Private On-Leash Professional Dog Walker

About Sniff and Go:

Established in 2009, Sniff and Go has become the premier provider of individual, private, on-leash dog walking services catering to single-family households within San Francisco, CA.

At Sniff and Go, we have a unique focus on enrichment-based on-leash dog walking skills, setting us apart from group walks (which are not part of our service offerings). Our services aim to provide long-term benefits to both dogs and their humans alike.

Sniff and Go Mission and Vision:

Our mission at Sniff and Go is to disrupt the cycle of dog care reliant on punishment-based methodologies and transform the prevailing cultural perception of dog walking as a profession. We are committed to showcasing that expertise and education are the cornerstones of skilled professionals who can provide exceptional service to both dogs and their human clients. By prioritizing positive methods and cultivating knowledge, we aim to elevate the standards of dog care and create a positive impact on the industry as a whole.

About You:

The individual selected for this position should possess a willingness and aptitude to grasp our standards and deliver quality care consistently, as they embark on a regular role within Sniff and Go. Our company adheres to force-free and positive reinforcement methods, and we will provide comprehensive training on animal behavior, body language, and essential on-leash dog walking skills.

Upon joining our team, you will undergo a minimum of 2 weeks of paid training at minimum wage, which will extend to a total duration of 30 days of training. Your first month of training work will encompass a combination of in-person training, online training, and field work involving driving and walking.

It is crucial for you to comprehend that our business model hinges on building a dependable and professional team that thrives on fostering positive associations leading to long-term success for the dogs under our care.

If selected to move forward in the hiring process, you will be receiving an emailed invite to complete a more detailed in-house job application.

Physical Demands and Work Requirements:

• Ability to learn about and process learning theories, animal behavior, and fear-free handling methods
• Ability to walk 5-7 miles per day
• Ability to walk hills and uneven terrain
• Daily access to an insured and reliable motor vehicle -- motorcycle, car, truck, SUV, two-seaters, etc... (Travel Company Benefit: Full IRS Mileage Reimbursement, parking reimbursements, and paid travel)
• Ability to learn and use multiple apps on a reliable smartphone
• Ability to lift up to 45 lbs.
• Comfortable in front of a camera (for socials)
• Ability to walk 1-3 dogs, on-leash, for 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes at a time -- actual number of dogs per walk is dependent on how many live at a single residential address
• Ability to walk in warm, cold, or inconvenient weather conditions
• Ability to communicate professionally
• Ability to work on a consistent M-F schedule, 4-6 hours a day -- actual hours per day is dependent on client demand

Regular Business Hours:

Monday-Friday 8 am to 4 pm, closed on evenings, weekends, and 13 observed M-F holidays in 2024.

• Open shift: Monday through Friday from around 9:30/10am to 2:30/3pm
• Actual hours per day is dependent on client demand

What you would need to move forward:

This position requires that you are at least 18, preferably have consistent access to your own safe, reliable, and insured motor vehicle. Empathy, patience, and a love of all breeds, temperaments, ages, and sizes.

What a typical work day is like:

• Traveling between 4-7 residential locations throughout most of San Francisco
• Typical vehicle travel is about 5-15 minutes in between each location
• Walking 1-3 dog(s), on-leash, for 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes, in around client's neighborhood
• Using positive reinforcement methods to walk dogs safely and securely
• Driving your own vehicle ~5-7 miles per day, M-F (all travel costs reimbursed)
• Being on the clock for 4-6 hours per day, M-F
• Walking about 5-7 miles a day (including hills and all-weather)
• GPS tracked walking routes, travel time, etc…

Compensation:

Available immediately:

• $18.07/hour during training (4 weeks based on learner's ability to process and apply new skills)
• Cell Phone = company cell phone
• Applicants with daily and reliable motor vehicle: Mileage Reimbursements = $0.625/mile
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid travel time
• Parking meter reimbursements
• All dog walking tools supplied

Available after 4 weeks of training in-house training and onboarding tasks are completed:

• $21.50/hour
• Pooled tips
• Retirement contributions opened
• Scheduled time off option opened
• Referral bonuses (client and employee referrals)

Annual raises based on job performance.

About Us:

As a local small business, we take pride in our small team of less than 10 dedicated employees. We place immense importance on fostering strong bonds and relationships with our furry companions, considering ourselves staunch dog advocates. The responsibilities of professional dog walking are approached with utmost seriousness.

Through continuous training and active community engagement, we have established ourselves as a team of Dog Professionals. It is with great honor that we have been bestowed the prestigious title of "Best Dog Walkers" in the 48th Annual Best of the Bay Awards. This recognition further solidifies our commitment to providing exceptional care and service to the dogs we have the privilege of walking.

Employment Relationship. Employment with the Company is for no specific period of time and is “at will,” meaning that either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause. Although your job duties, title, compensation and benefits, as well as the Company’s personnel policies and procedures, may change from time to time, the “at will” nature of your employment may only be changed in an express written agreement signed by you and the Company.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $21.50 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 30 per week

Benefits:

• Cell phone reimbursement
• Mileage reimbursement
• On-the-job training
• Paid sick time
• Paid training
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan

Compensation Package:

• Hourly pay
• Tips

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• No nights
• No weekends

Work Location: On the road

Salary : $18 - $22