Boom Rock Dogs
Meet the team
Introducing the wonderful team that makes the dog-magic happen .......
Karen
Co-Owner
As a kid I'd borrow dogs to take walking - desperate to have one of my own. As an adult I may have overcompensated! Three dogs at home and still room for more.
In my downtime I like to ski, garden, travel, DIY and make jewellery.
I love that my job involves working with great people, dogs galore, and being part of a female-led business.
I manage dog placements and behaviour, finance, business growth, site and IT development, policy, compliance, and our website.
I am driven to deliver dog daycare that is the highlight of your dogs week.
Keryn
Co-Owner
A temporary dog daycare position ten years ago has morphed into co-owning a business. What a wonderful leap of faith that was!
With a cluster of gorgeous grandkids and grown up kids still living nearby, I love spending time with family.
I enjoy travelling, gardening and going to shows.
I keep the ship running managing daily operations - three sites, ten dog handlers, and logistics for 125+ dogs every day - it's a blast.
I also manage bookings, recruitment, HR, staff wellbeing, civil defence, branding, events and PR.
I'm proud to lead a business that values our staff and delivers stand-out dog daycare.
Kristi
Admin Extraordinaire
A career change from healthcare to admin when my beautiful daughter Briar was born led me to Boom Rock Dogs.
As a busy working mum (we've also welcomed baby Leo) I enjoy running, baking & gardening.
I manage the bookings, invoicing, and accounts, payroll, vaccination programme, social media, and a zillion other tasks for the team - from contracts to Christmas parties.
I love having the flexibility to work around my kids activities while making sure the everything is running smoothly.
Liam
Team Leader - The Farm
I grew up in Wellington with a passion for animals and animal welfare.
After completing my studies in animal care, I gained experience, knowledge & confidence working in daycare & grooming business locally. I find getting to know your dogs and caring for them, very rewarding and I look forward to working with the Boom Rock dogs!
Ashleigh
Senior Dog Handler - The Farm
Dogs have been a part of my life since I was 6 years old, and I've had a passion for them ever since.
I've previously spent around 3 1/2 years working at Boom Rock Dogs and after a short break, I couldn't resist the dogs calling me back.
When I’m not spending my time with animals I’ll be outside either in my garden or off on an adventure!
I’m stoaked to be back with the Boom Rock Dogs family and look forward seeing to all the old and new faces in the pack
Darcy
Senior Dog Handler - The Farm
I'm a Welli local who has always had a dog in the house.
I've always been an animal lover - from the smallest bug to the biggest dog. After raising a service dog I realised my passion lies with working with dogs.
In my free time I love being outdoors and doing anything artsy crafty I possibly can!
I love being aboard the Boom Rock team - working with each dog's unique personality and smiley face.
Claire
Team Leader - Nature Park
I began my dog journey with my own pack walking business in Wellington for six years.
In 2022 I joined the Boomrock team as a reliever for Adventure Walks and the daycare sites.
I am now full-time at Nature Park and love it!
With four kids at home ranging in age from primary school to university and a menagerie of pets. Life is very busy and full of adventures.
Brooke
Senior Dog Hander - Nature Park
Abby
Dog Handler - Nature Park
I’ve spent over 3 years working in the industry, and absolutely love what I do. My passion for dogs started early on and has only grown since — especially now that I have a Golden Retriever of my own who keeps me on my toes! I’m all about making sure dogs are safe, happy, and well cared for, and I find so much joy in building trust with every pup I meet. Outside of work, you’ll usually find me spending time with friends and family, planning my next travel adventure, or out exploring new places with my dog by my side.
I’ve worked with dogs for the past 12 years and have extensive experience at boarding facilities and leading adventure pack walks with awesome groups of dogs.
I’m very much looking forward to meeting all your wonderful pups at Boom Rock Dogs!
Outside of work I enjoy walks out in nature, seeing new beautiful places but also quiet nights in front of the tv. Thanks for reading this, I hope to meet many of you all soon!
Jess
Team Leader - Fox Cottage
Dogs and animals are my absolute passion in life and I've worked with them for ages.
I have an extensive background in kennelling and pet retail.
I love to travel overseas in my spare time when I can.
I've been with Boom Rock Dogs since Nature Park opened. I loved the challenge of setting up the new site.
And now I'm enjoying to opportunity to help grow our latest site - Fox Cottage.
