Add some JOY to your workday!
If you love dogs and spending time outdoors, then the perfect jobs are waiting for you! Working at Tuckered Out Dog Walking is a great fit for people who are looking to have flexibility, spend time with animals, be active and happy, and have a rewarding day-to-day experience at work. This would be a great opportunity for students, parents, retirees, or anyone looking to supplement their income with part-time work in a rewarding environment. At Tuckered Out, we treat pets like family! Our team is expanding, and we’re excited to serve even more pet parents in Richmond, VA.
About the job:
- We are in the peace-of-mind business. We provide reliable care for pet parents who are busy working or are unable to provide daily exercise to their pets.
- We visit clients’ homes to care for their pets during the day. This could include taking dogs for walks, letting dogs out in the yard to play, feeding and providing fresh water, scooping litter boxes, administering medications if needed, and of course loving them and providing lots of TLC and belly rubs!
- In an effort to give back to the community, we also work closely with our local Richmond animal shelter to provide donated walks to the resident dogs in their care, which would entail transporting pets in your vehicle to off-site locations.
- As a dog walker with Tuckered Out, you will drive yourself to these appointments, check in and check out using our mobile app, and write informative updates with pictures to let clients know how their dogs are doing.
We are looking for candidates who:
- Are able to reliably commute to our Richmond, VA service area (23230, 23228, 23227, 23226, 23222, 23221, 23220).
- Are looking for part-time work, up to 20 hours per week.
- Have consistent midday availability and can commit to working multiple 4-hour shifts per week.
- Have a valid driver’s license as well as reliable access to an insured personal vehicle.
- Have an iOS or Android smartphone with GPS tracking capabilities and access to the Internet, data plan, app store, and a high quality camera.
- Have hands-on experience caring for dogs and are able to provide references. Preference will be given to candidates who have professional experience in the pet care industry (working at a veterinary hospital, daycare/boarding facility, training facility, or another dog walking/pet sitting company).
- Are able and willing to be outside in all weather conditions, including rain, snow, heat, cold, and wind. We do have certain safety measures in place for extreme inclement weather.
- Are able to lift up to 50lbs, maintain control of animals up to 100lbs, and stand and walk for extended periods of time, as well as bend, stoop, reach, and stretch.
- Have excellent written and oral communication skills, including a strong proficiency in technology.
- Have excellent written and oral communication skills, including a strong proficiency and natural ease with technology.
- Are able to manage your time, follow written instructions, and reply to phone and email messages promptly. While this is a fun work environment, we take our jobs seriously. Immaculate attention to detail and reliable communication are non-negotiable for us.
- Thrive in an independent work environment. Once training is completed, you will be visiting clients’ homes and conducting visits by yourself. Dependability and self-motivation are essential to success in this role.
- Will commit to at least 6 months of working with us and are available year-round. This position is not seasonal.
- Are able to pass a thorough background and driving check. For liability and insurance reasons, we require that all applicants are also age 18 or older.
You may NOT want to join us if:
- You are looking for more than supplemental income. Based on the fluctuating nature of our business model, we cannot guarantee a minimum amount of work each week.
- You aren’t available between 11am-2pm on weekdays. We cater to busy professionals who rely on us to care for their dogs while they are away at work. Although we can accommodate other scheduling commitments, we require team members to maintain consistent midday availability with us, in order for us to ensure everyone is schedule fairly and consistently.
- You don’t do well with changes. Our team members are expected to work with any client who requests services, which means you may not always work with the same pets every time. Although we publish the shift schedules in advance, we occasionally have last-minute additions, cancellations, and sick team members.
- You don’t enjoy working independently. We are looking for people who enjoy working as part of a greater team with support just a phone call away, but can thrive working fully independently day-to-day. Trust and dependability is hugely critical in our industry. We also require that team members use their own insured vehicle to travel to clients’ homes, so some level of enjoyment with driving is a must in this role.
- You are easily grossed out. Pet care jobs sometimes involve cleaning up something disgusting. We deal with poop every day, vomit occasionally, and the odd mess here and there. Animals can be dirty, slobbery, and occasionally get sick, and we do what needs to be done to keep them happy and healthy while they are in our care.
- You struggle with or don’t enjoy exercising. This is a VERY physical job. Even if it’s 25° and snowing, or 95° and sunny, we are out working and visiting pets. They are counting on us to be there for them! This job requires the ability to walk several miles per day in all weather conditions, with multiple dogs at a time. If the idea of walking a 90 pound German Shepherd who may be a bit on the ~energetic~ side because they love their walkies so much sounds like a lovely afternoon for you (which it does to us), then chances are this job is a great fit for you! If what we just described sounds scary and stressful to you, please just be our friend instead. We are a big fan of you either way!
We offer:
- Supplemental income – Jobs start at $14/hour plus tips, with the potential to grow once training has been completed.
- Flexible weekday hours – We are able to schedule around your other work, school, family, or personal commitments, as long as it fits within the needs of the business and our clients.
- Work-life balance – Our operating hours are Monday-Friday 9am-4pm. No nights, weekends, or holidays, unless you are interested in helping out at community events.
- Staff discounts – Current team members receive 20% off dog walking services, subject to availability.
- Referral bonuses – Receive a $25 referral bonus for each new client or new hire you bring on with us.
- Relaxed work environment – Comfy clothes encouraged, no need to dress up!
- Employee rights – With us, you’re an employee, not an independent contractor. That means you’re covered under our liability insurance, bonding, and workers’ compensation policy. We provide all necessary equipment and paid, hands-on training in positive reinforcement, dog body language, and pet first aid. Please note that employment with us is at-will.