Employee Training Program
Leading the Pack
Leaving a beloved pet in someone else’s care is a big decision - and one that’s about far more than basic needs. It’s finding someone who truly “gets” the quirks, routines, and personality traits that make each pet unique. At Rex & Roxy, we’re here to provide the attentive, personalized care that each pet deserves, through a carefully designed training program built on our values of compassion, safety, trust, fun, and making sure every voice is heard.
Foundation: Our Values and Standards
Our training program begins by welcoming new team members into the heart of Rex & Roxy, where they gain a thorough understanding of the principles that guide our work. Through this foundation, each caregiver is prepared to offer care that is consistent, compassionate, and attentive, ensuring every interaction enriches the lives of pets and provides peace of mind to their families.
Our Values: Each team member begins with a deep dive into our guiding values—compassion, safety, trust, fun, and voice—which shape every pet and client experience. This foundation guides all interactions and decisions, ensuring each new caregiver is aligned with our mission to enrich the lives of pets and provide peace of mind to their families.
Policies and Best Practices: Our caregivers follow rigorous policies and protocols designed to create a safe, dependable experience for every pet and family. This includes detailed safety protocols to handle any situation calmly and confidently, communication standards for timely, respectful updates, and care procedures for consistency across all services. By adhering to these practices, each team member is well-prepared to provide trustworthy and professional care, giving pet owners peace of mind with every visit.
Practical Skills and Core Training Modules
With a solid foundation in place, new hires move through a mix of hands-on learning, ongoing feedback, and interactive training modules, gaining both knowledge and real-world experience.
Shadowing, Mentorship, and Feedback
New team members begin by shadowing seasoned caregivers, observing a variety of home environments and pet personalities. Guided by senior team members, they see best practices in action, building confidence and skills through direct experience. Throughout this process, trainees receive constructive feedback on their strengths and areas for improvement, helping them adapt and grow with each visit.
Realistic Scenario Exposure
As part of their mentorship, trainees are exposed to real-life scenarios by visiting multiple homes under the guidance of experienced team members. This process allows them to learn how to anticipate and respond to different pets' needs, preferences, and unique quirks, preparing them for the variety of situations they may encounter.
Regular Assessments and Goal Setting
Throughout training, each team member participates in regular assessments to ensure they are mastering essential skills and fully embracing our values. Short-term goals and progress checks keep development on track and build both confidence and expertise.
Core Skills Modules
Our training includes a combination of interactive sessions and guided learning modules that equip team members with the essential skills for providing top-tier pet care. Key training modules include:
Canine Behavior & Communication: This module dives into the nuances of canine body language and emotional signals. By understanding everything from subtle cues to more expressive behaviors, our team is equipped to respond with empathy, creating a positive experience that respects each dog's individuality.
Dog Walking Skills: This foundational course covers more than just the steps of a walk. Team members learn how to set the right pace, spot signs of fatigue or discomfort, and manage leash behavior to create a safe, engaging, and enjoyable experience for each dog.
Feline Fundamentals: Cats have their own unique set of needs and communication styles. This course explores feline behaviors and preferences, giving our caregivers the tools to connect with and care for our feline clients in a way that makes them feel safe and understood.
Equipment 101: In this module, team members get hands-on with the tools of the trade. From choosing the right type of leash or harness to understanding equipment tailored to different breeds and sizes, this training ensures our team is fully prepared to meet each pet’s specific needs.
Health and Safety Trainings
To cover every pet’s well-being, our core program also includes health and safety-focused modules:
Introduction to Safe Dog Handling: This critical training empowers our team to handle pets with confidence and care. Topics include reading dog body language, calming techniques, and managing behaviors in dogs that may be reactive or anxious, helping to provide a calm and safe environment.
Bite Prevention: Safety is our top priority. In this course, team members learn to identify early warning signs and apply proven strategies to prevent bites, protecting both pets and caregivers and promoting a trusting, secure atmosphere.
Canine Health and Wellness: This course covers the essentials of canine health, from recognizing common signs of discomfort or illness to understanding basic wellness practices, allowing caregivers to stay attentive and responsive to each pet’s health needs.
Pet CPR & First Aid: Our caregivers are trained in essential emergency response skills, including pet CPR and first aid, ensuring they are prepared to handle a variety of situations to keep pets safe and secure at all times.
Continuous Learning: Expanding Expertise and Confidence
Beyond the initial training program, our team has access to ongoing training and advanced learning opportunities. These include specialized modules like Dog Breeds 101, Dog Training for Pet Pros, and Canine Development, as well as additional courses in step with industry developments. For those interested in further specialization, optional certifications are available, keeping our team on top of best practices and ensuring we deliver exceptional care.
Why Rex & Roxy Pet Care?
When you choose Rex & Roxy, you’re selecting more than a pet care service; you’re trusting a team that approaches each pet with empathy, expertise, and dedication. Our thorough training program guarantees each caregiver not only meets high standards of skill and knowledge but embodies our commitment to creating joyful, secure, and memorable experiences for every pet.