Pet Sitter and Dog Walker Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In a world increasingly focused on comfort and convenience, the demand for pet sitters and dog walkers has never been higher.

As our lives become busier, the need for compassionate individuals who can provide care and companionship for our furry friends continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a pet sitter or dog walker?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the heart of this role,
• A pet owner looking for the perfect carer for your beloved pet,
• Or simply curious about the ins and outs of pet sitting and dog walking,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pet sitter and dog walker job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or pet services websites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Pet Sitter and Dog Walker Duties and Responsibilities

Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers provide a range of services to ensure the comfort, safety, and happiness of pets, primarily dogs and cats, while their owners are away from home.

They may also offer additional services such as basic grooming and training.

Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers are primarily responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

• Meet with potential clients to discuss their pets’ specific needs
• Walk dogs according to established routines and schedules
• Feed and water pets at scheduled times and ensure they have fresh water at all times
• Provide companionship and comfort to pets by playing with them and spending time with them
• Administer medication to pets as instructed by the owners
• Monitor and observe pets for any unusual behavior or symptoms, and report these to the pet owners immediately
• Perform light grooming duties such as brushing pets’ coats and trimming nails
• Ensure pets’ living areas are clean and well-maintained
• Adhere to special instructions and restrictions placed by pet owners such as dietary restrictions or physical limitations
• Maintain security of the clients’ homes while performing pet sitting duties
• Provide regular updates to pet owners about their pets’ activities and well-being

 

Pet Sitter and Dog Walker Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a compassionate and responsible pet sitter/dog walker to provide care for pets of various types and sizes.

Your responsibilities will include feeding, exercising and playing with pets, and maintaining their living areas.

Pet Sitter/Dog Walker responsibilities include understanding pet behavior, recognizing and responding to health or behavioral issues, and maintaining a consistent exercise schedule for pets in your care.

Our ideal candidates are passionate about animals, have a strong understanding of animal behavior, and are comfortable handling animals of all sizes.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide food and fresh water for pets
• Take dogs on walks, runs, and assure their happiness while they are in your care
• Understand and cater to individual pet needs and preferences, including dietary restrictions or physical limitations
• Clean and sanitize pet living areas as needed
• Administer medication, if necessary
• Report any unusual behaviors or health issues to pet owners
• Perform any other pet-related care as requested by owner

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a pet sitter or dog walker
• Ability to handle dogs of all sizes
• Knowledge of dog behavior and pet care
• Comfortable with both dogs and cats
• Reliable transportation
• Patience and ability to handle pets in a calm manner
• High school diploma or equivalent

 

Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Work in a stress-free environment with animals
• Opportunity for advancement
• Competitive salary

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pet Sitter and Dog Walker
• Work Environment: Work will primarily be in clients’ homes and outdoor areas for dog walking.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Pet Care Services Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $10.00 minimum to $20.00 maximum per hour
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time or part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pet Sitter and Dog Walker Do?

Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers provide care for pets while their owners are away or busy.

They are often hired by pet owners who are unable to take care of their pets due to work, travel, or health issues.

As a Pet Sitter, they are responsible for providing meals, fresh water, and exercise to the pets in their care.

This includes feeding them according to the pet owner’s instructions and ensuring that they are getting enough physical activity.

They also keep the pet’s living area clean and may administer any necessary medications.

Dog Walkers specifically take dogs out for their daily walks.

They may walk one or several dogs at a time, depending on the client’s needs.

They are responsible for keeping the dogs safe and under control during the walk.

Both Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers also provide companionship for the pets, playing with them and giving them attention to reduce stress and anxiety.

They often have a deep understanding of animal behavior and know how to handle various situations that may arise.

Additionally, they communicate with the pet owners, updating them about their pet’s behavior, health, and any other significant observations.

They may also be tasked with basic grooming tasks, such as brushing the pet’s fur or teeth.

These professionals may work for a pet care service, or they can work independently as self-employed individuals.

They are often passionate about animals and have the patience and endurance to handle pets of all sizes and temperaments.

 

Pet Sitter and Dog Walker Qualifications and Skills

A proficient pet sitter and dog walker should possess skills and qualifications that match your job description, such as:

• Being physically fit and capable of walking long distances or playing with animals for extended periods of time
• Possessing a deep understanding of and respect for animals, along with a willingness to learn about their different behaviors and needs
• Exceptional time management skills to ensure pets are fed, walked, and cared for according to their regular schedules
• Excellent communication skills to effectively coordinate with pet owners regarding their pets’ needs, behaviors, and any potential issues
• Ability to handle emergency situations calmly and efficiently, and providing first aid to animals if necessary
• Patience and comfortability when dealing with pets of varying temperaments and energy levels
• Highly responsible and trustworthy as they will often be given access to clients’ homes
• Customer service skills to build relationships with clients, manage appointments, and handle payments

 

Pet Sitter and Dog Walker Experience Requirements

Entry-level Pet Sitter and Dog Walker candidates may not require a significant amount of professional experience, although it can be beneficial.

