Kennel Caretaker Position – Summer 2026 Season

Start Date: May 2026

Compensation: Private cabin housing + Daily Meal for Kennel Caretaker Duties  

*** Additional paid hours are available at the Trailside Cafe, assisting with sled dog tours, and various general labor jobs and all additional hours receive $15/hour. ***

Hours: ~15 hours/week for kennel caretaker duties.  

***Additional hours in the cafe, tours, and more can be up to 40 hours a week if desired.  Additional hours are not mandatory.  ***

This is a unique opportunity to live and work in the heart of Alaska. The Alaska Dog Center is seeking a dedicated Kennel Caretakers for the 2026 summer season to support our non-profit Hanging Up the Harness (HUTH) sled dog adoption program.

This role is ideal for someone who loves animals, enjoys outdoor work, and is excited about helping retired sled dogs transition into loving pet homes.

As the Kennel Caretaker, you’ll be responsible for the daily care and enrichment of up to 12 retired sled dogs. These dogs are part of our HUTH sled dog adoption non-profit and are learning how to adjust to life as pets. You’ll help them build essential skills like walking on leash, sleeping indoors, mastering recall, and more. Some of these dogs may continue to participate in light tour work with our guides, but your focus is on their long-term well-being and successful transition to retirement.

Responsibilities include:

• Socialize and provide enrichment through free running, exercise, and indoor time

• Feed and clean up after the dogs twice daily

• Work on basic training and pet-life skills (leash walking, indoor time, recall, etc.)

• Monitor health and behavior, and report concerns

• Maintain a clean and organized dog yard

Perks and Living Arrangements

• Private Cabin Housing next to the dog yard with electricity, heat, and high speed internet included.  Access to the bathhouse which has a shower, dog wash station, sauna, and washer/dryer are included as well.   

• One meal a day from our cafe.

• Opportunity to learn to mush with our experienced guides, if desired

• Opportunity to pick up additional paid hours at our cafe, assisting with sled dog tours, and performing various other general labor jobs around the property. 

• Time to explore the surrounding wilderness, work on creative projects, or pick up a second remote job. This position has a flexible schedule and allows for additional work locally, remotely, or with us at the cafe and other general labor jobs. 

Qualifications

• Comfortable working outdoors even in poor weather conditions

• Responsible, self-motivated, and able to work independently

• Experience with dogs (sled dog experience is a bonus, but not required)

• Must be physically capable of lifting 50 lbs.

• Must be able to commit from May 2026- September 2026 (with the opportunity to stay on through fall and winter for the right individual)

This is a unique opportunity to live in a peaceful setting, bond with incredible animals, and be part of their next chapter in life. If you love dogs and want to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you!

Social Media / Marketing Internship

Are you a creative storyteller with a passion for animals, food, and adventure? Want to spend a few weeks in Alaska making a real impact for a nonprofit and two small local businesses? Join us for a unique Social Media & Marketing Internship supporting Hanging Up the Harness (HUTH), The Alaska Dog Center, and Trailside Cafe.

About Us

• HUTH is a nonprofit that helps retired sled dogs transition into pet homes.

• The Alaska Dog Center offers sled dog tours, dog gear, and sled dog education in Willow, AK, the dog mushing capital of the world.

• Trailside Cafe is a seasonal cafe serving locals and travelers with fresh, delicious food and drinks. 
  Together, we’ve created a community centered around sled dogs, hospitality, and storytelling.

What you'll do

• Collaborate with management to build a long-term social media strategy. 

• Create a cohesive content calendar across three brands

• Help with designing flyers, signage, and other promotional materials

• Organize and archive digital assets

• Assist with brainstorming and executing campaign ideas

• Capture and edit photos and videos for content and campaigns

• Contribute to email newsletters, website content, and other marketing materials

• Help shape the voice and identity of our growing online presence

What we offer

• Free housing in a private space on-site

• Meals provided during your stay

• Opportunities to interact with sled dogs, go on dog runs, and enjoy Alaska’s wilderness

• Hands-on experience and portfolio-building work

• Potential for college internship credit

• Flexible duration: 4–8 weeks (start/end dates flexible)

• This is not a paid internship.  However, the opportunity to accept additional paid hours ($15/ hour) in our cafe, assisting with sled dog tours, and/or general labor jobs will be available for this position. 

Ideal Candidate

• Strong communication and writing skills

• Familiarity with platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Canva, and more

• Comfortable working independently and pitching ideas

• Passionate about animals, rural life, and small business storytelling

• Photography or video editing skills are a plus

• Must be self-motivated and flexible in a dynamic environment

This is a unique chance to live off the beaten path and use your creative skills to make a real impact. Whether you're studying marketing, communications, journalism, or just love telling stories through social media, we’d love to hear from you!