Animal Caregiver And Dog Walker

Company Description: Visiting Animal Friends is a community-focused organization dedicated to providing compassionate, reliable care for companion animals in and around Oakland, CA. The team supports pet guardians by offering safe, attentive, and enriching experiences for dogs and other small animals while they are at work, traveling, or otherwise unavailable. Visiting Animal Friends emphasizes trust, clear communication, and high-quality service, aiming to build long-term relationships with both pets and their guardians. The organization values kindness, responsibility, and respect for animals, and strives to create a positive, inclusive environment for staff and clients alike.

Role Description The Animal Caregiver and Dog Walker is a full-time, on-site role based in Oakland, CA. This role involves providing daily care for dogs and other small animals, including feeding, fresh water checks, exercise, and basic grooming as needed. The Animal Caregiver and Dog Walker will walk dogs individually or in small groups, monitor behavior and safety at all times, and follow each guardian’s specific instructions. The role includes maintaining clean and organized animal areas, observing and reporting any signs of illness or stress, and documenting visits in a clear, timely manner. The individual will also communicate with pet guardians, coordinate schedules, and support a positive, professional atmosphere that reflects Visiting Animal Friends’ standards of care.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience caring for dogs and other companion animals, including safe handling, basic care routines, and behavior awareness.
• Ability to walk and manage dogs of various sizes and energy levels, with a focus on safety, control, and positive reinforcement.
• Strong reliability and time management skills, including punctuality, adherence to schedules, and consistent follow-through on assigned visits and tasks.
• Clear, professional communication skills for interacting with pet guardians, team members, and the public, including written visit notes and updates.
• Capacity to perform physically active work, such as walking multiple miles per day, bending, lifting up to moderate weights, and working in varied weather conditions.
• Attention to detail and basic recordkeeping skills to follow care instructions, track feeding and medications when applicable, and maintain accurate logs.
• Commitment to humane, respectful treatment of animals and alignment with Visiting Animal Friends’ values of inclusion, safety, and professionalism.
• Flexibility to work a full-time schedule that may include mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on client needs.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred; prior work or volunteer experience in animal shelters, pet sitting, or dog walking is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to and within Oakland, CA; ability to pass any required background checks.