Dog Hiking Specialist

About the role

ShoreLine Happy Paws offers part‑time, year‑round positions leading small‑group hikes through Connecticut’s woods, beaches and trails, plus neighborhood dog walking, yard let‑outs, potty breaks and in‑home pet sitting (cats included). You’ll send photo updates, drive between visits across the service area and receive paid continuing education in dog behavior.

Responsibilities

• Lead structured small‑group hikes on local trails, beaches and woods
• Coach dogs into great leash manners, both solo and as a pack
• Handle neighborhood dog walking, yard let‑outs and potty breaks
• Provide in‑home pet sitting visits (cats included)
• Send photo updates and visit reports to clients
• Drive between visits across the service area
• Participate in paid continuing education in dog behavior

Requirements

• 18 years of age or older
• Genuine love for animals
• Patient and respectful
• Reliable, communicative and detail‑oriented
• Calm and confident with fearful, reactive or excitable dogs
• Happy to work outdoors in any weather

Skills

• Ability to handle large or strong dogs (90+ lbs) and hike several miles a day over uneven terrain
• Reliable vehicle with a valid license, clean driving record and current auto insurance
• Smartphone with data service
• Able to pass a background check

Pay

• Paid training at $16.94 /hr
• Hiking pay ranging from $17 to $25 /hr (new hires start at the low end)
• Raises based on tenure and performance

Benefits

• Tips
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Holiday pay
• End‑of‑year bonuses
• Paid Pet CPR certification plus an education stipend (dog training, Pet CPR Instructor)
• Costco membership
• Employee discounts
• Referral program
• Real W‑2 employment with workers’ compensation and liability insurance
• Opportunity for advancement into leadership roles

Schedule

• 10 to 25 hours per week; you choose the number, but it must be consistent
• Year‑round only (no summer‑only hires)
• Primary need: Tuesday‑Thursday, 9 AM–1 PM or 10 AM–2 PM
• Monday‑Friday also considered
• Evenings, weekends and overnights optional