Most employers will look for individuals who have experience caring for pets, whether that be their own or others’.

Some employers might prefer candidates who have completed pet care or animal behavior courses, or have volunteer experience at animal shelters or pet-related events.

Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers with 1 to 2 years of experience are generally expected to have a proven track record of responsibility and care towards animals.

They may have gained this experience through previous pet sitting jobs, volunteering at animal shelters, or even caring for their own pets.

They should also have basic knowledge of pet health and safety, and may be expected to handle minor pet emergencies.

Those with more than 3 years of experience are usually considered highly experienced in pet sitting and dog walking.

They may have developed specialized skills, like training or grooming, and could be capable of caring for animals with special needs or behavioral issues.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience may be in a position to take on management roles in pet care companies, or start their own pet sitting or dog walking business.

They may also have experience providing pet care guidance to pet owners, and could be trusted to train less experienced pet sitters and dog walkers.

 

Pet Sitter and Dog Walker Education and Training Requirements

While there are no specific educational requirements to become a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker, a high school diploma or equivalent education is typically preferred by most employers or clients.

Candidates looking to stand out in the field may choose to obtain a certification in pet sitting, dog walking, or a related field.

Organizations such as Pet Sitters International or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters offer these certifications, which generally involve coursework in animal care and behavior, business management, and customer service.

In addition to these certifications, Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers should have a good understanding of animal behavior, and experience with pets can be a significant advantage.

This can be gained through volunteering at local animal shelters or veterinary clinics.

Some Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers may choose to pursue further education in animal behavior, training, or veterinary medicine, depending on their interests and career goals.

Lastly, those in this field should also have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, as the job often requires traveling to different clients’ homes.

While not required, having pet first aid and CPR training can also make a candidate more attractive to potential clients, as it shows a commitment to the safety and well-being of their pets.

 

Pet Sitter and Dog Walker Salary Expectations

A Pet Sitter and Dog Walker typically earns an average wage of $14.37 (USD) per hour.

However, the actual earnings may differ based on factors such as the number of pets, the length of the walk, and the specific requirements of the pet.

Furthermore, the location and the years of experience also play a crucial role in determining the salary.

 

Pet Sitter and Dog Walker Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pet Sitter and Dog Walker need?

A Pet Sitter and Dog Walker needs to have a deep love for animals, patience, and physical stamina.

They should have good communication skills to interact with pet owners and understand their pet’s needs.

They should also have knowledge of different breeds and their specific needs.

Basic understanding of animal behavior and first aid can also be useful.

 

Do Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers need a specific certification or license?

While a specific certification or license is not required to be a Pet Sitter and Dog Walker, some clients may prefer individuals who are certified in pet CPR and first aid.

Certain professional organizations offer certification programs for pet sitters, which may increase credibility and client trust.

 

What should you look for in a Pet Sitter and Dog Walker resume?

Look for experience in handling and caring for animals, especially if it’s the kind of pet you are hiring for.

This could include previous pet sitting jobs, volunteer work at animal shelters, or even caring for their own pets.

Any certification related to animal care or first aid could also be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Pet Sitter and Dog Walker?

A good Pet Sitter and Dog Walker should be trustworthy, reliable, and have a genuine love for animals.

They should be patient, calm under pressure, and capable of dealing with unexpected situations.

They should also be physically fit to handle walks and playtime.

 

How physically demanding is the job of a Pet Sitter and Dog Walker?

The job can be quite physically demanding, especially when walking multiple or large dogs.

Dog walkers need to be able to control dogs of various sizes and energy levels.

Pet sitters may need to perform tasks like lifting or carrying animals and bending or crouching to clean up after pets.

It’s important for pet sitters and dog walkers to maintain good physical health and stamina.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you an inside look at what it truly means to be a pet sitter and dog walker.

And guess what?

It’s not just about walking dogs.

It’s about providing comfort and companionship to our furry friends, one walk or sit at a time.

With our go-to pet sitter and dog walker job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to leap into this fulfilling field.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting precise listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every walk and pet sitting session is a part of a greater journey.

Let’s embark on that journey. Together.