Dog Pack Walker

Boogity Dog Walking is an established and growing off-leash dog walking business in Ottawa's west end suburbs. We're a small team of experienced dog walkers committed to quality and forming long-term relationships with clients and their dogs. We've left the desk jobs and fluorescent lights behind for good and are excited to work with like-minded individuals looking for a career working with dogs.

We are seeking a responsible, reliable, and enthusiastic individual for a Dog Walker position for the Barrhaven area. The role is to provide off-leash walks to groups of socialized dogs at a private property using a supplied vehicle. The successful candidate will be hired as an employee and receive extensive training in pack leadership and dog psychology. The position is a full-time, 6 month term placement.

Note: Many dog walking companies are hiring as independent contractors rather than employees and pay a percentage of the fee for walked dogs. This means you have little control over your day-to-day income, you must use your own vehicle and you are not eligible for EI unless you pay the premiums yourself. We hire our staff as salaried employees with a 7.5 hour working day – every day – allowing you stability and security. Make sure to be informed about how you are being hired to compare each position you are applying to accurately, especially when they say things like ‘earn up to’ a certain amount.

If you think you’d be a good fit and meet the requirements below, please submit a detailed description explaining what sets you apart from the pack, along with your resume.

Previous professional experience with dogs is not required, but clearly communicating your passion for animals and the outdoors will be strongly favoured. Selected applicants will be contacted for next steps.

Brief Description of Duties:

• Walk packs of up to 10 off-leash dogs at a private property for a minimum of one hour, once in the morning and once in the afternoon.
• Apply learned methods to train and maintain reliable off-leash recall in all dogs on the walk.
• Apply learned methods to foster safe, smooth and fun social interactions between dogs on the walk and in the vehicle, including:

- Proper assessment of a dog’s sociability and suitability for a pack setting,

- Successful integration and supervision of new dogs with established dogs,

- Matching energy level and temperament between dogs.

• Apply learned methods to ensure a positive and balanced pack environment by correctly identifying, mediating and resolving disrespectful behaviours, such as:

- Jumping on people and/or other dogs,

- Pulling when on leash,

- Mounting other dogs,

- Barking and/or whining in the vehicle,

- Possessiveness of objects.

• Use supplied business vehicle to provide dogs with safe and comfortable round-trip transportation in a timely manner.
• Communicate effectively, professionally and promptly with clients.

Requirements:

• Passion for working with dogs of all age, breed and size.
• Have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and good driving record.
• Must be double vaccinated against COVID-19
• Must be bondable, reliable and personable. Professional references will be requested.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills with a warm and friendly manner.
• Love of nature and being outdoors year-round in all types of weather.
• Desire to self-manage and work independently with little or no supervision.
• Possess patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• Physically capable of walking on uneven ground for extended periods of time and lifting up to 50lbs.

Position Features:

• Hourly Position: 18/hr
• Weekday, daytime hours between 8:30am – 5pm with flexible start and end times.
• Fully equipped, well-maintained, and insured business vehicle is provided.
• Full liability insurance, bonding and pet accident insurance. The employee is responsible for obtaining a clear Criminal Record Check in order to be bondable.
• Canine First Aid & CPR training and certification.
• An iPhone is provided for business use, as well as an @boogity email account.
• Fifteen days combined of vacation and sick leave per year (pro-rated for the term) as well as Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP).
• Necessary supplies will be provided (i.e. treats, water bottles, leashes, doggy bags, etc.).
• Receive in-depth training into dog behaviour and well-being.
• Tons of fresh air in gorgeous green spaces with lots of warm, friendly greetings from dogs and clients throughout the day.
• Support and mentorship from experienced team members.
• Possibility of bringing your dog to work

Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 6 months

Salary: $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Kanata, ON (required)

Work Location: In person