Find Jobs
Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location
Part-Time Dog Walker and Pet Sitter
Career Insights for Animal Care Worker / Manager
See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.
Scorecard
Based on Virginia data
Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?
What they do
An Animal Care Worker or Manager manages animal care and grooming for a retail store that sells pets or for a pet grooming business. May also provide animal care and grooming at a kennel. Works with animals in shelters or rescue organizations. Works primarily with dogs and cats. Assists veterinarians with vaccinations or other procedures; screens people who want to adopt an animal from a shelter and provides information about caring for animals.
$32,426 / year median in Virginia
+11% projected growth
Job Description
- Complete scheduled dog walks and in-home pet care visits
- Follow each client's written care instructions
- Provide exercise, potty breaks, playtime, and companionship
- Refresh food and water when requested
- Care for cats and other household pets during pop-in visits
- Clean litter boxes and minor pet-related messes when needed
- Administer approved medications according to written instructions
- Send clients a written visit update and photos after each appointment
- Confirm that doors, gates, and other entry points are secure
- Protect client keys, access codes, and private information
- Report health, behavior, access, or property concerns promptly
- Communicate immediately if traffic, weather, or an emergency could affect a visit
- Safely handle dogs of different sizes, strengths, and energy levels Schedule Regular availability is needed Monday through Friday between approximately 10:00 a.
Additional appointments may include:
- Morning visits before 10:00 a.m.
- Evening visits, commonly between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
- Weekend visits
- Holiday visits
- Vacation-care schedules requiring three or four visits per day Evening and weekend appointments are generally optional, but team members with broader availability will have more opportunities for additional hours. Hours may vary based on client demand, route availability, and the team member's schedule. Compensation and Benefits
- $18-$20 per hour based on experience, availability, and qualifications
- Part-time W-2 employment
- Paid travel time between consecutive client appointments
- Referral bonus program
- Consistent recurring clients
- Routes organized geographically whenever possible
- Opportunities for additional hours as client demand grows
- Training and ongoing company support During a consecutive route, paid time begins at the start of the first client appointment and ends at the completion of the final appointment.
- Dependable and punctual
- Available consistently during weekday midday hours
- Interested in a long-term part-time position
- Comfortable working independently
- Careful when following detailed instructions
- Professional when communicating with clients
- Comfortable entering clients' homes while they are away
- Comfortable working outdoors in different weather conditions
- Able to remain calm around different animal personalities
- Comfortable driving on suburban streets, rural roads, and long driveways
- Willing to communicate quickly when something unexpected happens
- Interested in building relationships with the same pets and families Professional pet care experience is helpful but not required. Experience through pet ownership, fostering, volunteering, rescue work, or caring for other people's animals is also valuable. We can teach our procedures. We cannot teach someone to take responsibility seriously. Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- Valid driver's license
- Reliable personal vehicle
- Current automobile insurance
- Smartphone with an active data plan
- Ability to pass a criminal background check
- Ability to walk and remain active for extended periods
- Ability to safely handle dogs of different sizes and strengths
- Ability to work outdoors during heat, cold, and light rain
- Reliable availability during the agreed schedule
- Willingness to commit to the position for at least 12 months Why Join Waggin' Tails?
- Build relationships with the same pets and families
- Work independently without spending the day behind a desk
- Receive clear schedules and detailed care instructions
- Work for a locally owned company rather than a national gig platform
- Receive support when unexpected situations occur
- Help pets stay comfortable in their own homes and routines
- Gain additional hours as your route and availability grow How to Apply Apply through Indeed and answer all screening questions completely.
Please include:
- Your current ZIP code
- Your regular Monday through Friday availability
- Your morning, evening, and weekend availability
- Your experience caring for animals
- An example of a job or responsibility where someone depended on you to arrive on time without direct supervision
- The number of hours you are hoping to work each week Applications that do not include specific availability may not be considered.