The opportunity

Spend your days outside with dogs, walking them one-on-one with trainers’ methods that put the dog’s comfort first. Sniff and Go is San Francisco’s premier private dog walking company, in business since 2009. We do one thing: individualized, force-free, on-leash walks for single-family homes. No group walks, no punishment, no shortcuts. We’re a tight-knit team of under 15 and were voted Best Dog Walkers in the Bay (48th Annual Best of the Bay Awards).

We’re hiring a reliable, professional dog walker who takes pride in the work and wants a job they plan to stay in. You’ll be trained by CPDT-KA certified dog trainers through up to 30 days of paid training covering animal behavior, fear-free handling, body language, and walk structure. Because we invest in paid training for every walker, we’re looking for someone who plans to stay with us for at least a year.

The schedule (please read before applying)

This is a 5-day-a-week schedule, Monday through Friday
Required availability: the same window every day, at least 5 hours between 8am and 4pm, and it must include 10am to 2pm (for example, 9am to 2pm or 10am to 3pm)
Preferred availability: 7 or more hours (within the operating hours of 8am to 4pm), which gives you the most scheduled hours
During paid training, expect about 4 to 5+ hours per day. After that, you’ll be scheduled within your stated availability. Hours are based on client demand and are not guaranteed. Most walkers reach 5 to 7+ hours per day within about 4 to 6 weeks of starting, and have been consistently in that range for years
No nights or weekends. Closed on most holidays (open Juneteenth, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day) and closed the full week of December 25. Closures are unpaid

Pay

$24 to $28/hour base pay, based on tenure and experience. Everyone starts at $24/hour during paid training
Pooled tips after training, historically averaging an additional $2 to $3+/hour (tips vary and are not guaranteed)
Mileage reimbursed at the full IRS rate ($0.76/mile), plus parking meter reimbursement and paid travel time
Company cell phone or reimbursement, and all gear and training provided

Growing with us

Your rate after training is set at the time of offer. Qualifying experience, such as W-2 employment in professional pet care or an approved dog walking or dog training certification, may be considered, but a higher starting rate is not guaranteed
Pay moves from $24 toward $28/hour as you grow with the team
Raises are reviewed annually and based on performance, with earlier raises considered in exceptional cases
We’re a small team in a growth period, and we’re building out new roles as we expand. We currently have a Team Lead and an Operations Manager, and additional positions will be added as the business needs them. Walkers who show reliability and leadership will be considered as roles open

Time off

Up to 10 unpaid scheduled time off days per rolling 12-month period, approved based on calendar availability
Holiday closures are unpaid and do not count toward your 10 days
Paid Sick Leave provided in accordance with California law

What you’ll do each day

Drive between 4 to 6+ client homes across San Francisco
Walk 1 to 3 dogs at a time (from the same household) for 15 to 60 minutes each
Apply positive reinforcement on every walk
Navigate hills, city sidewalks, and uneven terrain
Log walks with GPS tracking apps and communicate professionally with clients

What we’re looking for

Reliable, punctual, and consistent. Our clients count on you showing up
Professional in how you communicate and carry yourself
A quick learner who takes feedback well
Genuinely fond of dogs and committed to handling them with care and positive reinforcement
Comfortable walking most of the dogs on our roster
Planning to stay with us for a year or more

Requirements

Reliable, insured vehicle (proof of registration and insurance required before your first day)
Able to walk 3 to 5+ miles per day on hills, stairs, and uneven terrain, and lift up to 30 lbs
Able to work in warm, cold, or inconvenient weather
Able to learn multiple operations apps
Comfortable being photographed for client updates and social media
Must be 18+

Employment details

At-will employment. 90-day probation period. Weekly hours are based on client demand and are not guaranteed.

Ready to apply?

If you’re 18+, have a reliable vehicle, are available Monday through Friday, and want a job where you can build real skills and earn competitive pay doing work that matters, we’d love to hear from you. Please complete all of the application questions.

Sniff and Go jobs

Dog Walker - Private On-Leash Walks