Professional Dog Walker (Self-Employed)
Location: Ringwood, Bournemouth & Surrounding Areas.
Hours: Flexible (approximately 4–40 hours per week)
Pay: £13-£52 per walk. Sits priced on an individual basis.
Start Date: ASAP.
About Us
Paws & Progress are a professional dog walking and pet care company dedicated to providing safe, enriching and reliable care for our clients' pets. Our reputation is built on trust, professionalism and exceptional standards, and we're looking for someone who shares those values.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who genuinely enjoys working with dogs, is physically active, and wants to grow with an expanding business.
The Role
Hours are flexible and will initially range from 4–40 hours per week, depending on client demand. As our business continues to grow, successful applicants must be willing to build up to full-time hours.
Most walks take place Monday to Friday during the daytime, although occasional evening and weekend work will be required.
Applicants must also be available for long-term pet sits (typically 1–2 weeks at a time).
This is a self-employed position.
Your Responsibilities
- Collect and return dogs safely from clients' homes.
- Transport dogs safely in your own suitable vehicle.
- Supervise stimulating and safe group walks.
- Read canine body language and manage dogs appropriately.
- Maintain excellent standards of safety and welfare.
- Communicate professionally with clients and the team.
- Report any health or behavioural concerns.
- Follow company procedures and maintain high standards of care at all times.
What We're Looking For
To be successful, you'll need to be:
- 18 years or older (required for insurance purposes).
- Looking for a long-term opportunity and excited to grow with the business.
- Experienced handling and working with dogs (ideally beyond owning your own dog).
- Confident, calm and comfortable around dogs of all breeds, sizes and temperaments.
- Knowledgeable about, or willing to learn, positive reinforcement handling and training techniques.
- Reliable, punctual, trustworthy and highly organised.
- An excellent communicator with both clients and colleagues.
- Flexible and happy to adapt as the business grows.
- Physically fit and happy working outdoors in all weather conditions.
- In possession of your own suitable vehicle capable of safely transporting multiple dogs.
What We Offer
- Flexible working hours.
- Ongoing support and training from qualified dog trainers.
- Full personal and public liability insurance whilst working on behalf of the company.
- The opportunity to work with amazing dogs every day.
- A supportive and friendly team.
- The chance to grow alongside a successful and expanding business.
Our Recruitment Process
Because our clients trust us with members of their family, we take recruitment seriously.
Successful applicants can expect:
- Face-to-face interview.
- Two practical working assessments.
- Reference checks.
- Voluntary induction and training.
- Probationary assessment before becoming an established member of the team.
Before You Apply
Please only apply if you can confidently answer YES to the following:
✓ I'm at least 18 years old.
✓ I have my own reliable vehicle suitable for transporting multiple dogs.
✓ I'm available during weekdays and can occasionally work evenings, weekends and complete 1–2 week pet sits.
✓ I enjoy working outdoors in all weather conditions.
✓ I'm looking for a long-term opportunity and would like to build up to full-time work.
✓ I'm reliable, punctual and comfortable working independently.
If this sounds like the perfect role for you, we'd love to hear from you. Please tell us about your experience working with dogs and why you'd be a great fit for our team.
Job Types: Permanent, Freelance
Pay: From £13.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Flexitime
Application question(s):
- Do you have a suitable vehicle for transporting dogs? Please detail below:
- Are you available Monday-Friday during the daytime?
- Are you able to occasionally work evenings, weekends, and complete 1–2 week pet sits?
- Tell us about your experience working with dogs.
- What do you think is the best part of professional dog walking? What do you think is the most challenging part of professional dog walking?
- This role involves adjusting throughout the seasons, and you may find there are quieter periods during extreme heat (due to animal welfare). However generally this is also when sits become more popular as a replacement. Is this something you are okay with and willing to be available for?
- Is there anything you would like us to know about you that isn't included in your CV?
Licence/Certification:
- UK driver's licence (required)
Work Location: In person
