Happy Dance Dog Walking & Training is growing, and we’re looking for a compassionate, reliable animal lover to join our team in a hybrid pet care role.
This is a flexible position that combines: Overnight/In-Home Pet Sitting, In-Staff Pet Boarding and Optional Weekday Dog Walking & Support Services. Because this is a flexible/casual position, we cannot guarantee hours.
We are looking for someone who genuinely enjoys animals, is calm and responsible, and can provide safe, structured, thoughtful care for dogs in both home and boarding environments.
Many of the dogs we work with thrive on routine, emotional regulation, predictability, and low-stress handling. We are not simply looking for someone to “watch dogs”, we are looking for someone who understands the importance of creating calm, safe experiences for both pets and owners. We do service clients and dogs who may be reactive or have specific needs.
Responsibilities
- Overnight stays in client homes while caring for pets.
- Providing feeding, walks, enrichment, medications (if needed), and companionship.
- Hosting select pets in your own home for boarding services
- Monitoring dog behaviour, stress levels, and comfort
- Following structured routines and care instructions
- Maintaining a calm and safe environment
- Sending updates/photos to clients through our scheduling app
- Optional support with weekday dog walking, pack walks, or buddy visits if available/interested
Requirements
- Minimum age of 18 years old
- Valid driver’s license/insurance and reliable vehicle
- Comfortable staying overnight in client homes
- Comfortable having dogs stay in your home (for boarding applicants)
- Experience with dogs (professional or personal)
- Comfortable handling dogs of various sizes and temperaments
- Strong communication and reliability
- Trustworthy
- Proof of clean criminal record
- Smartphone access for scheduling and updates
- Must be legally able to work in Canada
Ideal Candidate
This role is ideal for someone who is:
- Calm, patient, and observant
- Trustworthy and highly responsible
- Interested in dog behaviour and emotional wellbeing
- Comfortable working independently
- Is highly motivated and a self starter
- Flexible with evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays
- Able to follow structure and routines closely
- Looking for meaningful, relationship-based work with animals
- Not easily overwhelmed and able to maintain a calm demeanor
- Experienced with reactive and more complex temperaments
Position Details
- Independent Contractor position
- Casual / Flexible scheduling
- Training and onboarding provided
- Opportunity for growth for the right candidate
Why Work With Happy Dance?
Happy Dance is built around dog behaviour science, emotional regulation, ethical handling, and creating thoughtful experiences for dogs.
We focus heavily on:
- structured care
- emotional wellbeing
- calm social experiences
- relationship-based handling
- supporting both dogs AND owners
You’ll gain:
- Hands-on dog handling experience
- Support from experienced trainers
- Flexible scheduling
- A positive, supportive team environment
- Opportunities to grow within the company
How to Apply
Please send:
- A short introduction about yourself
- Your experience with dogs/pet care
- Your resume
- Your general availability
- Criminal Record Check
Whether you are interested in:
- In-home pet sitting
- Boarding in your home
- Weekday services
- Or all of the above
Apply via: [email protected]
Pay: $20.00-$180.00 per day
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Flexible schedule
- Work from home
Experience:
- Pet care: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
