Dog Daycare Driver / Handler Weekdays Only, No Nights or Holidays

Dog Daycare Driver / Handler•

Weekdays Only, No Nights, No Early Mornings, Location:

San Carlos, CA (start and end your day here)

Pay, Schedule & Location Starting Pay:

$23.50/hr | $24.50/hr after successful 120-day introductory period

Schedule:

Monday through Friday, no nights or weekends

Shifts:

8:00 AM•3:30 PM or 9:30 AM•5:30

PM Holidays:

Closed on all major holidays + annual closure from Dec 25•Jan 2 Work location: Start and finish in San Carlos in a company van; pick up dogs around the Peninsula, supervise play at our private 7-acre ranch, and return all dogs home before ending your shift

Benefits:

Paid Time Off, Paid Sick Time, retirement plan, and a monthly cell phone stipend (medical/dental not currently provided) Job Summary We've been doing this for 25 years, and we still believe the right person for this job is rare — and worth finding. Join Vicki's Little Rascals as a Dog Daycare Driver / Handler with a consistent Monday-Friday schedule and no nights, weekends, or major holidays. Your day has a natural rhythm to it. It starts on the road — picking up dogs from clients' homes across the Peninsula in a company van, where you're the first face they see and the standard you set matters. It moves to the ranch — our private 7-acre property where you'll oversee off-leash play, lead pack walks, and keep a sharp eye on the group. And it ends back on the road — returning every dog home safely, one happy household at a time. If you genuinely enjoy driving, being outside, and working with dogs, this day will suit you well. If any one of those three things doesn't appeal to you, it probably won't. The best wranglers build bonds so strong that dogs shake with excitement at the sound of the van. That connection is what we're known for — and it starts with you. This role is as much about clear communication and comfort with technology as it is about loving dogs. You are the face of our business on every route and at every doorstep. This isn't a "pick your hours" flexible gig — it's better: steady hours, the same teammates, and the same dogs building real relationships with you every single day. About Vicki's Little Rascals Founded in 2001, Vicki's Little Rascals is a trusted doggy daycare known for strict safety procedures, safe transport, strong client communication, and professionalism. Our 7-acre ranch is a secure, custom-built playground designed around dog behavior and group dynamics. We are a membership-based daycare, so you see the same core group of dogs day after day, building real bonds instead of meeting brand-new dogs every shift. We're a small, stable team, so you work with the same people each day and everyone relies on each other. We're a small local business, not a chain — every hire really matters and your reliability, hustle, and positive energy have a direct impact on our dogs, clients, and team. What You'll Do Transport & Safely Manage Dogs Drive a passenger van (think the white Ford Transit van rentals at U-Haul) safely and confidently (training provided for the right driver) Follow established routes for pick-ups and drop-offs across the Peninsula Lift, secure, and assist dogs up to 80 lbs in and out of the van multiple times per shift Stay vigilant during every pick-up and drop-off, scanning the environment before any door opens Supervise Off-Leash Play at the Ranch Monitor group play in a large outdoor setting, staying active and attentive at all times Read dog body language and group dynamics, intervening early to keep play safe and fun Notice and report any changes in health or behavior (limps, stomach upset, stress, etc.) Move quickly — including running when needed — to keep dogs safe Communicate, Use Tech & Keep Everyone Updated Capture action photos that show dogs genuinely having a great day Write short, clear daily updates for clients about their dog's experience Use our tech tools throughout the day — Slack, our client portal, and other apps — for route updates, dog notes, and team communication Follow digital procedures accurately so information is logged in the right place and nothing falls through the cracks What You'll Love About This Job Building real bonds with a consistent group of membership dogs who light up when they see you and your van Being adored by clients who see you as a trusted extension of their family Representing a respected local brand and modeling our high standards in every interaction with clients and the public Working with the same small team every day, where people step in for each other and take pride in doing things the right way A day that moves — from the road to the ranch and back again, with variety built into every shift A schedule that gives you evenings and weekends completely free while still providing steady, predictable weekday hours The chance to grow into a true dog professional with deep understanding of dog behavior and pack management Who Thrives in This Role The people who succeed here: Take reliability seriously and show up on time, every time Genuinely enjoy driving — this is a meaningful part of every shift, not an afterthought Are active, outdoorsy, and unbothered by rain, mud, or a busy day with dogs Follow pickup and drop-off routines precisely, manage dogs according to their assigned zones, and report any health or behavior changes immediately Sweat the small stuff — you don't put a muddy dog back in a client's home without cleaning their paws first. The details are the job, and the details are what our clients remember Communicate proactively: quick messages when running behind, notes about dogs who seemed "off," and heads-ups for the next wrangler Stay positive and solution-oriented instead of gossiping or complaining Keep their focus on the dogs and the work, not on their phone or drama Dog Experience & What We're Really Looking For Professional dog experience — daycare, grooming, vet tech, training — is a genuine advantage and we love to see it. That said, we also consider applicants who have lived with, cared for, and truly understand dogs at a deep level. Part of our onboarding includes formal dog handling training, and every Wrangler earns a certificate in dog handling as part of the position. What we can't train is mindset. If you don't come in with professional daycare experience, you must bring exceptional attention to detail, a genuine drive to learn, and an absolute baseline comfort with dogs of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments. And here's the most important thing to understand about this role: you are not here to play with dogs all day. Yes, that's part of it — and it's genuinely fun. But your primary job is to keep every dog safe. Think of yourself as a lifeguard, not a playmate. You are watching, reading, anticipating, and intervening. The dogs are having the best day of their week. Your job is to make sure it stays that way. If that responsibility excites you rather than surprises you, you're probably exactly who we're looking for. Requirements 21+ and legally authorized to work in the United States Valid California driver's license and clean driving record Comfortable driving a larger passenger van (we'll train if you have solid general driving experience) At least 1 year of experience working with dogs (daycare, walking, training, vet, rescue, etc.) preferred; genuine lifelong dog owners with strong handling instincts also considered Comfortable with technology: using smartphone apps, Slack, client portals, and other digital tools is a normal part of your day Strong written communication for short, clear client updates Comfortable being the public face of the business on routes and at the ranch Able to perform physically demanding work: standing, walking, bending, lifting up to 80 lbs, and working outdoors in all weather Positive attitude, genuine love for dogs, and willingness to pitch in wherever needed All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and motor vehicle record review Important Notes Before You Apply Personal Pets at Work We understand that many dog lovers are drawn to this role, but please note: employees may not bring personal pets to work . Van capacity is limited to member dogs enrolled in our program, and maintaining focus on our clients' dogs is essential to the safety and service standards our families expect. Start Location & Transportation Daily start location: San Carlos This location is not easily accessible by public transportation. Employees will need a very reliable transportation plan. Please consider your commute plan carefully before applying. Benefits & Predictable Schedule We don't currently offer medical or dental insurance. Instead, we offer a higher hourly rate so that employees can put it towards whatever they need — whether that's medical coverage, Bay Area cost of living, or personal priorities. Our consistency isn't just a perk — it's core to who we are. You work the same shifts every week: either 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM or 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday. You know exactly which dogs you're seeing, which teammates you're with, and where you'll be every single day. This is a relationship-based business, not a gig economy job. Consistency with the dogs, with your clients, and with your team is everything we do.

