Pet Care Professional (Dog Walker/ Pet Sitter)

Piney Paws Pet Services is hiring dependable, experienced Pet Care Professionals to provide in-home pet sitting visits and dog walking in the Bastrop area.

Applicants should live within a reasonable driving distance of Bastrop State Park.

This position requires working independently in clients' homes, following detailed care instructions, and confidently caring for pets with various needs and temperaments.

What You'll Do

• Provide in-home pet sitting visits and dog walks.
• Care for dogs, cats, and occasionally other domestic animals, including birds, goats, horses, and backyard poultry.
• Follow detailed written instructions and recognize changes in animal health or behavior.
• Provide professional visit reports and photos using our mobile app.
• Perform basic home-care tasks associated with pet visits.

Experience Required

Applicants must have hands-on animal care experience beyond caring for their own pets.

Relevant experience includes professional pet sitting, dog walking, animal shelter or rescue volunteering, veterinary clinics, kennels, farms, or barns.

References will be requested.

Job Requirements

• Confident handling dogs of various sizes, energy levels, and temperaments.
• Comfortable caring for cats with different personalities and needs.
• Physically capable of walking dogs and providing outdoor care in varying weather conditions.
• Excellent judgment, communication skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and respond appropriately to unexpected situations.
• Valid driver's license and reliable, insured vehicle.
• Reliable smartphone with data service.

Schedule and Availability

We're primarily hiring for afternoon and evening availability.

• Preferred availability: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, approximately 1–9 p.m.
• Rotating weekend availability, with approximately one full weekend off each month.
• Holiday availability required.
• No overnight shifts.

IMPORTANT: This is flexible, appointment-based employment, NOT a traditional shift-based position.

The hours listed above represent when applicants should be available, not guaranteed working hours.

You might have one appointment on a particular day, several appointments throughout the afternoon and evening, or no appointments for several days.

There may also be gaps between scheduled visits.

Workloads fluctuate throughout the year, with increased demand during holidays and vacation periods.

This position may suit someone seeking supplemental income who is comfortable with an unpredictable schedule.

Employment Details

• Part-time, W-2 employee.
• Starting pay: $10/hour.
• Opportunities for pay increases based on experience and demonstrated performance.
• Approximately 1–10 hours per week, depending on bookings. Hours are not guaranteed.
• Paid training provided.
• Tips are possible but not guaranteed.
• Employee discounts and referral program.

About Us

Piney Paws Pet Services is a locally owned professional pet care company serving the Bastrop community. We are committed to dependable, compassionate pet care, professional standards, and supporting local animal welfare efforts.

How to Apply

Please complete all application questions thoughtfully and thoroughly. Attention to detail and professional communication are essential to this position.

Qualified candidates will be contacted regarding the next steps in our hiring process.

Final candidates must complete a background check because employees work independently in clients' homes. The applicant is responsible for the background check fee.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $10.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Referral program

Application Question(s):

• Do you have professional or volunteer animal care experience beyond personal pets?
• Do you have reliable transportation and consistent cell/internet service during working hours?
• Are you comfortable entering clients’ homes independently and adapting to unexpected situations?
• Describe your professional or volunteer animal care experience, including the types of animals you have worked with.
• Describe how you would respond if a large dog suddenly lunges during a walk. What steps would you take to maintain safety?
• What town do you live in and how many minutes are you from Bastrop State Park?
• Are you available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m., as well as rotating weekends and holidays? Please describe any scheduling limitations.
• This position offers variable, appointment-based work, typically 1–10 hours per week, with no guaranteed hours. Some weeks may have little or no work, while others may be busier. Are you comfortable with this arrangement?
• Can you safely perform the essential physical duties of this position, including walking large dogs that may pull or lunge, with or without reasonable accommodation?

License/Certification:

• Driver's License and access to an insured vehicle (Required)

Work Location: On the road

Salary : $10