Dog Handler –
Wolf in Winter is Vancouver Island’s leading Dog Adventure Company. Our Professional Handlers focus on kindness-safety-learning and play. We provide exceptional dog hiking experiences, full day- PlayCare™ Adventures, premium dog wash/blow dry, nail trims, specific dog training, and even Quality Pet Products.
Our private, fully fenced farm acreages in Central Saanich and Metchosin are the heart of our Adventure program, where dogs run, play, and explore in a safe, off-leash environment. We practice good manners and train basic obedience with our pups on their hikes and all Day PlayCare Adventures with us.
Clients love that we always pick up/drop off their pups from home or work, letting us fully focus on the dogs, at our incredible private fenced farm acreages-Our client dogs become healthier and happier members of their families thanks to our care.
While we're not a doggy daycare, and don't board overnight, some Team members provide overnight care in client homes or their own. We are trusted to provide the very highest quality of care and we take this to heart, and collectively as a Team work to provide the very highest standard of trust and care for our clients.
Our business is growing, we've recently added Langford and area and we’re looking for a dedicated, Dog Handler to join our team. This is a physical, rewarding role for someone who loves dogs, takes safety seriously, is committed to the very highest level of authentic care of our canine clients and their human owners. Our Handlers are certified in Pet First Aid/CPR and achivieng these certifications will be part of your employment training.
This is all weather, outdoor work, you thrive outdoors—rain or shine. This position involves significant daily driving and your ability to always practice safe driving and patience is critical to the position.
Who You Are
- You’re confident, calm, and capable when working with dogs
- You understand canine body language and canine group dynamics
- You are keen to learn and improve your skills and knowledge
- You are able to think on the go and adapt to changing situations and challenges with clients and most importantly the pups in your care.
- You’re a VERY safe, experienced driver with at least a full Class 5 BC license( not an L or N) and clean abstract
- You will successfully pass a background check, required for all emplyees
- You’re physically fit, self-motivated, and punctual, and work well on your own
- You communicate clearly, act responsibly, and bring kindness and and safety mindset with you everyday.
Bonus Points For
- Experience in dog walking, dog daycare, dog training, dog grooming, vet clinics, equine, or farm work
- Dog training skills or certification
- Pet First Aid+Emergency Pet CPR (or willingness to obtain it)
- Friendly, authentic and exceptional client communication and professional conduct
- Additional skills like pet check-ins, nail trims, or administering medication
What You'll Do
- Safely drive company vehicles to pick up and drop off client dogs from North Saanich to the Westshore communities
- Lead off-leash group hikes on our private acreages
- Actively monitor pups closely and intervene proactively to ensure safety and positive behaviour
- Reinforce basic training cues and structured routines (recall, manners, calm exits/entries)
- Clean up after dogs, maintain cleanliness of vehicles, gear and acreages, and report health or safety issues promptly
- Represent Wolf in Winter with warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail at all times.
What We Offer
- $21+/hour starting wage + tips
- Paid training
- Company vehicle provided for pickups and drop-offs
- Casual, outdoors oriented dress code, store discounts, on-site parking
- A supportive team culture that values safety, structure, and kindness, and learning both for our pups and our people.
- You will be joining an elite, highly trusted Team that you will be proud to be a part of.
- Opportunities to grow into leadership, training, and specialized care roles
Requirements
- Full-time weekday availability (Monday–Friday)
- Or depending on position applied for-Part-time weekday availability(Monday-Friday)
- MUST live locally, Southern Vancouver Island
- Valid Class 5 BC driver’s license with a clean abstract
- Minimum 1 year of experience working with dogs (preferred)
- Able to work independently, handle physical activity, and be outdoors in all weather
How to Apply
- Send us a short note about your dog handling and driving experience and why you'd be the perfect candidate. This role requires attention, maturity, kindness and care, and a genuine love of dogs. We're looking for skilled and dependable canine care professionals only. This is a profession that you MUST be passionate about.
Application Question
- This role requires managing multiple dogs on and off-leash and transporting them daily.
- Tell us about your experience with dog handling and safe driving. Be specific.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: From $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company car
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
- Store discount
- Work from home
Application question(s):
- Working with dogs and people and driving require the ability to adapt to changing situations and prioritize safely and quickly, describe how your past experiences would help you bring this skill set to Wolf In Winter
- Job requires the ability to manage multiple dogs, and there is allot of driving involved, You must be a very safe driver and must love dogs. Please elaborate on your prior experience with both Dogs and Driving.
Experience:
- working with dogs professionally: 1 year (preferred)
- dog ownership: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
