Staff Onboarding Checklist

☐ Paperwork & Documentation

• ☐ Employment contract signed
• ☐ W-4 tax form completed
• ☐ I-9 verification completed
• ☐ Direct deposit form (if applicable)
• ☐ Emergency contact information collected
• ☐ Background check completed
• ☐ Reference checks completed

☐ Preparation

• ☐ Schedule first day orientation
• ☐ Prepare workspace/station
• ☐ Order uniform/name tag (if applicable)
• ☐ Set up email account (if applicable)
• ☐ Prepare welcome packet
• ☐ Notify existing staff of new hire

☐ Welcome & Introduction

• ☐ Welcome meeting with owner/manager
• ☐ Tour of facility
• ☐ Introduction to team members
• ☐ Review facility layout and key areas
• ☐ Explain parking and break areas

☐ Policies & Procedures

• ☐ Review employee handbook
• ☐ Explain work schedule and hours
• ☐ Review time-off policy
• ☐ Explain dress code/uniform requirements
• ☐ Review safety protocols
• ☐ Explain emergency procedures
• ☐ Review break and meal policies

☐ Role Expectations

• ☐ Review job description
• ☐ Explain daily responsibilities
• ☐ Set performance expectations
• ☐ Review key performance indicators (if applicable)
• ☐ Explain reporting structure
• ☐ Discuss growth opportunities

☐ Dog Safety & Handling

• ☐ Dog body language basics
• ☐ Safe dog handling techniques
• ☐ Recognizing signs of aggression or stress
• ☐ How to break up dog fights (if applicable)
• ☐ Understanding different dog sizes and temperaments
• ☐ Vaccination requirements and verification

☐ Facility Operations

• ☐ How to check in/out dogs
• ☐ Cleaning procedures and schedule
• ☐ Equipment operation (gates, doors, etc.)
• ☐ Maintenance reporting procedures
• ☐ Supply inventory and ordering
• ☐ Opening and closing procedures

☐ Customer Service Standards

• ☐ Greeting customers warmly
• ☐ Answering common questions
• ☐ Handling complaints professionally
• ☐ Membership sales process (if applicable)
• ☐ Phone etiquette
• ☐ Email communication standards
• ☐ Social media guidelines (if applicable)

☐ Watch Training Videos

• ☐ Emergency response procedures
• ☐ Dog fight prevention and intervention
• ☐ Cleaning and sanitization protocols
• ☐ Customer service best practices
• ☐ Point-of-sale system training (if applicable)
• ☐ Safety equipment usage

Note: Create or link to your training videos. Update this list with your specific resources.

☐ Review Documentation

• ☐ Emergency response plan
• ☐ Incident reporting procedures
• ☐ Vaccination verification process
• ☐ Waiver and liability forms
• ☐ Facility rules and regulations
• ☐ Equipment manuals (if applicable)

☐ Week 1: Observation

• ☐ Shadow experienced staff member (Day 1-2)
• ☐ Observe customer interactions
• ☐ Watch dog handling procedures
• ☐ Observe cleaning routines
• ☐ Ask questions and take notes

☐ Week 1-2: Guided Practice

• ☐ Practice customer check-ins with supervision
• ☐ Practice dog handling with supervision
• ☐ Practice cleaning procedures
• ☐ Handle phone calls with support
• ☐ Process transactions with guidance

☐ Week 2-3: Independent Work

• ☐ Work independently with backup available
• ☐ Handle routine tasks without supervision
• ☐ Escalate issues appropriately
• ☐ Complete end-of-shift duties

☐ First Week Review

• ☐ Schedule check-in meeting (end of week 1)
• ☐ Review what's going well
• ☐ Address any questions or concerns
• ☐ Provide additional training if needed
• ☐ Set goals for week 2

☐ 30-Day Review

• ☐ Schedule 30-day performance review
• ☐ Assess progress and competency
• ☐ Gather feedback from employee
• ☐ Discuss long-term goals
• ☐ Address any ongoing training needs

☐ Final Sign-Off

• ☐ All training completed
• ☐ Employee feels confident in role
• ☐ Manager/owner approval
• ☐ Employee signature: _________________ Date: _______
• ☐ Manager signature: _________________ Date: _______