I'm looking for a caring, reliable and trustworthy individual (18+) to help provide dog walks and cat home visits for treasured furry clients covering South Reading, Earley, Lower Earley and Shinfield.
The role will require you working on a self employed basis, receiving a generous portion of each walk/home visit cost - an 80/20 split.
You will need to have your own vehicle, be happy to get appropriate pet business insurance, a DBS check and complete a pet first aid training course.
Flexibility is a must! You may be asked to do walks/visits anytime between 7.30 am and 7.30 pm although most walks/home visits will be 9.30 am to 2.30 pm Monday to Friday. Occasional weekends and bank holidays will be needed.
To start, the role will be ad-hoc with a couple of walks/visits a week likely but there will be busy periods where you could have a couple of walks/visits each day for a week. For the right individual, there may be the possibility to increase the number of walks/visits.
This role will be suited to an individual who has spare time, would like to earn a little extra money and loves to spend quality time with dogs and cats providing a high standard of care.
Apply with your CV and covering letter. Applications close Friday 24th July at 5 pm.
Dog Walker
As a dog walker with JK Pet Services, you will be responsible for appropriately walking dogs outside to ensure that they have sufficient physical activity and mental stimulation depending on the dogs’ breed, age, any health conditions and their energy levels.
You will ensure the dogs' safety, adhere to specific feeding or behavioural routines given by the owner and provide owners with updates.
The role requires physical fitness as you will be walking for extended periods, and you will be outside in all weathers.
Key Responsibilities -
Exercising Dogs: Safely walking individual dogs, or a pair of dogs, on varied terrain and in all weather conditions.
Safety & Control: Managing different breeds and temperaments; ensuring dogs are safely walked and supervised at all times.
Hygiene: Cleaning up and safely disposing of dog waste; towel drying and wiping paws after walks especially after rainy walks.
Basic Needs: Ensuring dogs have access to fresh water during and after a walk; providing meals or treats if needed after a walk.
Emergency Response: Monitoring behaviour and health; seeking immediate veterinary attention if a dog becomes sick or injured.
Client Communication: Sending timely updates with photos/videos to owners after a walk.
Essential Requirements -
Physical Stamina: You will be on your feet and walking for extended periods. You will walk across various terrains and in all weather.
Transport: A valid driver's license and your own vehicle is a must so you can travel between clients' homes and/or transport dogs to walking locations and veterinary practices if required.
Liability: Before walking any dog on your own, you must obtain appropriate insurance. A DBS check is also highly valued for client reassurance. You will be entrusted to hold client keys securely and will have access to private properties.
Reliability: Punctuality and trustworthiness are very important to meet client expectations.
Canine Knowledge: Understanding of basic dog behaviour, lead walking and good manners. A Pet First Aid course must be completed (if not already completed) by yourself prior to walking any dog on your own.
Typical Working Conditions: You will be working outdoors and will need to be prepared for this. You will need to be adaptable and flexible as you will be working and walking in the rain, snow, wind, and heat. Your health and safety is just as important as the dog's.
Availability and Working Hours: The majority of dog walks take place between 9.30 am and 4 pm however, there are times, such as in very warm weather, that flexibility is vital as walks will need to be started and finished earlier than usual. Most of the walks you will be asked to do will be Monday to Friday late morning and lunchtime between 11 am and 2.30 pm. Occasional weekend and bank holiday walks may be required.
Cat Home Visitor
As a Cat Home Visitor with JK Pet Services, you will be responsible for visiting clients' houses while they are away to feed, water, and care for their cats.
The role requires managing the cat's daily routine, cleaning litter boxes, administering medication (if needed), providing companionship, and sending regular updates to the owner.
Key Responsibilities -
Feeding & Hydration: Provide fresh food and clean water at each visit based on the owner's exact portion sizes and timings. Wash food and water bowls daily.
Litter Maintenance: Scoop out cat faeces and dispose of faeces appropriately and safely. When necessary, completely change the cat litter to maintain a hygienic environment.
Health Monitoring: Observe the cat for any signs of illness, injury, or distress (e.g., changes in eating, drinking, or toileting habits). Administration of medication if needed. Seek immediate veterinary attention if a cat becomes sick or injured.
Companionship & Play: Spend quality time playing, brushing, and cuddling the cat. Provide mental stimulation and attention tailored to the cat's personality.
Home Care: Bring in the post, open/close curtains, water houseplants, and put out bins to maintain the appearance of a lived-in home.
Client Communication: Send daily updates, messages, and photos to reassure owners that their cat is safe and happy.
Essential Requirements -
Cat Care Experience: Experience owning a cat or working professionally with cats (e.g., cattery worker, veterinary assistant, or shelter volunteer).
Feline Knowledge: Understanding of basic cat behaviour. A Pet First Aid course must be completed (if not already completed) by yourself prior to visiting any cat on your own.
Transport: A valid driver's license and your own vehicle is a must so you can travel between clients' homes and/or transport cats veterinary practices if required.
Liability: Before visiting and looking after any cat on your own, you must obtain appropriate insurance. A DBS check is also highly valued for client reassurance. You will be entrusted to hold client keys securely and will have access to private properties.
Reliability: Punctuality and trustworthiness are very important to meet client expectations.
Availability and Working Hours: You must be willing to work occasional early mornings and evenings to include weekends, bank holidays, and during peak holiday periods like Easter and Christmas. Cat home visits are usually split into morning and evening visits, with each lasting about 30 to 60 minutes depending on the cat's needs. Some cats may need a lunchtime visit as well. Visit periods can range from a single weekend to several weeks.
Pay: From £12.80 per hour
Work Location: In person
