- Complete pay sheets, weekly work schedules, and related reports.
- Provide escorted temporary absences (ETAs) for inmate to attend Patti Dale Animal Shelter to enrich their employment training.
- Uphold safety and security requirements for CSC and FVI.
- Ensure efficient and smooth operations of the day‑to‑day program. Make recommendations to the Manager to improve systems as needed.
- Conduct tours for clients and other stakeholders and pre‑boarding dog assessments.
- Ensure exceptional customer service for all stakeholders.
- Respond to client inquiry and complete bookings.
- Support the Director in drafting policy and procedures.
- Liaison with FVI staff and report to levels in the appropriate chain of command regarding various communications.
- Provide holiday and leave coverage.
- Respond to emergencies after hours as per rotation.
- Facilitate dog transfer to and from the Doghouse Program.
Community Outreach
Provide dog‑behaviour training one‑on‑one, group lessons and seminars / workshops at LAPS facility, FVI, off‑site locations or by Zoom to help support the human‑animal bond and to allow for pet guardians and their animals to remain together.Complete all necessary documentation and ensure excellent customer service.Support and attend community events in coordination with other departments.Assist with projects that are to create and enhance LAPS and Doghouse support for community animals.Other Duties
Maintain, order and pick up supplies.Assist with emergencies.Other related duties as assigned.Overall LAPS Vision And Operation
Support and promote the vision and strategic plan of LAPS.Ensure positive public relations and customer service practices.Ensure compliance with all protocols, procedures, and policies.Demonstrate the LAPS Team Values of Compassion, Excellence, Integrity, Adaptability, Connection and Accountability in all decisions and interactions.Working Conditions
Work is primarily performed at a FVI correctional facility (33344 Kingroad, Abbotsford) where the Supervisor must adhere to security screening daily and meet all CSC safety requirements.The Doghouse Kennel building is located on the secured grounds of FVI and contains indoor office as well as all‑weather access play yards.Additional work is conducted at LAPS Patti Dale Animal Shelter and other off‑site community locations.Standing, sitting and active movement during the entire shift if required.Regular exposure to various outdoor conditions.Occasional driving on public streets, under a variety of traffic conditions.Work performed both in and out of kennel requires lifting, bending, stooping, pushing and other strenuous activities. Must be able to lift a maximum of 50 lbs.Interaction with medium and minimum‑security offenders, as well as correctional staff.Frequent exposure to computer video terminal and computer peripherals.Workdays are 8 hours. Work schedules are flexible depending on the needs of the organization. This position is required to work evenings, weekends, and on‑call.Although health and safety policy is in place, there could be exposure to potentially aggressive, unruly, and sick, diseased and parasite‑infested animals including with potentially zoonotic diseases.Safe handling exposure to chemical cleaners.Environment can be noisy, odorous, and stressful, both physically and emotionally.Required Qualifications
Successful applicant must pass the Reliability Clearance Screening (Advanced criminal record check) conducted by CSC to remain employed.1–3 years of experience using current, science‑based methods that are humane and aversive‑free dog training experience.Excellent interpersonal skills to maintaining a positive relationship with all respective stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.Management experience is a strong preference.Ability to resolve problems and address customer service and participant concerns.Ability to provide training and support to inmates, clients, staff and volunteers within the organization.A strong understanding of learning theory, group / health, animal disease, husbandry, behavior modification and animal welfare concepts.Preference given to individuals who have worked in a veterinary, dog training or sheltering facility.Good understanding of animal learning theory and the four quadrants of operant conditioning.Experience with handling various breeds of dogs and willing to build on existing dog behavior and training knowledge through professional development.Ability to demonstrate and actively participate in creating a positive work environment built on LAPS core values.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Strong organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to prioritize, multi‑task and meet deadlines are required.Computer and Internet savvy. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office tools.The ability to remain pleasant and calm even in stressful situations.Physical strength and agility to handle excitable, large‑breed dogs.Must be able to lift heavy equipment and supplies up to 50 lbs.Maturity, good judgment, and a professional appearance.Education And Training
Minimum high school degree or equivalent.Dog Training certification through current, science‑based program that teaches humane and aversive‑free techniques considered an asset.Fear Free certification considered an asset.Possess a Class 5 driver’s license with clean driving record.40 hours per week (Salaried).Tuesday to Saturday with flexibility to allow for evening and extra weekend support.On‑call work to support animals in care.What LAPS Offers
Salary Range $45–$60,000.Medical, Dental and Extended Health.Vacation and Wellness Days.RRSP matching after 1 year employment.Education opportunities.Dog friendly environment.Supportive work environment with opportunities for career growth.The chance to positively impact the lives of both animals and inmates reintegrating into the community!Application Process
Please submit resume and cover letter to hr@lapsbc.ca
Location
Fraser Valley Institute & LAPS
#J-18808-Ljbffr