United Pets is an established but constantly growing Force Free pet care company based in Vancouver, BC. We love animals of all sizes and breeds; though dogs are our focus, we also have cats, rabbits, and reptile clients. To ensure we maintain a high level of service, United Pets is looking to add more animal loving individuals to our team.
About the position:
**MUST HAVE A VEHICLE**
We are hiring part-time independent contractors for both private walks and group walks within our Vancouver service areas (Downtown, Kitsilano, and East Van). The private walks range from 15-minute potty breaks with senior dogs and puppies, to 60-minute neighborhood walks with our more energetic or reactive/anxious dogs, and everything in-between. Group walks are done at a local off-leash dog space, with a maximum of 6 dogs per handler. We work in all weather conditions; from January snow to August heat (with safety stipulations for extreme weather days). Being prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at you will go a long way towards ensuring you enjoy long days outside with the dogs!
United Pets offers competitive compensation and flexible workdays. As independent contractors, you will use your own vehicle, supply your own equipment (treats and poop bags), and submit invoices for services on a schedule of your choice. Having a vehicle capable of safely transporting 4-6 dogs is a requirement for group walks, which is our current hiring goal. Choose your own schedule, take time off whenever you like, and accept or pass on any dogs as you see fit.
The core walking hours are 10am – 3pm, Mon – Fri, but we do offer services in the 9am – 5pm range and beyond. Whether you're a student, a solo pet sitter looking for extra work, or have another part-time position; we are happy to work within your availability to build a schedule that works for everyone, though those with more availability will be given priority.
What You’ll Do:
- Private Walks: Times are 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes. After completing each walk, you will send the owner an update with text and photos through our app and head to the next client.
- Group Walks: Review the dogs scheduled for your group and create an efficient driving route (up to 6 dogs at a time), pick up each dog and take them to a pre-approved off leash dog park, walk for 60 minutes (expect some dogs to be mostly off leash, and some to stay on leash; depending on individual dogs’ recall and temperament), take photos along the way of the dogs having fun, complete drop offs in same manner, write and send update to owners
- You MUST have some availability Monday through Friday during prime-time (10am – 3pm)
- You MUST be able to commit to a minimum 6-month contract (ideally, we are looking for long-term, and most of our current and past contractors stayed for 2.5+ years)
- **MUST HAVE A VEHICLE**
What You Bring:
- Basic understanding of dog behaviour and positive reinforcement/force free methods
- Experience with reactive dogs
- Clean driving record and pass a criminal background check
- Customer service experience and dealing with the public
- Ability to keep calm in an emergency, and follow company procedures to reduce injury
- Pet first aid and/or willingness to complete pet safety training is an asset
- Physically fit – able to walk 10-15km a day and carry 60+lbs in case of emergency
**Expected Pay Range: Average $22-27hr. Pay will be evaluated based on experience with potential raise after 3-month probation, and again after 1 year. Completing additional courses such as Pet First Aid will move you into the next pay range.
Application question(s):
- Tell us what will set you apart and why we should hire you!
- What kind of vehicle do you have?
- Can you commit to a minimum of 6 months at this job?
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent, Freelance
Pay: $22.00-$27.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Flexible schedule
Flexible language requirement:
Work Location: In person
