Job Summary

The Dog Walker (Part-Time/Freelance) at waggr Pet Services is a high-trust, community-focused role serving the vibrant neighborhoods of Downtown Toronto. As a “Professional Companion,” you are responsible for the physical exercise, safety, and emotional well-being of clients’ dogs during their daily routines. This role requires the “wit” to manage diverse canine temperaments and the “grit” to navigate the urban core in all weather conditions, from the lakeside winds of Queen’s Quay to the busy streets of the Annex.

Job Details

Employer: waggr Pet Services.
Location: Downtown Toronto (Cabbagetown, Regent Park, Distillery, Old Town, Annex, Queen’s Quay, and Leslieville).
Requirement: You must live in one of the serviced neighborhoods to be considered.
Pay: From $20.00 per hour.
Position Type: Part-time, Freelance/Contractor.
Schedule: Primarily Monday–Friday, 8 am – 5 pm, with occasional weekends.

Core Responsibilities

Urban Navigation: Lead dogs on scheduled walks through designated downtown routes, ensuring they remain safe in high-traffic city environments.
Customized Care: Strictly follow owner instructions regarding specific walking paths, feeding requirements, or behavioral “special needs.”
Safety & Sanitation: Maintain a clean environment by managing waste disposal and keeping dogs away from urban hazards (e.g., street debris, aggressive wildlife).
Client Communication: Provide “Excellence in Reporting” by updating owners on their dog’s behavior, energy levels, and any health concerns noted during the outing.
Reliability: Manage a tight schedule to ensure every pet receives their full allotted time for exercise and companionship.

Candidate Profile

The “Animal Advocate”: A genuine passion for animals and the ability to handle dogs of all sizes and temperaments with confidence and “Integrity-first” care.
Physical Grit: Ability to walk outdoors for several hours a day, regardless of Toronto’s varying weather (heat, rain, or snow).
Local Expertise: Deep familiarity with your specific downtown neighborhood, including dog-friendly parks and low-stress walking routes.
Customer Service Wit: Strong interpersonal skills to build trust with pet owners and represent waggr professionally.
Punctuality: Highly organized and trustworthy, as you will often be entering clients’ homes independently.

Technical Insights: The Professional Walker’s Toolkit

Walking dogs in a dense urban center like Toronto requires more than just holding a leash; it involves active risk management.

Leash Management: You will likely use a “Double-Clip” or “Safety-Loop” method to ensure that even if a dog lunges at a squirrel or a passing streetcar, they remain securely attached to you.
Canine Body Language: You must have the “wit” to read subtle cues—such as ear positioning or tail carriage—to prevent negative interactions between dogs on narrow city sidewalks.
Urban Hazards: You will be trained to scan for “Salt Burn” on paws during winter months and “Hot Pavement” during the summer, ensuring the dog’s physical comfort at all times.

Job Description

Do you believe that a happy dog is the heartbeat of a happy home? waggr Pet Services is seeking Dedicated Dog Walkers who treat every pet like their own. We aren’t just taking dogs for a stroll; we are providing the essential exercise and mental stimulation that city dogs need to thrive. If you have the “grit” to brave a February slush-storm in the Distillery District and the “wit” to handle a high-energy pup in a crowded park, you belong on our team.

In this role, you are a “Health and Happiness Liaison.” You understand that for many of our clients, their dog is a family member, and the trust they place in you is absolute. Your goal is to provide “Excellence in Pet Care,” ensuring every walk is the highlight of the dog’s day. We look for “Integrity-first” locals who are reliable, punctual, and passionate about animal welfare.

Joining waggr means joining a team that values a flexible lifestyle and the joy of working outdoors. We offer competitive pay, commuter benefits, and the chance to build lasting bonds with the dogs in your own neighborhood. If you are a downtown resident with a commitment to “Animal Safety and Reliability,” we invite you to apply and join the waggr family.

waggr Pet Services: Tailored Care for Toronto’s Pups

Waggr Pet Services is a premium, community-focused pet care provider specializing in personalized, solo dog walks and cozy “home away from home” boarding. Their culture is anchored in “The Waggr Way,” a philosophy built on integrity, respect, and treat-every-pup-as-your-own accountability. Employees thrive in a supportive, flexible environment where safety and open communication are paramount. Using dedicated WhatsApp groups, walkers provide 24/7 peace of mind to owners, fostering a culture of transparency and deep connection between the team, the pets, and their families.

Operated by a team of dedicated walkers living throughout the city, waggr primarily services the Downtown Toronto core, including neighborhoods like Cabbagetown and Regent Park. Eschewing a traditional office for a mobile, city-wide presence, the “workplace” is the vibrant parks and historic streets of Toronto. This unique model allows staff to enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle while providing VIP attention to one dog at a time, ensuring every pup remains the center of their universe during every outing.

To apply for this job please visit www.waggr.pet.