Pet Care Specialist

Essential Job Functions

Driving

Must have valid driver’s license and be able to transport pets safely when needed. Must be able to read and follow a road map/GPS/Google Maps. Ability to navigate efficiently is expected. Must be able to reach addresses within the assigned region within time allotted for services and in a reasonable and efficient manner. A driving record check will be performed and proof of insurance must be provided.

Dog walking

Requires skills sufficient to successfully walk dogs in public places. Must be able to restrain and control dogs up to 150 lbs. on leads. Knowledge of effective dog-walking techniques, such as short lead control, must be demonstrated. Ability to operate using Fear Free/Force Free techniques utilizing positive reinforcement, never punishment or aversive tactics to build a strong respectful relationship with pets being walked, while maintaining control needed to ensure the sitter and pets' safety.

Pet First Aid

Must successfully complete Pet First Aid course and keep skills current. Must demonstrate ability to react calmly and appropriately in an emergency. Must be able to administer first aid to humans and animals in emergency situations and make judgement calls about the well-being of pets, up to and including determining if veterinary intervention is needed. Must be able to perform regular nose to tail checks of all pets in sitter's care in an effective and efficient manner to establish and maintain understanding of baseline health of each individual pet being worked with.

In-Home Pet Sitting – Dogs, Cats, Caged Pets & Birds

Must have ability and skills to provide the following services offered by our company to clients in their homes: watering plants, opening/closing blinds, feeding animals per instructions, medication administration as per client instructions, entering and leaving home securely, monitoring pets for health issues, interacting and engaging with pets, following clients’ instructions and adhering to all company standards as stated in our operating procedures.

Reporting & Documentation

Complete all necessary reporting and documentation per company standards for both internal and client purposes. Must learn and correctly utilize pet sitter software (Time to Pet).

Pet Management

Must understand basic pet behavior and demonstrate ability to manage pets safely and effectively. Requires ability to identify the signs of aggression, stress, pain and fear.

Technology

Must be able to use a smartphone and computer successfully. This job also requires the ability to operate home security systems.

Client Relations

Excellent interpersonal and pet care skills with clients are expected. Maintaining high client satisfaction is expected and will be measured through owner and client communication. Must communicate clearly and be able to verify that messages are received. Ability to establish trust and rapport is key.

Communication

This role requires a high level of communication both internally with staff sitters/owners, and through client software in providing updates and report cards to client about pet interactions. Team members must be able to accurately report animal wellbeing, provide upbeat "report card" write-ups with all visits and care, and must be able to proactively communicate with management and ownership on delays, questions, concerns, or other information and clarifications of a pets' status or needs. Communication primarily occurs through work-based text channels and in client software portals, but team members must also be able to check and respond to emails in a timely manner.

Teamwork

Must work well in team environment as well as independently. Job requires flexibility to accommodate schedule and assignment changes to support team members. Must be able to follow a schedule self-sufficiently and effectively communicate any delays

Attendance

Failure to fulfill an assignment without arranging backup could result in injury to a pet and lost clientele. Must be dependable and punctual for assignments. Holiday and weekend work are likely.

Education/Training/Experience Required

High School Diploma required. Pet First Aid Certificate to be obtained during orientation. Some college preferred. Experience caring for pets, (either personally or professionally) is required. Job experience or education related to animal care is a plus.

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions

Must be able to reach addresses within the assigned region consistently and efficiently. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. regularly and be capable of controlling/handling a dog up to 150 lbs. Must be able to visually inspect pets in your care. Must be able to detect animal noises, such as distress whining or sounds that may indicate pain. Most of the work day for this position requires moderate strenuous physical activity, exposure to outdoor elements, and concentration. This is a consistently physical work environment and as such requires the ability to consistently walk several miles at a moderate to brisk pace. This job requires the ability to be on your feet for long periods of time. The ability to assess situations accurately and respond quickly is needed. This work environment requires that an employee have no barriers or aversions to touching, smelling or being in close proximity with animals, including sensitivity to pet dander, feathers, urine, feces or any other animal feature.

Fluctuating Job Schedules:

Pet Playcations pays per hour instead of per job and always aims to schedule staff sitters their desired number of weekly hours. Staff must understand that business needs dictate schedules to a degree and as such, more demand seasonally may result in more hours in need of coverage whereas slower seasons may have fewer. Schedules are posted for 2 weeks at a time and posted weekly, following staff provided availability. Flexibility in scheduling is greatly preferred while maintaining dependability of arrival and completion of scheduled shifts.

What we value in a member of the team:

You are reliable. You show up on time and prepared, every time. You communicate clearly with clients and leadership. You notice small details, follow instructions, and treat each pet's care as if it were your own. You are independent; you can be trusted on your visits even when no one is watching.

You may want to skip this job if: You dread driving or don't have a reliable car; getting to clients involves a lot of driving and punctuality is a must. You're scared of big dogs or worry about being around animals with a strong personality. You dislike walking outside or don't want to go out in less than perfect weather.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $17.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Referral program
• Retirement plan

Work Location: On the road