Pack Leader (Hiking)

Pack Leader (Dog Hiking & Care)

Tom’s Dogs LLC is hiring a Pack Leader to help lead structured dog hikes and provide exceptional hands-on care for a small, carefully managed group of client dogs across New London County, Connecticut.

This is not casual dog walking. We specialize in structured pack hikes, safe socialization, calm handling, enrichment, and real exercise in the outdoors. The right person for this role is reliable, physically capable, emotionally steady, and excellent with dogs. They take safety seriously, communicate clearly, show up consistently, and can remain calm and in control in dynamic environments.

We are looking for someone who genuinely respects dogs and understands that great care is built on structure, consistency, awareness, sound judgment, and leadership.

Responsibilities include leading and assisting with small-group pack hikes, safely handling dogs of different sizes and temperaments, managing leash handling and trail safety, monitoring behavior and group dynamics, transporting dogs safely, and occasionally supporting private walks, drop-in visits, daycare, boarding, or in-home pet care as needed.

Ideal candidates will have professional or high-responsibility dog handling experience, strong judgment, excellent reliability, comfort working outdoors in all seasons, a clean driving record, and the ability to work independently while maintaining a very high standard of care. Experience in dog walking, daycare, boarding, training, veterinary, kennel, or shelter environments is strongly preferred. Canine CPR and First Aid certification is a plus.

This role is a strong fit for someone who is observant, proactive, grounded under pressure, physically active, and proud of doing demanding work well. It is not a fit for someone looking for a casual side gig or anyone who is disorganized, inconsistent, or unprepared for the physical and behavioral demands of structured outdoor dog care.

Tom’s Dogs is a premium, relationship-driven business built around trust, safety, structure, and real adventure. If that sounds like your kind of work, we would love to hear from you.

To apply, send a short note about your experience with dogs, your availability, and why this role feels like a strong fit.