PET CARE SPECIALIST / DOG WALKER

Happy Walks Pet Sitting Elmhurst Northlake Villa Park Addison, IL $17-$22/hour | Part-Time | W-2 Employee Do you love animals enough to notice the little things? The dog who needs an extra minute before trusting someone new. The senior pup who is moving a little slower today. The cat who normally greets you at the door but is suddenly hiding. The nervous rescue who finally decides you're one of their people. Those little things matter to us. Happy Walks Pet Sitting is looking for kind, dependable people who understand that being trusted with someone's beloved pet is a privilege. We're a locally owned professional pet care company built around relationships. Many of the pets we care for become part of our lives for years, and our Pet Care Specialists become familiar, trusted faces to both pets and their people. If you're the person who remembers a dog's favorite walking route, knows which cat wants cuddles and which prefers to admire you from across the room, and genuinely looks forward to seeing the animals in your care, you may feel very at home here.

WHAT YOUR DAYS MAY LOOK LIKE

You'll travel between clients' homes in Elmhurst, Northlake, Villa Park and Addison providing thoughtful, individualized pet care. One visit might mean taking an energetic dog on the walk they've been waiting for all morning. The next could be a gentle potty break for a senior pup, feeding a cat while their family is traveling, giving medication, refreshing water or simply spending time with a shy pet who is learning to trust you.

You'll:

Provide safe, attentive dog walks and in-home pet care Follow each pet's individual routine and care instructions Provide meals, fresh water, treats and medications as instructed Care for litter boxes and basic pet-related cleanup Watch for changes in behavior, appetite, mobility or overall well-being Send thoughtful visit journals, photos and GPS-tracked walk information to pet parents Treat every client's home with care and respect Communicate with our team so pets receive consistent, seamless care

WHO WE'RE HOPING TO FIND

You don't necessarily need years of professional pet-care experience. You do need to be someone pets, clients and teammates can count on. You're dependable. If a pet is expecting you, showing up matters. You're observant. You notice when something seems different. You're patient. You understand that trust may need to be earned. You're safety-minded. Your eyes and ears stay open, and your attention stays on the pet in your care and your surroundings. You communicate. If something doesn't seem right or you need support, you speak up. And you understand something very important to us: these aren't "just pets." They are deeply loved members of someone's family. Professional pet sitting, dog walking, veterinary, rescue, shelter, kennel or daycare experience is wonderful. Significant personal animal-care experience matters, too. We can teach our systems and procedures. Compassion, good judgment and genuine dependability need to come with you.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Be at least 18 years old Valid driver's license Reliable personal vehicle and auto insurance Smartphone with reliable data service Ability to travel between client homes during your scheduled shift Comfort safely handling dogs of different sizes, personalities and energy levels Comfort working outdoors throughout Chicagoland's changing seasons Ability to pass a background check Consistent reliability and punctuality Live in or near Elmhurst, Northlake, Villa Park or Addison

SCHEDULE

This is a part-time position. We're especially looking for team members with consistent weekday daytime availability. Additional opportunities may be available for mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays and vacation pet care depending on your availability and our clients' needs. This is a mobile position. You'll travel between clients' homes rather than reporting to one workplace each day. PAY $17-$22 per hour. Starting pay within this range is based on relevant experience, pet-handling skills, availability and responsibilities. This is a W-2 employee position—not an independent contractor or gig-app position.

WHY HAPPY WALKS?

Because we believe professional pet care should still feel personal. You'll have a team behind you, detailed care instructions, professional scheduling and communication tools, and support when you need it. And you'll have pets who recognize your car, wait for you at the window, bring you their favorite toy and learn that your arrival means one of the best parts of their day is about to begin. Few jobs come with a welcome quite like that. If this sounds like work you'd be proud to do, we'd love to meet you.

TO APPLY

Please tell us: A little about you and your experience with animals Your general weekly availability Which areas you can reliably serve: Elmhurst, Northlake, Villa Park and/or Addison Why professional pet care appeals to you

Pay:

$17.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount Flexible schedule On-the-job training Opportunities for advancement Paid time off

Work Location:

On the road