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 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:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age

  • Must have a valid driver’s license

  • Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent

  • A reliable car to drive to/from client’s houses. Please do not apply if you rely on public transportation or the assistance of family or friends to provide transportation

  • Strong communication skills both in person and in writing

  • Must be reliable and dedicated to the best interest of the animals in your care and to the families that will depend on you for services

  • Must be willing to work in multiple service areas (DC and its Maryland and Northern Virginia surrounding suburbs OR Baltimore and its surrounding suburbs). You will frequently travel within a 20-mile radius of your home, occasionally up to a 30-mile radius.

  • Must be available year-round. We do not hire for seasonal positions.

  • Full-time: availability for seven days a week, including flexibility for daytime, evenings, weekends and over-nights. Please note, Challenging Dogs Pet Care values a healthy work/life balance and staff are encourages to take the time off that they need.

    • The ability to do frequent multi-night sittings is the only way to gain full-time hours. Sittings typically last a week or more and include weekends.

    • You should NOT apply if you have other responsibilities that make you unavailable for 6 consecutive hours or more for three or more days during the week.

  • Part-time: flexibility for daytime, evenings, weekends and over-nights

    • 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 multiple visits with a new owner and dog(s) to help the dog become familiar with you

  • Arrive at the client’s home at the scheduled arrival time and deliver sitting services, daycare or drop-in visits

  • Provide meals and medications (food provided by owner), potty breaks, and adequate physical and mental exercise

  • Communicate regularly with staff and owners

Pay and Benefits

This position pays $15-$17.50/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 $17.50/hr.

Lead Dog Caregivers

Key Requirements

  • At least 2 years of experience working with dogs in a professional or volunteer capacity (this does not include growing up with or owning your own dogs)

  • Intermediate knowledge of dog behavior and challenges

  • Commitment to an approach that is positive reinforcement only with no use of punishment

  • Able to effectively manage details related to multiple clients

  • High-level ability to manage your time effectively and prioritize tasks

Specific Responsibilities

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

  • Interview new clients to collect information on each dog’s behavior challenges

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

  • Facilitate GTKY visits to enable the dog to develop a trusting relationship with you and other staff. This includes the following:

    • Assessing and interpreting the dog’s body language and behavior,

    • Prepping a staff member who may be accompanying you on the visit, modeling dog friendly behavior, providing mentoring as needed, and ensuring their safety,

    • Communicating the visit format to the client before the visit, communicating with the client during the visit to provide feedback on how the dog is doing,

    • Assessing the visit environment, including being aware of weather conditions, the neighborhood layout, and the house layout.

  • Provide sitting, daycare and drop-in services directly

Pay and Benefits

This position pays $17.50-$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.