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- Tasks: Walk and care for happy dogs in beautiful countryside settings.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to pet welfare in Abingdon.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, paid holidays, and a generous mileage allowance.
- Why this job: Work outdoors with dogs, capturing their adventures for social media!
- Qualifications: Love for animals, good communication skills, and a valid driving licence required.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for overtime on weekends.
Please apply with a covering letter explaining why you would be suitable for the job advertised.
Below, you will find a complete breakdown of everything required of potential candidates, as well as how to apply Good luck.
Sadly this job is not suitable for people living further than 10 miles from Abingdon.
Responsibilities:
* Collect & walk up to six VERY WELL-BEHAVED HAPPY dogs in a group, off-lead, in a variety of countryside locations around Abingdon two to three times a day.
* Available to work between the hours of 9:30am and 3:30pm with occasional earlier starts/later finishes
* Occasional very well-paid overtime weekend work for cat/small pet home visits
* Have full control of all dogs at all times
* Ensure the dogs have varied, stimulating nature walks
* Take varied photographs of the dogs on their walks and edit/upload to social media platforms daily
* Communicate daily with clients & management about the dogs welfare on a professional level
* Ensure all dogs are left clean and brushed after every walk
* Ensure you have appropriate equipment for the job (supplied to you)
* To thoroughly clean your car and equipment at the end of the working week back at base
* COMPETITIVE RATE OF PAY INCREASING AFTER PROBATIONARY PERIOD.
* GENEROUS MILEAGE ALLOWANCE ON TOP OF PAY
* PAID HOLIDAY
* GUARANTEED HOURS
* UNIFORM
Skills:
* A love of all animals
* Excellent awareness of your surroundings
* Excellent organisational skills
* Flexible and calm disposition
* Excellent work ethic
* Good time keeping
* Able to work on your own but in regular contact with the team
* Trustworthy & honest
* Caring nature
* Good eyesight
* Ability to spot dangers ahead and act swiftly
* Excellent stamina for the hills around Oxfordshire
* Very good health (some lifting of older dogs in/out of cars, walking a fair distance daily)
* Good photography skills (composition/editing)
* Good interpersonal skills
* Very good communication skills
* Good command of the English language
* Numeric skills
* Diplomacy
* Full driving licence
* Able to work in ALL weather conditions
* IT literate to the extent of being able to post photos from your phone to social media
Experience:
* Ideally two years experience of working with dogs at a professional level (but not essential as training will be given)
* Experience of looking after dogs, cats & other small pets
* Knowledge of dogs body language, breeds and temperaments (not essential as training will be given)
* Used to working outdoors in all weather (or very happy to)
Essential:
* A love of being in the outdoors regardless of weather. A uniform is provided for mud/slobber protection!
* A clear love of/rapport with dogs (and other animals)
* Full driving licence
* Mileage rate paid at 45p/mile.
* Own **suitable* medium to large *five-door hatchback with deep boot or large enough to carry dogs comfortably (Renault Clio/VW Golf or equivalent) in excellent working order. Dog safety equipment & equipment to protect your car will be provided).
* A smart phone for sending clients texts after a walk/ emergencies and for uploading photos.
* Very good stamina/health (physically & mentally)
* Dont mind spending the majority of your time in nature, with dogs as company in mud, wind, rain & sunshine
* Flexible with working occasional longer days and shorter days depending on workload
* Clean DBS check, DVLA check, Car tax/MOT check
* Excellent work & personal references provided
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £12.50-£13.50 per hour
Expected hours: 22 – 26 per week
Benefits:
* Company pension
Schedule:
* Monday to Friday
* Overtime
* Weekend availability
Application question(s):
* Can you be flexible with last minute additions/changes?
* If you are walking a group of dogs off-lead in woods and a dog is being walked towards you on a lead, what would you do?
* Is there anything you would like to ask/know?
* Do you have a car suitable to carry up to six large dogs on the back seat and in a boot?
* Are you flexible with working some weekends during busier periods for cat/small animal visits? Generous rate of pay for weekend work.
* Do you live in Abingdon or within 5 miles? You must live in Abingdon or within 10 miles due to the time it takes to travel in and out of Abingdon at peak periods. Anyone applying from further away will be automatically rejected.
Licence/Certification:
* driving licence & medium/large hatchback/estate car (required)
Work Location: In person
Reference ID: J&W001
Expected start date: 21/07/2025
Dog Walker and Pet Sitter employer: MindMatch
Contact Detail:
MindMatch Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Dog Walker and Pet Sitter
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local area around Abingdon. Knowing the best walking routes and dog-friendly spots will show your commitment and understanding of the role during any interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your love for animals by volunteering at local shelters or pet care facilities. This hands-on experience can help you build relevant skills and show potential employers your dedication to animal welfare.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your photography skills, especially when it comes to capturing dogs in action. Being able to take great photos for social media can set you apart from other candidates and showcase your creativity.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the application questions by thinking through scenarios you might encounter while walking dogs. Having clear, thoughtful responses ready will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and readiness for the job.
We think you need these skills to ace Dog Walker and Pet Sitter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Covering Letter: Your covering letter is your chance to shine! Clearly explain why you are suitable for the Dog Walker and Pet Sitter position. Highlight your love for animals, relevant experience, and any specific skills that align with the job requirements.
Showcase Relevant Experience: If you have experience working with dogs or other pets, make sure to detail this in your application. Mention any specific roles or responsibilities that demonstrate your ability to handle dogs in various situations, especially outdoors.
Highlight Your Skills: The job requires excellent organisational skills, good communication, and the ability to work independently. Be sure to mention these skills in your application, providing examples of how you've demonstrated them in past roles.
Address Location Requirements: Since the job is not suitable for those living further than 10 miles from Abingdon, clearly state your location in your application. This will help avoid any confusion and ensure you meet the geographical criteria.
How to prepare for a job interview at MindMatch
✨Show Your Passion for Animals
Make sure to express your love for dogs and other animals during the interview. Share any personal experiences you have had with pets, as this will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Be ready to answer situational questions, especially those related to handling dogs in various situations. Think about how you would manage a group of dogs off-lead when encountering another dog on a lead, and articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
Since the job requires excellent organisational skills, be prepared to discuss how you manage your time and tasks effectively. Provide examples of how you've successfully juggled multiple responsibilities in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Good Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be sure to showcase your interpersonal skills by engaging with the interviewer and asking thoughtful questions about the company and its values. This will show that you are not only interested in the job but also in building relationships with clients and the team.