Assistant Pet Care Manager

Job Title

Assistant Pet Care Manager

Company Overview

Pawsitive Dawg Walking and Pet Sitting is a force-free, fear-free pet care company serving Waltham, Massachusetts and nearby communities. Since 2012, we have built our reputation on exceptional care for pets and dependable service for clients. Our team is committed to supporting the physical, emotional, and social wellbeing of pets while creating a positive, collaborative workplace for employees.

The Opportunity

This is a strong opportunity for someone who enjoys both hands-on pet care and team leadership. You will help keep daily operations running smoothly, support managers and team leads, and step in directly to deliver high-quality care when needed. For the right person, this role offers a clear path for growth through leadership development, mentorship, and professional certifications in the pet care field.

What You'll Do

• Provide direct pet care services including dog walking, dog sitting, cat sitting, and small animal visits while following fear-free, force-free handling principles.
• Help lead day-to-day operations by overseeing managers and team leads, tracking progress on key initiatives, and helping ensure projects and service standards are met.
• Serve as a go-to resource for the team by providing guidance, reinforcing quality expectations, assisting with onboarding, and helping solve operational issues as they arise.
• Monitor schedules, staffing coverage, and internal records to support smooth service delivery, especially during weekends, holidays, and high-volume periods.
• Communicate with clients professionally and warmly, helping coordinate visit details, service updates, and follow-up needs.
• Step in for urgent or last-minute coverage as needed, complete visit notes and photos in the scheduling app, and help maintain safe, secure, reliable service for every client.

What Success Looks Like

In the first 6 to 12 months, success in this role will look like:

• Managers and team leads are receiving consistent support, accountability, and follow-through on operational goals.
• Daily schedules are well coordinated, service gaps are minimized, and coverage challenges are handled proactively.
• New and existing team members receive timely coaching and quality feedback that improves consistency across the team.
• Clients experience responsive communication, smooth service adjustments, and a high level of trust in the company.
• Pet care visits are completed safely, professionally, and in alignment with company standards for compassionate handling and excellent documentation.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who combines leadership ability with genuine enthusiasm for animal care. Strong candidates will likely bring:

• At least 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience; experience overseeing multiple team members or functions is preferred.
• Prior experience in pet care, veterinary, shelter, or another animal-related environment is preferred.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage priorities and follow through on deadlines.
• Clear communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to handle team support and client interactions professionally.
• Comfort using Google Workspace, scheduling tools, and mobile apps.
• A valid driver's license, reliable transportation, current auto insurance, and the ability to travel locally.
• Availability to work weekends, some holidays, and occasional urgent coverage needs.
• A genuine commitment to force-free, fear-free pet care.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay starts at $18 to $22 per hour, based on experience. The company also notes a guaranteed minimum hourly rate and additional earnings through service-based pay, mileage reimbursement, stipends, and tips; this compensation language should be finalized before posting to ensure clarity.

Benefits and perks include:

• Weekly direct deposit
• Mileage reimbursement
• Simple IRA with 2% non-elective employer contribution
• 40 hours of paid sick time annually
• 40 hours of paid time off annually
• 24 hours of holiday pay annually
• Cell phone stipend
• Wellness stipend
• Pet First Aid and CPR certification
• Fear Free certification
• Opportunity to pursue dog training certification after 6 months
• Workers' compensation, bonding, and liability insurance

Employment type: Full-time

Work Location / Schedule

This role is based in Waltham, MA, with local travel required to nearby service areas. Candidates should live within reasonable commuting distance of the core service area, including Waltham, Belmont, and Watertown.

Regular schedule is either:

(1) Monday through Friday, generally between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., with a 45-60 minute lunch break or two 30 minute breaks and one weekend per month. When you work a weekend, you work shorter days throughout the week and have that Friday off.

(2) Wednesdays through Sundays, generally between 10:00am-6:30pm, with a 45-60 minute lunch break or two 30 minute breaks.

Flexibility is required, as start and end times may shift based on business needs. Typical weekly hours are approximately 32-35 hours, with occasional weeks up to 45 hours depending on seasonality and coverage needs.

How to Apply

If you are excited by the chance to combine leadership, operations, and compassionate pet care, we encourage you to apply for the Assistant Pet Care Manager role with Pawsitive Dawg Walking and Pet Sitting.