What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dog Walker position at Merry Puppins LLC?
Part-Time Dog Walker – Pittsburgh East End / Fox Chapel
Merry Puppins LLC – Pittsburgh, PA
About Us
Merry Puppins is an award-winning dog-walking and pet-sitting company serving Pittsburgh’s East End and Fox Chapel areas, including Highland Park, Morningside, Lawrenceville, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Regent Square, Aspinwall, Millvale, O’Hara, and nearby neighborhoods.
We provide professional, in-home pet care with a strong focus on reliability, safety, and exceptional service.
We’re looking for a dependable, experienced, and active dog handler to join our team.
Important: Please Read Before Applying
This is not gig work.
- You must have hands-on experience handling dogs (professional or extensive personal experience)
- This is a W-2 employee position (not independent contractor work)
- You must provide consistent weekday availability, but your daily schedule and number of walks will vary based on client demand
- You must be available Tuesday/ Wednesday/ Thursday between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm.
- You will be assigned visits within your availability
- We do not hire anyone under 18
- This is not a seasonal or summer job- we want to hire people who expect to be here for at least 6 months to one year
Important: Some days may be busy, while others may be lighter. This role requires flexibility and comfort with a schedule that changes based on client needs.
If you are looking for a fixed daily schedule or occasional/gig-style work, this is not the right fit.
Position Details
- Schedule: Part-time, 3–5 weekdays (Monday–Friday)
- Required availability: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
- Hours: Typically between 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (based on your availability)
- Walk volume: Typically 3–6 walks per day, depending on demand
- Location: Client homes throughout Pittsburgh’s East End & Fox Chapel
This role is ideal for someone who wants structured daytime work with variability in daily scheduling, and who enjoys working independently.
What You’ll Do
- Travel to clients’ homes for midday dog walks
- Walk one or two dogs at a time (same household only — no pack walks)
- Safely handle dogs of various sizes, breeds, and temperaments
- Refresh water, give treats, and clean up any messes
- Provide enrichment, playtime, and companionship
- Follow detailed visit instructions with precision
- Communicate clearly through our scheduling app and submit visit notes/photos
You’ll build relationships with your regular dogs while maintaining the flexibility to support a dynamic schedule.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Competitive hourly pay tips
- Paid training and Canine First Aid & CPR certification
- Paid sick time and holiday pay
- Liability insurance and worker’s compensation coverage
- Support from an experienced leadership team
- Professional, team-oriented company culture
Requirements
- Prior dog handling experience REQUIRED (professional or extensive personal experience)
- Confident handling dogs of all sizes and temperaments
- Reliable, insured vehicle and valid driver’s license (required)
- Must live in or near Pittsburgh’s East End or have a short commute
- 18 years old
- Ability to pass a background check
- Smartphone with data plan
- Physically able to walk multiple dogs daily in all weather conditions
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow structured instructions
- Commitment to at least one year
Work Location
Client homes throughout Pittsburgh’s East End & Fox Chapel
Join the Merry Puppins Team
If you are experienced, reliable, and love working with dogs in a structured, professional environment, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today and become part of a team that takes pride in providing exceptional care- one walk at a time.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $12.00 - $16.00 per hour
Expected hours: 8.0 – 24.0 per week
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Paid training
- Referral program
Application Question(s):
- Please tell us about your experience walking and handling dogs, whether professionally or personally. Be specific! We'd love to know what breeds, sizes, and temperaments you've worked with, whether you've handled multiple dogs or dogs with behavioral challenges, and how comfortable you are managing dogs in busy urban environments. Please include examples of your experience rather than simply telling us you love dogs.
Work Location: On the road
Salary : $12 - $16