Ruby
Senior Dog Handler - Fox Cottage
Dogs have been my obsession ever since I was 3 when we adopted our first dog, Sassy from the SPCA. Ever since then I have never lived without a dog and I wouldn't wish it any other way.
My favourite thing about working at Boom Rock Dogs is seeing how excited the dogs get when I arrive to pick them up. Although work is my happy place, in my spare time my favourite things to do include absolutely anything crafty (especially crochet), reading and going on any sort of adventures.
Lara
Dog Handler - Fox Cottage
Following my passion for animals I studied and passed my Level 3 Animal Care Certificate at Weltec. Then I came to work at Boom Rock Dogs.
In my spare time I like to draw, play guitar, and snuggle up at home with my cat Billi.
Working with all kinds of different pups is an absolute dream, and I love every single one of them!
It's a real privilege to care for all the dogs and help them have a great experience every day they're with us.
Gemma
Dog Handler - Fox Cottage
Coming soon ....
Cassie
Admin Whizz & Trainer
We always had dogs growing up and I have Pearl who is a mixed breed rescue.
I love hanging out with my bub, friends or family.
I work across all of the Boom Rock Dogs sites - managing the fleet of vehicles, Health & Safety, and bringing new staff on board.
I support our teams with advice on dog behaviour and dog handling skills.
I enjoy working with all kinds of breeds and I love how all the individual personalities shine through.
I'm excited to step into my new role at Boom Rock Dogs as a working Mum - the next part of my dog journey !
Tim
Mr Swiss-Army-Knife
Exchanging carpenters tools for leashes and poopy bags wasn’t something I would have considered a few years ago, but life takes mysterious turns!
I'm the Boom Rock guy for building, relieving, maintenance - there's always a project underway and I can turn my hand to just about anything.
Pets - I've had them all. Cats, dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits and even a snake (in Canada). But its dogs that hold a special place in my heart.
It’s exciting meeting and spending time with all the Boom Rock dogs and supporting the team.
Hannah
Dog handler - Reliever
I have always had a love of animals, which I get from my mum.
We used to have two Griffons and now we have a Pug called Pearl and a Frenchie called Nala.
I have a Bachelor of Science majoring in Ecology as studying animal behaviour fascinates me.
I used to do dog walking and have been with Boom Rock since 2023.
I love getting to know all of the dogs' different personalities and watching them make new friends.
Steph
Dog Handler - Reliever
Bio coming soon ......
Kate
Dog Handler - Reliever
Since before I could walk I have always had a love for all things dog and this has grown into a big passion that has inspired me to study animal welfare and behaviour. I got stuck into as much experience with dogs as I could as soon as I was old enough which included kennel work, volunteering with animal and dog rescues and learning as much as I can about behaviour and training and how to treat dogs like the amazing companions they are! Other hobbies when I’m not with animals includes travelling, which is brought me here to Wellington from the UK, and outdoors activities like hiking and going to the beach. On rainy days I like to spend time practicing piano or learning a new language!
Marge
Dog Guru / Plant Advisor
I'm a lifelong animal lover with a background in vet nursing. I have a wealth of experience with dog daycare, training and boarding.
I like to keep my home and garden looking lovely in my spare time.
I'm on hand for the Boom Rock Dogs team if they need advice about dog behaviour and training.
And I lend my green fingers to the gardens and the planting on the farm.
Semi retired (but strangely as busy as ever!) I love passing my knowledge on to our younger team members.
Richard
Run-About-Richard
I was roped into a few odd maintenance jobs as some of my family members work for Boom Rock Dogs.
Before I knew it I was Run-About Richard!
In my spare time I enjoy cooking, spending time with family and watching sports.
Proving that age is no barrier, I'm the man on the ground for vehicle logistics, deliveries, team support and general handyman bits.
Ben
Maintenance Support
I’ve always loved dogs and was lucky enough to have them in my family home.
So now it’s a great pleasure to work at Boom Rock Dogs, maintaining infrastructure as well as helping to develop projects that add to the enrichment for our dogs.
Happy to be able to give back to these beloved companions.
How we roll ...
We're absolute advocates for outdoor daycare for dogs.
Putting lots of dogs in a building for the day just doesn't fit with our ethos for providing dog daycare that fully meets the needs of your dog - the body, mind and senses.