Time off works like this:

We close on all major holidays, plus the full week between Christmas and New Year's. You accrue one week of paid time off per year, plus 40 hours of paid sick time. Add it up and you're looking at nearly three weeks off annually — built on a foundation of predictable, dependable hours so you can actually plan your life around steady income and a team that counts on you every single day. Training & Introductory Period The first 120 days are an introductory period for both you and us. We invest heavily in training on dog handling, transport, safety protocols, technology, and teamwork. By the end of this period, you'll know whether this is the right long-term fit — and we'll know you're ready to be trusted with our clients' beloved dogs. A Note on Commitment We invest significant time and energy into training every new Wrangler — because doing this job well takes real knowledge, real relationships, and real trust. We're not looking for a stopgap or a placeholder. We're looking for someone who has genuinely assessed whether this role is the right fit for them right now. Our shifts run either 8:00 AM•3:30 PM or 9:30 AM•5:30 PM, Monday through Friday. That predictability is actually one of the best things about this job — you always know your hours, you always know which dogs you're seeing, and you always know who your teammates are. If you want a job where your pay is consistent, your hours are consistent, and you can actually plan your life — this is it. What this role asks in return is that you show up. Every day, for the team, for the dogs, and for the clients who are counting on us. If you need significantly more flexibility or time away than what's described above, this probably isn't the right fit. But if you're someone who wants to plant themselves somewhere, build something real, and be part of a small business with a deeply loyal client base — we'd genuinely love to meet you. We're hoping for at least a year together, and ideally much longer. Equal Opportunity Equal Opportunity Vicki's Little Rascals is an equal-opportunity employer committed to inclusivity and a people-first culture. If you're excited about this role but not sure you meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply.

Pay:

$23.50•$24.50 per hour

Benefits:

On-the-job training Opportunities for advancement Paid time off Paid training Professional development assistance Retirement plan Application Question(s): Do you have a valid California driver's license and a driving record that reflects a consistent history of safe driving? A current DMV report will be required as part of the hiring process. Are you 21 or older? Are you available Monday through Friday for all five days? ( Can you meet the physical requirements? Lift up to 80 lbs, stand and walk for extended periods, drive a large van for several hours daily, and work outdoors in all weather conditions. Describe your experience working with or caring for dogs — personal, professional, or volunteer. What draws you to this role right now, and why Vicki's Little Rascals specifically? Tell us about a time you were responsible for something — or someone — that really mattered. What is your earliest available start date? We offer one week of accrued PTO, 40 hours of paid sick time, and closure on all major holidays including the full week between Christmas and New Year's. If that works for your life right now, this could be a great fit. Please answer Yes / No How long do you typically stay in a position, and what usually drives your decision to move on?

Work Location:

In person