Experienced Dog Walker

Paws For Walks Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 13,000 - 18,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Animal behavior training

Paid training

Raises and performance bonuses

Job summary

Paws For Walks Chicago is looking for pet care specialists to provide excellent care for pets in Chicago. Responsibilities include ensuring pets are well-cared for during visits, providing enriching playtime, and maintaining communication with clients. This part-time role offers flexible hours and competitive pay, with rates ranging from $13 to $18 per visit plus tips. Ideal candidates should have prior pet care experience, physical stamina, and should be 21 years or older. Training opportunities and performance bonuses are available.

Qualifications

• Previous pet-care experience preferred.
• Comfortable handling dogs of all sizes and working with cats.
• Physical stamina and ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Able to submit to and pass a background check.

Responsibilities

• Ensure pets receive excellent care during visits.
• Provide enriching playtime with pets.
• Monitor pets and report necessary information to clients.
• Maintain friendly and professional demeanor with clients.

Skills

Pet-care experience

Ability to handle dogs of various sizes

Physical stamina

Time management

Job description

About Us:

• Paws for Walks Chicago is a premium pet care company that is more than dog walking and pet sitting.
• We are dedicated to pet safety first, then we have lots of tail waggin' fun!
• We are a women and LGBTQ+ owned company that is committed to excellent pet care as well as building up a staff of excellent pet‑care specialists.
• Our employees enjoy a work culture that promotes physical and mental health & happiness for that of our staff and our pup clients.
• We have been providing individual dog walks, overnight care, cat visits, and boarding in Chicago since 2013.

Neighborhoods:

• Lincoln Park
• Lakeview East
• Gold Coast
• Old Town
• River North
• Streeterville
• Lakeshore East
• West Town
• Loop, South Loop and West Loop

Job Responsibilities:

• Ensure pets receive excellent care during 20‑60 minute visits.
• Provide enriching playtime whether inside with cats or outside on walks with dogs for the full duration of the service.
• Follow agreed upon routes and schedules dictated by human clients.
• Monitor pets throughout the visit and report anything necessary requested by human clients.
• Provide water, food, and treats as requested by human clients.
• Clean up after pets and dispose of waste properly during walks.
• Compose thoughtful and detailed messages to clients at the end of each visit requested by human clients.
• Maintain a friendly and professional demeanor with clients and their pets.

Qualifications:

• Previous pet-care experience preferred.
• Comfortable handling dogs of all sizes and working with cats (on occasion).
• Local full‑time resident of our service area *or can commute to service areas.
• Physical stamina and ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Comfortable walking in various elements, such as rain, snow, and hot weather.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Willing to commit to the position on a long term basis.
• U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the U.S., must have an SSN.
• 21 years of age or older.
• Able to submit to and pass a background check.
• Has a smartphone with a reliable data plan.

Salary & Rates:

Online & Field training $16/hr

• 20 minute visit — $13 + tips
• 30 minute visit — $14 + tips
• 45 minute visit — $16 + tips
• 60 minute visit — $18 + tips

Part‑time work needed — You tell us your hours you want to work and we will schedule you for walks during the times you give us.

Extra pet rate — additional $2/visit

After‑hours rate — additional $2/visit

Weekend rate — additional $2/visit

Holiday rate — additional $10/visit

Overnight care in client's home (12 hours) — $70 + tips

Boarding 1 dog in your home (24 hours) — $90 + tips

Daycare 1 dog in your home (9 am - 5 pm) — $40 + tips

Potential raise after your first 90 days; raise is contingent on performance.

$10 bonus for positive online reviews.

$10 bonus for signing up new clients.

Benefits:

• Animal behavior training and pet first aid certification.
• Raise, performance and bonus structure.
• Paid training both online and in the field.
• Company provided CTA passes when Full‑time.

Schedule:

• Monday-Friday or Mon‑Thu 9‑2, 1‑6, 4‑9
• Saturday‑Sunday 7‑11 am, 11‑3, 4‑9
• Overnight care in dogs homes: 8 pm‑8 am
• Daycare in your home: 9‑5 or as client requests
• Dog boarding in your home: client will dictate time

This position works well as a second job for many in the service or gig industry, as well as retirees looking for part‑time work.