Land of Oz Lighthouse Animal Care Barn Staff

Our Land of Oz location in Osawatomie, Kansas is home to dogs on some of the most important journeys of their lives. Many of our residents are recovering from surgery, learning to trust people again, or preparing for adoption after difficult pasts.

The Lighthouses are small, cottage-style duplex homes designed to provide a peaceful, low-stress environment that supports healing, behavior rehabilitation, and confidence-building. We're looking for a dependable, compassionate teammate who believes every dog deserves kindness, patience, and a chance to thrive.

What You'll Do

✅ Provide exceptional daily care for dogs, including feeding, watering, administering medications, and closely monitoring each dog's health, appetite, and behavior.

✅ Walk and exercise dogs throughout your shift while providing enrichment, positive interactions, and confidence-building activities tailored to each dog's individual needs.

✅ Support dogs recovering from medical procedures by carefully following post-operative care instructions, monitoring incisions and mobility, and promptly reporting any concerns to the medical team.

✅ Clean and disinfect Lighthouse units, kennels, play yards, bowls, bedding, toys, and common areas to maintain a safe, sanitary, and welcoming environment.

✅ Pick up waste, handle laundry, organize supplies, restock inventory, and ensure each Lighthouse remains clean, comfortable, and ready for its resident.

✅ Provide gentle handling, affection, and socialization that helps dogs build trust, reduce stress, and prepare for successful adoption.

✅ Observe and document changes in behavior, health, or activity level, communicating concerns quickly with supervisors and the medical or behavior teams.

✅ Assist with dog introductions, enrichment projects, training exercises, and daily routines that support behavior rehabilitation.

✅ Help with adoption events, volunteer activities, and community outreach as needed.

✅ Capture quality photos and videos that showcase each dog's unique personality and help them find their forever home.

✅ Accept and organize deliveries, assemble kennels or equipment, and assist with general facility organization.

✅ Assist the Maintenance Lead with light facility upkeep, including mowing, snow removal, and other seasonal tasks as needed.

What We're Looking For

✔ Animal care experience preferred — Comfortable working with dogs of all sizes, personalities, and energy levels, including fearful, reactive, or behaviorally challenged dogs.

✔ Compassion and patience — Many of our dogs are healing physically or emotionally and need calm, consistent, positive interactions.

✔ Strong observation skills — Able to recognize subtle changes in health, mobility, appetite, or behavior and communicate concerns promptly.

✔ Physical stamina — Able to lift 50 pounds, walk multiple dogs daily, bend, kneel, climb stairs, and remain on your feet for extended periods.

✔ Reliable and responsible — Our dogs depend on consistency, routine, and dependable caregivers every day.

✔ Team player — Works well alongside medical staff, behavior specialists, volunteers, and fellow caregivers.

✔ Great communication and social media skills — Able to capture engaging photos and videos that help dogs find loving homes.

✔ Must be at least 18 years old.

Schedule & Commitment

• Must commit to a consistent work schedule to provide stability for the dogs in our care.
• Must be available to work holidays, evenings, and weekends.
• Flexibility to assist during medical recoveries, emergency intakes, or special events is a plus.

Why Join Us?

At Always & Furever, every dog deserves more than a kennel—they deserve a place to heal, to feel safe, and to rediscover trust.

The Lighthouses were created to give dogs recovering from surgery, overcoming trauma, or simply waiting for their forever family a peaceful place to call home. Every walk, every meal, every cuddle, and every moment of encouragement helps prepare them for the next chapter of their lives.

If you're hardworking, dependable, and passionate about giving dogs the love, dignity, and respect they deserve, we'd love to welcome you to the Always & Furever family.

With kindness, dignity, and respect.

Thank you for helping us say yes to those who need it most.