Dog Adventure Guide / Client Representative

Founded in 2024, Monterey Dog has quickly become the MOST POPULAR dog walking and sitting service on the Monterey Peninsula, and we’re just getting started! At Monterey Dog, we go beyond basic pet care to provide thoughtful, enrichment-focused services that prioritize animal welfare with positive, force-free handling. From daily walks and overnight sitting to curated hikes and beach days, we proudly serve both locals and visitors with highly personalized, high-quality care.

At Monterey Dog, we believe we're more than just a pet care service, we're a growing community rooted in compassion, professionalism, and of course, a love for dogs! We’re building a team of passionate individuals who share our vision of improving the lives of dogs across the Monterey Peninsula. As we grow, we’re looking for a team member who is excited about being part of a mission-driven company and wants to grow with us. 

This is a permanent, on-call position with flexible scheduling, perfect for someone looking to fit meaningful work around their lifestyle. Ideally, we are looking for an individual who wants to grow with Monterey Dog and into a full-time role with the company. 

Position Summary

As a Dog Adventure Guide / Client Representative, you’ll be a key, client-facing member of our team, responsible for walking dogs, leading enrichment-based adventures, and providing dog sitting in clients’ homes. Unlike other companies, we don’t just offer individual appointments, we match our team members with long-term clients. This model allows our Dog Adventure Guides to build consistent schedules and most importantly, form long-term relationships with both clients and their dogs.

With Monterey Dog, you’ll be assigned one or more clients whose needs align with your availability and experience. In addition to these ongoing assignments, you may also be asked to assist with occasional one-time appointment through our tourism division, or participate in group walks, team-led hikes, or enrichment outings with multiple dogs.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Walking a client’s dog(s) around their neighborhood

• Taking dog(s) on enriching outings to local beaches, hiking trails, or other destinations

• Providing daytime or overnight dog sitting in clients’ homes

• Offering backup coverage for fellow Dog Adventure Guides when needed

• Participating in group walks and other collaborative outings with other team members

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

We’re not looking for someone to just walk a dog, we’re looking for someone who becomes part of a client’s extended family. Our clients trust us deeply with the wellbeing of their pets, and our Dog Adventure Guides are expected to uphold that trust with compassion, expertise, and professionalism.

Candidates should demonstrate:

• A deep sense of responsibility, reliability, and empathy when caring for animals

• Enthusiasm for building relationships with both pets and people

• Commitment to providing enriching experiences for dogs that support both their physical and mental wellbeing

• Eagerness to stay informed on best practices in dog care, safety, health, and enrichment, and the confidence to educate clients as appropriate

• Sound judgment in situations where dogs may be nervous, reactive, or overstimulated

• Ability to communicate clearly with clients and uphold a high standard of customer service

• A warm, welcoming personality and strong interpersonal skills

• Comfort and confidence in “messy” situations, including cleaning up accidents or administering basic first aid

• Physical fitness to participate in an active, outdoor working environment in all weather conditions

• Capability to safely walk at least two large dogs at once

• Willingness to participate in company-provided training and ongoing education

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

• Flexibility to work a variable schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays

Minimum Qualifications

To be considered, you must be 18 years or older and legally authorized to work in the United States. All candidates must also:

• Have previous professional experience working with dogs in a dog walking, sitting, or training capacity

• Reside in or around Monterey, California

• Have reliable transportation and be able to drive to client locations within the service area (Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley, Seaside, and Marina). 

• Have a smartphone with data plan to send real-time updates to clients

• Be physically fit and capable of walking for long periods of time

• Possess a valid Pet First Aid Certificate (or be willing to obtain one)

Completion or enrollment in a veterinarian, animal behavior, or related certification or degree program as well as formal training in non-aversive dog training (ex. Fear Free) is strongly preferred.

All candidates must pass a background check prior to employment. 

Compensation

The hourly range for this position begins at $18.00 per hour and is eligible for service bonuses and transportation reimbursement dependent on services assigned, up to a maximum of $33.00 per hour. All Dog Adventure Guides are entitled to 100% of client provided tips and referral bonuses for new clients.

The safety of our employees is paramount. Monterey Dog has strict client policies and complimentary meet-and-greets with all clients prior to service to ensure the health and safety of our employees. 

How to apply

To apply, send your resume and cover letter describing why you would be a great fit to hello@themontereydog.com. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.