Pet Care Team Leader

Pawsitive Dawg Walking & Pet Sitting•Waltham, MA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Pawsitive Dawg Walking and Pet Sitting is seeking an experienced, dependable, and enthusiastic Pet Care Team Leader to provide dog walking and pet care while training, mentoring, and supporting the team. This is a hands-on, field-based leadership role, with approximately 90% of scheduled hours spent providing pet care visits, welcoming new clients, training employees, and conducting shadow visits. The remaining time is dedicated to documentation, communication with management, and other assigned leadership responsibilities. The role emphasizes positive reinforcement, Fear Free principles, consent-based handling, and trusting relationships with animals. The team leader provides safe, compassionate care; helps new clients and pets establish consistent routines; supports employee onboarding and development; observes and coaches existing employees; and communicates proactively with management about pet behavior, safety, employee development, and client needs. The position is based in Waltham, Massachusetts, and surrounding communities. It is part-time and hourly, with 15 guaranteed hours per week and the opportunity to work up to 25 hours depending on business needs. Starting pay is $18.00 per hour. Eligible business mileage is reimbursed in accordance with company policy.

Requirements

At least 12 months of previous professional dog walking experience in a paid position.
Previous experience supervising, leading, or managing employees.
Strong knowledge of canine body language, behavior, and safe handling techniques.
Experience providing guidance, coaching, or constructive feedback to others.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and sound judgment.
Ability to work independently and adapt to changing schedules.
Commitment to positive reinforcement and compassionate pet care.
Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and automobile insurance.
Availability Monday through Friday between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, and one weekend per month.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience training or onboarding employees.
Fear Free certification or other professional pet care education.
Experience working with dogs with a variety of temperaments and behavioral needs.
Experience conducting employee observations or performance coaching.

Responsibilities

Provide safe, reliable, and compassionate dog walking and pet care visits.
Follow individualized pet care instructions, safety protocols, and company procedures.
Recognize canine body language, stress signals, and potential behavioral concerns.
Use positive reinforcement and Fear Free handling techniques.
Complete detailed visit reports and communicate important updates to clients and management.
Model strong time management, professionalism, and customer service.
Take on new clients and help establish positive, consistent care routines.
Learn each pet’s individual needs, personality, and handling requirements; identify challenges and communicate recommendations to management.
Help introduce additional team members to new clients and ensure care information is documented and shared.
Assist with hands-on training and onboarding of new employees, demonstrating leash handling, pet safety, visit procedures, and professional communication.
Help employees build confidence and pet care skills, reinforce company policies and safety standards, and provide supportive, constructive feedback.
Communicate employee progress and additional training needs to management.
Conduct shadow visits with existing employees, observe their practices, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and provide practical coaching and actionable feedback.
Document observations, share relevant feedback with management, and follow up on concerns as directed.
Serve as a resource for team members, troubleshoot routine field challenges, and escalate concerns when appropriate.
Communicate proactively with management about pet behavior, safety, employee development, and client needs.
Promote a positive, supportive, and accountable team culture by demonstrating reliability, professionalism, and a willingness to help others.