Puppy / Canine Program Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

Salary : $72,800 - $93,600 per year

About the Organization

Liberty Dogs is a premier service dog training program whose goal is to empower Veterans with disabilities to lead more independent and fulfilling lives - enhancing their well-being through the unconditional support that Liberty Service Dogs provides. Located on a 27-acre campus, it includes a training facility, dog housing, an administrative and multipurpose building, and accommodations for Veterans staying on campus to train with their Liberty Service Dogs.

Primary Purpose :

Plays a vital role in Service Dog development by managing all aspects of the early development and training journey. The coordinator oversees the foundational stages of a Service Dogs development with an emphasis on early socialization, training consistency, and volunteer engagement. This role is an exceptional opportunity for a professional passionate about Service Dog training and program coordination.

Essential Duties / Functions :

• Recruit, screen, and onboard volunteer puppy raisers, short-term foster sitters, and guardian caretakers.
• Provide training, resources, and support to puppy raisers throughout the 1618 month raising period.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the LIMA principles in dog training to ensure that all puppy raiser teams adhere to accreditation and organizational standards. Educate staff, puppy raiser families, and volunteers on the principles of LIMA.
• Monitor puppy development and behavior through regular check-ins, training classes, and training logs / notes. Maintain accurate records of each puppys progress, health care, and behavioral observations. Develop targeted training plans for puppies needing additional support.
• Facilitate and lead puppy classes, outings, and training workshops focused on socialization, obedience, and exposure.
• Coordinate the intake, placement, and transition of puppies into and out of the Puppy Program.
• Work closely with veterinary partners, staff trainers, and breeding departments to align health, training, and programmatic goals.
• Monitor and document all medical concerns, coordinating veterinary appointments, and managing health records in collaboration with puppy raisers.
• Support puppy raisers in addressing behavioral or training challenges using positive reinforcement methods.
• Make informed decisions regarding each puppys performance during evaluations, utilizing available data, observations, and knowledge of criteria, and be able to objectively explain decisions.
• Assist in assessing puppies for acceptance into the breeding program, advanced training, or redirection into career change programs.
• Train puppy raiser teams to meet the highest standards set by Liberty Dogs and Assistance Dog International (ADI).
• Develop and update puppy-raising curricula, manuals, and protocols in alignment with industry best practices.
• Identify and track potential issues within the puppy raising program, developing remedial training protocols for foreseeable behavioral challenges.
• Assist in organizing appreciation events, educational seminars, graduations, matriculations, and recruitment initiatives involving puppy raisers and the community.
• Provide puppy raiser families with best practices for supporting Veteran recipients.
• Other duties as assigned by Director of Canine Development.

Physical Demands :

Minimum Qualifications :

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law .