Dog Walker

We are recruiting for a professional Dog Walker to join us here at Simply Spoilt dog walking.

This is approx 34 hours per week. However, hours may fluctate as sometimes there is delays, or dogs off meaning shorter days due to the nature of the business.

This is an estimation of the total hours per week. With some days being longer and some being shorter. From the first walk start to the last walk end not including driving to the first walk and return from the last walk.

This is a self employed walker position for simplicity, but can be on the books as preferred.

It is really important that this role is understood well. It is enjoyable but can be much harder than people realise. It is most important that we find the right person and do not care how long this takes. If you think you could be a great fit then get in touch. With all dogs in this totals £368 per week. However, we do sometimes have dogs off due to customers holidays, and sometimes extra walks requested. We may also add more dogs to suitable groups as the business grows increasing earnings. Due to the nature of a dog walking company, sometimes customers may leave (rare) and we may also gain new customers.

Essentials:

• You must be experienced with dog handling and walking beyond the basic level. We ideally want someone with professional dog walking experience that is self sufficient ensuring dog safety, maximum enjoyment and every box is ticked consistently. However, we will train the right person if needed.
• Fitness: Must be rugged and thick skinned! You will be hiking for hours per day and driving etc it is physically exhausting more than people realise, but totally worth it in our opinion! It is enjoyable most of the time but can be challenging. This is not just plodding around the park with one dog and going home it is professional dog walking and is different. But when past the winter months, is the best job in the world we think!
• Flexible within agreed hours as things change, sometimes we may have extra requests (optional) may add new clients and also sometimes dogs will be off and timings can change. We want someone looking for part time work as above but nearly full time. with the potential to go full time. We are happy if you would rather stay part time but opportunity for the right person. This offers a great work life balance. Often finished before most normal 9-5 and sometimes starting earlier too.
• Reliability: Turning up day in and day out, whatever the weather and having real grit when needed. We are looking for someone long term only.
• Canine qualification's and experience a bonus.
• You will need to be beyond our initial training self sufficient and safe and meticulous. We are looking after peoples babies, and will treat them like our own maximising their experience always!
• We will be taking on new dogs just for you, as we are currently full and expanding so it is important that you are reliable.
• Duties: Safe collection of dogs, transportation, safe walking understanding dog handling and canine behaviour, Solo walks, Group walks and drop in visits, handling strong and reactive dogs safely, Checking and managing own (pre planned) schedule and communicating with the customer on essentials. Communicating with me at all times when required for example sorting new walks/changes and confirming things and more. Sending post walk reports to owners, including photos from the walk and notes using our state of the art software. Rinsing off dogs and bringing home reasonable. Ensuring your vehicle is restocked and ready always.
• Car Driver: You must be a car driver. Ideally having a suitable vehicle you can use for dogs which will get dirty. We may look to provide a vehicle after successful probationary period. You would need to insure this we would provide fuel for work related only. As we pay a good amount per dog (More than most walkers even charge themselves) You will use your own fuel which is expensable on your annual tax return.
• We are open to outsourcing to other Dog Walkers too. But this will need further discussion.

It is important that we are clear and find the right fit. We are looking for someone rugged, fit, dog obsessed and with canine experience to carry out our services from us. You will be a self employed walker working solely for us a freelancer initially. We can move to or consider employed on PAYE but earnings are better as self employed.

You will be paid per dog walk and not for collecting etc this is all mostly quite quick as we operate within a tight radius but does take time with lots of driving around. It averages out nicely however, and the driving is a nice break between the walks.

Pay:

£12.50 per dog Solo walk, £12 per dog duo or group. Mostly up to 3 dogs and very occasionally 4 on a group walk.

Drop in: £10 for 30 mins. £12 for 1 hour.

If using our vehicle and we buy one for you this is:

£11 per dog for Solo or groups. Drop in £8 30 mins. £10 1 hour.

When applying please state experience, why you would be a good fit for us, your availability, location within Taunton (Taunton only, nearer Bishops Lydeard preferred but open) Any questions you have also.

We will be getting back to people through and hoping to hire to start in August or September. But really this is about finding the best fit for our amazing doggies and our team.

This is a professional Dog Walker role and it is important you understand both its enjoyable parts (Can be very enjoyable) and its challenges with the industry, different dogs needs, British weather etc.

Thank you.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent, Freelance

Pay: £11.00-£36.00 per hour

Expected hours: 25 – 40 per week

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Bishops Lydeard: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• Do you have any professional canine walking or training experience?

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 01/08/2024