Dog Walker / Pet Care Provider

We are a busy dog walking and Pet Care company seeking a true animal lover to join our team. You would be responsible for providing drop in visits and dog walks to our clients' furry family members. We are looking for someone that can join our team servicing the Portsmouth and Dover area.

Being a part of the Port City Paws team is a great source of supplemental or full time income for someone with a flexible schedule. We are busiest during the week (M-F) between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm. Weekend and evening shifts are available as well. Option to work holidays to earn additional income. There are no guaranteed hours for this position. This is not full-time work and a separate source of other income is recommended. We are a fast-growing company and as we grow, so will your schedule so in lieu of that, we are looking for someone that has regular availability.

You must be an animal lover and have experience working with dogs and cats. Experience with other small animals is a plus (hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, etc.) In addition to being an animal lover, our ideal candidate has strong people skills, excellent time management, is a good problem solver, very detail oriented, and has a true passion for what the role requires.

You will be working outside with animals in this position, meaning you will encounter yucky smells, untrained dogs, and all kinds of weather. You need to be ready, willing, and able to handle any and all scenarios you may face with a positive and upbeat attitude.

Job requirements

• Must be able to pass federal background check
• Must be 18 years of age
• Must have reliable transportation with insurance
• Must have a valid drivers license
• Must be available weekdays from late morning to early afternoon
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs
• Willing to service clients in the Portsmouth and Dover areas.
• You must have a smartphone (Apple or Android) with GPS, the ability to take pictures, ability to send and receive texts and emails, and also learn and navigate our new app (Pet Pocketbook).

What we are looking for in our Team Members

• Professional Pet Care experience (kennel, daycare, pet sitting, veterinary, etc.) preferred, but we will consider the right candidate.
• Enthusiastic, caring, compassionate, and willing to go above and beyond to keep our Clients happy and treat their pets like family and keep them safe.
• Detail-oriented, and willing to follow all Client instructions and preferences regarding their pet.
• Excellent communication skills and be responsive to messages from Clients and other staff
• You must be comfortable walking outdoors during all four seasons.
• Must be able to be on your feet for 6-8 hours a day including days with inclement weather.
• You must be willing to handle dogs of all breeds/sizes.
• You must be comfortable working with dogs that jump and / or pull. Bonus if you have experience with fearful or reactive pets.
• You must be willing to work with other animals (cats, rabbits, hamsters, etc).
• Must be comfortable using equipment- leashes, harnesses, halti’s, prong collars, etc.
• Due to the bonding that occurs between our staff members and the pets in their care, we request that employees try to make a commitment to working with Port City Paws LLC for ONE YEAR.This request is not intended to change the traditional relationship of employment at will.
• Team members must also be willing to attend training and continuing education courses as requested by Port City Paws LLC.

Job Duties

• Must feel comfortable entering clients homes alone and securing upon departure. This includes keeping codes, keys and points of entry secure.
• Some visits may require you to walk the dog around the neighborhood or go to their backyard and play.
• Must be willing to engage with pets during drop in visits- i.e. playing, snuggling or sitting with the pet.
• Walks/visits range from 15 to 60 minutes and may include other tasks such as feeding, administering medication, and other daily Pet Care needs.
• Must have an understanding of animal behavior or be willing to learn.
• Team members must be comfortable attending New Client Meetings, which are essentially interviews for new Pet Care and dog walking clients.

Potential Challenges

• You are working with animals- you will get slobbery, hairy, and some days dirty.
• You may have to clean up pet messes such as dirty dogs, vomit, diarrhea, hairballs, litter boxes, etc.
• Dogs need to get outside every day, including days with rain, ice/snow, sleet and hail so you will be outside in inclement weather (although we limit outdoor time in inclement weather).
• Although rare, you may encounter an emergency situation that could require transportation of the pet to an emergency veterinarian. You must be comfortable assessing and responding to emergency situations in a timely manner.
• You may need to remove ticks from pets / nature debris.

Benefits of working with us:

• More than just an employee, you will be part of a family
• Casual atmosphere – no suits here!
• You will be an employee (vs a 1099 independent contractor) and are covered under our General Liability insurance, Bonding, and Workmans’ compensation, and we pay your employee taxes.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Pay starts at $17.00 per hour
• 100% of client tips
• Birthday off with pay
• Flexible time off and sick days
• Paid training (in person and online)
• Paid Pet CPR Certification (after 90 days)
• We provide all supplies for use during visits
• Workman's Compensation Coverage
• Bonuses for referring new Clients or Staff
• Periodic pay raises
• Weekly vehicle & gas stipend

Being a Dog Walker and Pet Care Provider is an extremely rewarding job. Port City Paws has been servicing the Portsmouth and Dover area since 2021.Our goal is to provide personalized and professional care because we believe all pets deserve the extra love, care and attention. Our mission is to enhance the lives of as many pets as possible and improve not only their quality of life but their owners as well. We provide individualized care and rewarding experiences built on trust, reliability and integrity. Happy pets and families are our top priority.

If you think you’d be a good fit for our team and have met the above requirements, please submit your application here: https://www.portcitypawspetcare.com/joinourteam

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Fuel reimbursement
• Mileage reimbursement
• On-the-job training
• Paid training
• Referral program

Compensation package:

• Hourly pay
• Overtime pay
• Performance bonus
• Tips

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Morning shift
• Weekends as needed

Travel requirement:

• Travel

Work Location: In person