At Boom Rock Dogs we do things a little differently from everyone else.
We get wet, we get dirty, we dig, we swim, we poke about in the bushes, we run, we play, we make new friends. All the best bits about being a dog.
We know hand-on-heart that dogs that attend our daycare services benefit immensely from the stimulating environment, fresh air and sunshine, and the attention of our kind & caring staff.
We pride ourselves on offering fantastic service tailored to meet the needs of our customers and their much loved pets.
Work with us
We look for switched on, super-reliable dog lovers to join our team.
We don't usually advertise job vacancies - most times we will already have a bunch of candidates who have submitted their CV's. So it's important to put your hat in the ring in advance and get in touch if you are interested in working at Boom Rock Dogs in the future.
If we don't have any full-time / permanent dog handler positions available when you apply, then we'd highly recommend you consider a reliever position - this is often our gateway to permanent employment.
Please don't hesitate to email or give us a call if you have any questions before sending your CV. All inquiries, applications and CV's are taken in confidence.
Employment opportunities
Previous experience
Be sure to tell us about your experience with dogs and how you will be an asset for our business. Any skills you've attained working with people or animals, driving, building, landscaping, gardening or in the outdoors should get a mention too. If you have leadership, management, HR, Health & Safety, finance or administration experience let us know - bring your next level experience to our Team Leader roles or join our busy behind-the-scenes team.
Working conditions
Check out what it's like to work at Boom Rock Dogs Monday to Friday, 7.30 am - 4.30pm as a guideline - hours may vary slightly based on traffic conditions / number of dogs No weekends, split shifts, evenings or public holidays - ever :-) Closed for two weeks over Xmas / New Year Open whatever the weather Working in a business where all staff are valued and supported Vehicle to take home (full time staff) Pay rate: Starting from $27.80 On-line and in-house training Free flu vaccinations Cell phone allowance Social events throughout the year
Positions
Dog Handler - Ohariu Farm
If you love the outdoors and dogs with energy to burn then this could be the job for you You will: - be responsible for the pick up from home of your daily pack, followed by supervising them on long walks on the farm - have previous experience working with energetic dogs - be working with mostly larger breed dogs - love working outdoors - have a good level of fitness and a good measure of grit - the terrain and weather can be challenging - be a confident driver - have a clean drivers licence - full licence or held your restricted licence for one year (or have completed a defensive driving course) - be part of a small team, but have initiative and confidence to work by yourself - demonstrate a positive attitude to work - be 100% reliable - help out on the farm - planting, fencing, maintenance This is a full-time permanent position.
Dog Handler - Nature Park / Fox Cottage
If you love busy dogs and thinking up creative ways to enhance their day (or just dish out a whole lotta affection for some of the quieter ones), then Nature Park or Fox Cottage will be a great fit for you. You will: - be responsible for the pick up from home of your daily pack, followed by supervising their play and providing stimulating opportunities throughout the day - have previous experience working with dogs - be active and able - you'll be on your feet a lot and in and out of the van frequently - be a confident driver - have a clean drivers licence - full licence or held your restricted licence for one year (or have completed a defensive driving course) - be part of a small team, but have initiative and confidence to work by yourself - demonstrate a positive attitude to work - be 100% reliable - help out maintaining the gardens This is a full-time permanent position.
Dog Handler - Reliever
If you like variety in your working week and all sorts of dogs then this could be the ultimate job for you. You'll have the choice to work at any or all of our sites covering staff on leave, away sick etc. There may also opportunities to help with landscaping and building projects. Working days are flexible - you can simply let us know if you're unavailable and we'll block out those dates. Apart from occasional unexpected sick day cover, the reliever days are known well in advance to allow everyone to plan their schedule. You will: - be responsible for the pick up from home of your daily pack, followed by supervising them - an easy-to-follow list of customer and dog details is provided for your day - have previous experience working with dogs - be active and able - you'll be on your feet a lot and in and out of the van frequently - be a confident driver - have a clean drivers licence - full licence, or restricted licence for one year (or have completed a defensive driving course) - be part of a small team, but have initiative and confidence to work by yourself - demonstrate a positive attitude to work - be 100% reliable This is a gateway to full-time permanent employment at Boom Rock Dogs. It's also a fantastic option if you're just looking for intermittent work - perfect if you're semi-retired, considering a career change or studying from home.