Pet Care Team Leader

Pawsitive Dawg Walking and Pet Sitting, LLC; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage reimbursement

Job summary

Pawsitive Dawg Walking and Pet Sitting, LLC is seeking a Pet Care Team Lead to supervise and mentor our growing team while delivering hands-on dog care in the field. The role emphasizes training, client introductions, and maintaining high standards of safety and client service.

The ideal candidate leads by example, communicates effectively, and embraces Fear Free handling and positive reinforcement to support dogs and staff.

Qualifications

• 12+ months of professional dog walking experience in a paid position.
• Experience supervising, leading, or managing employees.
• Strong knowledge of canine body language, behavior, and safe handling techniques.
• Experience guiding, coaching, or giving constructive feedback.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to changing schedules.
• Commitment to positive reinforcement and compassionate pet care.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and automobile insurance.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe, reliable dog walking and pet care visits.
• Follow pet care instructions, safety protocols, and procedures.
• Recognize canine body language and potential behavioral concerns.
• Use positive reinforcement and Fear Free handling techniques.
• Complete detailed visit reports and update clients and management.
• Demonstrate time management and professionalism.

Skills

Dog walking experience

Supervising/leadership

Communication skills

Coaching / mentoring

Organizational skills

Independent work capability

Positive reinforcement

Valid driver’s license

Tools

Reliable vehicle

Job description

Location: Waltham, MA, and surrounding communities

Schedule: Monday-Friday, availability required between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM AND one weekend per month

Guaranteed Hours: 15 hours per week but opportunity to work up to 25 hours

Starting Pay: $18.00 per hour

Position Type: Part-Time, Hourly, Field-Based

Do you love working with dogs and helping others become better pet care professionals?

Pawsitive Dawg Walking and Pet Sitting is seeking an experienced, dependable, and enthusiastic Pet Care Team Lead to provide exceptional pet care while helping train, mentor, and support our growing team.

This is a hands‑on, field‑based leadership position, with approximately 90% of your time spent in the field providing pet care visits, welcoming new clients, training employees, and supporting team members through shadow visits and constructive feedback.

We're looking for someone who leads by example, takes initiative, communicates effectively, and enjoys helping others succeed.

Our approach to pet care emphasizes positive reinforcement, Fear Free principles, consent‑based handling, and building trusting relationships with the animals in our care.

Key Responsibilities

Professional Pet Care

• Provide safe, reliable, and compassionate dog walking and pet care visits.
• Follow individualized pet care instructions, safety protocols, and company procedures.
• Recognize canine body language, stress signals, and potential behavioral concerns.
• Practice positive reinforcement and Fear Free handling techniques.
• Complete detailed visit reports and communicate important updates to clients and management.
• Model excellent time management, professionalism, and customer service.

New Client Visits & Introductions

• Take on new clients and help establish positive, consistent care routines.
• Become familiar with each pet's individual needs, personality, and handling requirements.
• Identify potential challenges and communicate recommendations to management.
• Help introduce additional team members to new clients when appropriate.
• Ensure important care information is documented and shared with the team.

Employee Training & Development

• Assist with hands‑on training and onboarding of new pet care employees.
• Demonstrate proper leash handling, pet safety, visit procedures, and professional communication.
• Help new employees build confidence and develop their pet care skills.
• Reinforce company policies, safety standards, and service expectations.
• Provide supportive, constructive feedback throughout the training process.
• Communicate employee progress and additional training needs to management.

Employee Shadows & Quality Assurance

• Conduct shadow visits with existing employees to observe their pet care practices.
• Identify strengths and opportunities for improvement.
• Offer practical coaching, encouragement, and actionable feedback.
• Help employees develop better handling techniques, efficiency, and confidence.
• Document observations and share relevant feedback with management.
• Follow up on identified concerns as directed to support continued improvement.

Communication & Team Support

• Serve as an approachable, knowledgeable resource for fellow pet care team members.
• Help troubleshoot routine field challenges and elevate concerns when appropriate.
• Communicate proactively with management about pet behavior, safety, employee development, and client needs.
• Promote a positive, supportive, and accountable team culture.
• Lead by example through reliability, professionalism, and a willingness to help others.

Required Qualifications

• At least 12 months of previous professional dog walking experience in a paid position.
• Previous experience supervising, leading, or managing employees.
• Strong knowledge of canine body language, behavior, and safe handling techniques.
• Experience providing guidance, coaching, or constructive feedback to others.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and sound judgment.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to changing schedules.
• Commitment to positive reinforcement and compassionate pet care.
• Valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, and automobile insurance.
• Availability Monday through Friday between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM AND one weekend per month.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience training or onboarding employees.
• Fear Free certification or other professional pet care education.
• Experience working with dogs with a variety of temperaments and behavioral needs.
• Experience conducting employee observations or performance coaching.

Schedule & Compensation

Starting Pay: $18.00 per hour

Guaranteed Hours: 15 hours per week

This position requires availability Monday through Friday between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM AND one weekend per month

• Approximately 90% of scheduled hours will be spent in the field performing pet care visits, introducing new clients to our services, training employees, and conducting supportive shadow visits.
• The remaining time will be dedicated to documentation, communication with management, and other assigned leadership responsibilities.
• Additional hours may be available depending on business needs.
• Eligible business mileage is reimbursed in accordance with company policy.

What Success Looks Like

Our ideal Pet Care Team Leader:

• Provides consistently exceptional pet care and client experiences.
• Helps new employees become confident, capable, and independent.
• Supports existing employees through meaningful coaching and constructive feedback.
• Helps new clients and pets transition smoothly into our care.
• Identifies potential issues early and communicates them proactively.
• Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and excellent judgment.
• Reinforces our commitment to safety, reliability, compassion, and continuous improvement.

Why Join Pawsitive Dawg Walking and Pet Sitting?

We're passionate about providing exceptional pet care while building a supportive, educated, and professional team.

We believe in continuing education, positive reinforcement, compassionate handling, and giving our employees opportunities to grow.

As a Pet Care Team Leader, you'll have the opportunity to make a difference not only in the lives of the pets we care for, but also in the professional development of the people who care for them.