Details
Job Title: Dog walker
Employer: Pawsentials Pet Services Corp.
Location: Victoria, British Columbia
Shift: Day, Flexible Hours, Morning
Salary: $9.00 commission per piece / 8 to 35 hours per week. The minimum wage is guaranteed.
Terms of employment: Permanent employment, Part-time leading to full-time
Start date: Starts as soon as possible
Requirement
Languages: English
Education: No degree, certificate or diploma
Experience: One to less than seven months
On-the-road job: Work locations may vary. Frequent or constant travel is required from the employee.
Work-site environment
- Outdoors
- Wet/damp
- Motor vehicles
Tasks
- Document animal behaviour
- Monitor animal behavior
- Keep records of animals treated
Transportation/travel information
- Own vehicle
- Own transportation
- Valid driver’s licence
Work conditions and physical capabilities
- Attention to detail
- Physically demanding
Weight Handling
- Up to 23 kg (50 lbs)
Personal suitability
- Dependability
- Reliability
- Team player
Benefits
- Bonus
- Gasoline paid
- Learning/training paid by the employer
- Variable or compressed workweek
Who can apply for this job?
The employer accepts applications from:
- Canadian citizens and permanent or temporary residents of Canada.
- Other candidates with or without a valid Canadian work permit.
How to Apply
Online through the company email: [email protected]
This job posting includes screening questions. Please answer the following questions when applying:
- Are you available for the advertised start date?
- Are you currently a student?
- Are you currently legally able to work in Canada?
- Do you currently reside in proximity to the advertised location?
- Do you have previous experience in this field of employment?
Pawsentials Pet Services Corp. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace.
All qualified candidates will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other factor prohibited by law or contract.
What is a Dog Walker?
A dog walker is in charge of giving pets exercise and attention on behalf of their owners. The walker’s primary responsibility is to walk dogs daily, giving them the exercise and mental stimulation they need to be healthy.
This position is essential for people needing more time, physical capacity, or other resources to provide their dogs with the required training. Dog walkers can be hired for daily walks, sporadic exercise sessions, or specific times when pet owners cannot care for their dogs.
In addition, they can work independently or as part of pet care services. This job is physically demanding and entails good communication with pet owners to guarantee the welfare of their cherished animals.
Responsibilities of a Dog Walker
A dog walker is responsible for various chores that aim to maintain the health, safety, and welfare of the dogs under their care. The following is a summary of the primary duties:
- Walking Dogs: The primary responsibility is to walk dogs, giving them essential exercise and mental stimulation. This entails following the predetermined timetable and length of walks while considering each dog’s unique requirements and energy levels.
- Security and Guidance: Ensure the dogs are safe using the proper harnesses and leashes when walking. When supervising dogs to ensure they don’t engage in risky activity, watch for possible threats, including vehicles, other animals, and environmental hazards.
- Primary Training Support: Support positive behavior by giving basic training commands during walks. These are a few examples of leash manners, obeying instructions, and socializing with people and other dogs.
- Health Monitoring: Monitor the dogs’ behavior and notify their owners of any food or health routine changes. Watch for symptoms of disease or distress and take the proper action, getting veterinarian attention if needed.
- Drink and Food: Ensure your dogs can drink before and after walks. Observe any feeding guidelines provided by the owners, including giving medication if necessary.
- Communication with Owners: Communicate openly and transparently with pet owners. On walks, report frequently on the dog’s whereabouts, mannerisms, and potential problems.
- Key management: Handles and stores clients’ house keys or access credentials. Uphold secrecy and security to protect the dogs’ and the client’s belongings.
- Emergency Preparedness: Know the closest veterinary clinic and possess a fundamental knowledge of providing first aid to pets in an emergency. Establish a procedure for contacting owners in an emergency.
- Professionalism: Treat the work with dignity, exhibiting dependability, timeliness, and an authentic affection for animals. To promote trust, cultivate a good rapport with the dogs’ owners.
- Maintaining Records: Make thorough notes of every dog’s actions, mannerisms, and noteworthy incidents while out for walks. Having this information on hand can help you stay consistent and address any issues that may arise later.
How to Become a Professional Dog Walker
Take pertinent courses in high school, if available
Some high schools may offer animal science and business courses for students. High school students may also participate in extracurricular activities that bring them into contact with dogs.
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent.
Although dog walkers have no formal education requirements, some animal care business employees might need a high school diploma to get hired.
Take animal care courses
Aspiring dog walkers can find educational programs sponsored by independent organizations. Alternatively, they can take college courses related to animal care and dog walking.
Coursework includes topics like animal behavior, animal body language, animal first aid, animal nutrition, dog obedience, disease prevention, leash training and pet grooming.
Be a certified dog walker
This is optional, but independent dog walkers and business owners may impress their clientele and earn more with certification.
Receive some on-the-job training
Aspiring dog walkers can receive professional training by working for dog walking businesses or volunteering at nonprofit organizations.
Take related business courses
Dog walkers who want to start their businesses can find related college courses or business courses organizations offer. Students will also learn about creating business plans, obtaining insurance, operating and promoting a business and setting fees.
Obtain the necessary licensing
Depending on the state and businesses that employ dog walkers, certain licensing is required. For instance, dog walkers must have a state driver’s license to transport dogs.
In some states, dog walkers and companies must have licenses to bring dogs to certain parks or other properties.
Obtain liability insurance
Business owners should have liability insurance if anything happens to dog walkers, the dogs themselves or their owners.
Benefits of Being a Dog Walker
- Work whenever suits you. No more working overtime or getting called in at the last minute.
- Spend the entire day with dogs. If you live where dogs are prohibited or enjoy playing with puppies, taking your dog for walks is an excellent opportunity to spend more time with your animal companions.
- Make new friends. Since most of your clients will be in the region, you can meet new people and get to know your surroundings.
- Fantastic workout. In addition to many other benefits, walking a dog lowers blood pressure and benefits the heart. Walking a dog helps you maintain your health while working.
- Ideal for senior citizens or students. Because of its flexibility, walking dogs is a great job for retirees, students, or anyone who wants to try something new.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set prices for my services?
Before deciding on pricing for your services, you should conduct some preliminary investigation. If the resources are available, look into the average costs for dog walking services in your area.
Additionally, you may contact local dog walkers to find out how much they charge for their services. Prices for dog walkers can differ depending on several criteria, including area, experience level, and certification.
Decide on a reasonable price based on your experience, the amount of time you dedicate to dog walking, and the information you have available.
How can I advertise my services as an independent dog walker?
Although they may have to rely mainly on referrals from their clients and close friends, independent dog walkers need to actively market their services independently.
If you want to become a dog walker, you may print posters and hang them in noticeable places. Another option is to launch a website to promote your services and guide dog owners.
Joining an internet employment board for dog walkers is another strategy to attract potential clients. These kinds of companies may take a cut of your profits, but they connect you with local clientele.
In the end, your social media reach might be the greatest. You will need social media accounts to meet other animal lovers, especially if you plan on building your own business.
What do I need to take with me for dog walks?
- Some extra water (for the dog walker and the dogs)
- A bowl to pour water in for the dogs to drink
- Extra leashes
- Treats for the dog
- Extra toys
- A raincoat or coat for cold weather
- Bags for dog waste
- A backpack to store all these supplies
What is the work environment for a dog walker like?
Dog walkers generally work in outdoor environments, like sidewalks and parks, because that is where they typically take dogs. Sometimes, they may be confined to indoor environments if the client wants to, or the dog walker supports the business by providing administrative duties.
Conclusion
With the various high-paying employment opportunities in Canada for foreigners, consider immigrating as soon as possible!