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Sunny River Pet Services & Dog Walking
Dog Walker and Pet Sitter
Career Insights for Animal Trainer
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Based on Virginia data
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What they do
An Animal Trainer trains animals to become familiar with human voices and contact, and to respond to commands. Trains dogs to assist people with disabilities. May train animals for a health, competition, or show. May train other animals such as horses, dolphins, and apes.
$40,144 / year median in Virginia
+7% projected growth
Job Description
Job Summary We are looking for a qualified and skilled individual with a great aptitude for working with animals and their owners. Your passion for animals and dedication to exceptional care come together to create wonderful experiences for pets and peace of mind for their owners. In this role, you will provide reliable, personalized care, to ensure every pet is safe and well-cared-for. Your enthusiasm and attention to detail will make a positive difference in the lives of pets and their families every day. Duties Take dogs on engaging walks, ensuring they receive proper exercise and mental stimulation while adhering to individual needs and safety protocols Provide attentive pet sitting services, including feeding, administering medication if needed, and offering companionship during owners' absence Handle animals with care using animal restraint techniques to ensure safety for both pets and handlers Monitor pet behavior closely, recognizing signs of distress or health issues that may require veterinary attention or owner notification Maintain detailed logs of each pet's activities, health status, feeding schedules, and special instructions for seamless care continuity Assist with training exercises like basic dog training commands to promote good behavior and socialization Take high quality photos so that the owner never misses a thing Other responsibilities as needed by the client and approved by Sunny River Pet Services & Dog Walking Requirements Proven experience in dog handling, pet sitting, or animal care roles; veterinary technician or assistant experience is highly valued, not required Knowledge of animal handling techniques, including pet restraint and behavior management Familiarity with veterinary procedures or veterinary experience is a plus for understanding health needs Ability to perform heavy lifting when necessary to assist with animal transport or equipment setup Strong customer service skills to communicate effectively with pet owners and address their concerns professionally Experience with kennel management or animal shelter work is advantageous Passionate about animal welfare with a genuine love for caring for pets of all sizes and temperaments Advanced understanding of animal body language and cues Valid driver's license and reliable transportation Must be willing to work on weekends and holidays
- holidays subject to bonus pay.
Our Values:
- Support the community
- Appreciate diversity
- Continue educational growth
- Build lasting relationships
- Prioritize safety
- Invest in transparency
- Inspire sustainable change
- Nurture trust
- Commit to punctuality