Dog Hiking Specialist - Get Paid to Be in the Woods

Shoreline Happy Paws • Old Saybrook, CT

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Shoreline Happy Paws is seeking a part-time, year-round Dog Hiking Specialist to lead small-group hikes through Connecticut's woods, beaches, and trails. This role involves daily hikes, dog walking, yard let-outs, potty breaks, and in-home pet sitting. The ideal candidate loves the outdoors, enjoys working with dogs, and is comfortable handling various canine personalities and sizes. This is a physically demanding role that requires reliability, excellent communication, and a genuine passion for animals.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Genuine love for animals.
• Patient and respectful demeanor.
• Reliable, communicative, and detail-oriented.
• Calm and confident with fearful, reactive, or excitable dogs.
• Comfortable working outdoors in any weather.
• Ability to handle large or strong dogs (90+ lbs).
• Ability to hike several miles a day over uneven terrain.
• Reliable vehicle, valid license, clean driving record, and current auto insurance.
• Smartphone with data.
• Able to pass a background check.
• Must live in or very near the service area (Essex, Old Saybrook, Old Lyme, Westbrook, Clinton, Madison, Deep River, Chester, East Lyme & Niantic).

Nice To Haves

• Teaching four dogs to walk politely together sounds like a fun puzzle, not a nightmare.
• Wanting to end your workday dirty, tired, and grinning.

Responsibilities

• Lead structured small-group hikes on local trails, beaches, and woods.
• Coach dogs into great leash manners, solo and as a pack.
• Handle neighborhood Dog Walking, yard let-outs and potty breaks.
• Perform in-home visits for Pet Sitting (cats included).
• Send photo updates and visit reports to clients.
• Drive between visits across the service area.
• Keep learning and utilize continuing education opportunities in dog behavior.

Benefits

• $16.94/hr paid training
• $17 to $25/hr hiking pay
• Tips
• Mileage reimbursement
• PTO
• Holiday pay
• End-of-year bonuses
• Paid Pet CPR certification
• Education stipend (dog training, Pet CPR Instructor)
• Costco membership
• Employee discounts
• Referral program
• Real W-2 employment with workers' comp and liability insurance
• Advancement into leadership roles

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed