Join Our Team!

At Challenging Dogs Pet Care, we are committed to excellence in providing specialized pet care services for people whose dogs demonstrate challenging behaviors. We are seeking passionate individuals who share our dedication to enhancing the lives of these special dogs and their people. By becoming a part of our team, you will engage in a dynamic work environment that fosters growth, learning, and collaboration.

We offer sick leave and paid time off, mileage reimbursement,
ongoing training, and the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of pets and their people.

To apply, please read the full job descriptions, complete the application below and submit your resume, highlighting your relevant animal care experience and qualifications.

We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to our team at
Challenging Dogs Pet Care.

Please note: Challenging Dogs Pet Care is a pool of sitters that travel from their own residences to client locations. We do not operate out of a facility.
You MUST have reliable transportation (does not include public transport) and a car onsite at all times for daycare and sitting services.
New staff typically start as part-time but may become full-time depending on their availability and the number of bookings available.
You must be available year-round.

Positions Available

Requirements for All Positions:

  • Commitment to an approach that is force free only

  • Must be at least 18 years of age and must possess a high school diploma or equivalent

  • Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable car to drive to/from client’s houses

  • Strong communication skills both in person and in writing

  • Must be reliable and punctual

  • Must be willing to work in multiple service areas. You will frequently travel within a 20-mile radius of your home, occasionally up to a 30-mile radius

  • Please note, we do not hire for seasonal positions

  • The way to have the highest income in this job is to be available for multi-overnight sitting stays. Sittings typically last a week or more and include weekends

  • When you are not doing a sitting, you will have substantial time off. During a sitting, you are able to leave the stay for up to 6 hours at a time, but for no more than 10 hours per 24-hour period

  • Must be available for an average of two-weekends per month (for sitting services)

Dog Caregivers

Key Requirements

  • No dog handling experience necessary, but it helps

  • Your interest in dogs goes beyond “I love dogs” to understanding and addressing behavior issues such as fear and reactivity

Specific Responsibilities

  • Participate in visits with clients and their dogs to help develop a trusting relationship with the dogs.

  • Deliver sitting services, daycare or drop-in visits.

  • Provide meals and medications, potty breaks, and enrichment.

  • Communicate regularly with staff and owners

Pay and Benefits

This position pays $16-$18/hour. For sitting stays that include overnight care, the pay rate for sleep time varies based on the minimum wage of the state in which the service is provided (Maryland, Virginia or Washington DC). Benefits include Sick and Safe Leave, Paid Time Off, and mileage reimbursement of 50 cents per mile.
*Services provided in Washington DC are paid at the minimum wage for the District, which is currently $18/hr.

Lead Dog Caregivers

Key Requirements

  • At least 1 year of experience working with dogs in a professional or volunteer capacity

  • Knowledge of dog behavior and challenges

  • Can effectively manage details related to multiple clients

  • The ability to manage your time effectively and prioritize tasks

Specific Responsibilities

  • Responsibilities include all those listed in the “Dog Caregiver” job description

  • Manage the format and schedule of Getting to Know You (GTKY) visits

  • Help dogs develop a trusting relationship with you and other staff. This includes the following:

    • Assess dog body language and behavior,

    • Model dog friendly behavior and provide mentoring to other staff.

    • Communicate with the client before, during and after visits.

  • Provide sitting, daycare and drop-in services directly

Pay and Benefits

This position pays $18-$20/hour based on experience. For sitting stays that include overnight care, the pay rate for sleep time varies based on the minimum wage of the state in which the service is provided (Maryland, Virginia or Washington DC) Benefits include Sick and Safe Leave, Paid Time Off, and mileage reimbursement of 50 cents per mile.