Please read before applying
As this is a unique long-term role, applications will only be considered if they include:
- A current résumé
- A cover letter introducing yourself
- A short response to the question: “Why does this role appeal to you?”
We’d love to learn a little about you and why you feel you’d be the right fit for the Darlo Dogs family.
Job Overview
If your perfect day includes a few happy little dogs by your side, this unique live-in role in Darlinghurst could be for you. Care for a small group of dogs in a calm, home-style environment.
This is a rare opportunity to live in a fully furnished one-bedroom apartment in Darlinghurst at a reduced rent while becoming part of a trusted, close-knit team caring for small dogs in a calm and considered environment.
We’re looking for someone seeking a genuine long-term lifestyle role where dogs are treated like family.
About Darlo Dogs
At Darlo Dogs, we’ve created a calm, considered space where small dogs are genuinely understood and cared for as individuals.
We specialise in small breeds and focus on building confidence through gentle socialisation, structured routine, and environments that never overwhelm. Every dog is introduced slowly, thoughtfully, and always with their emotional wellbeing front of mind.
We prioritise balance — play, enrichment, rest, and familiarity — so dogs feel safe, settled, and able to be themselves.
About Darlo’s Den
Darlo’s Den is our home-style extension of this philosophy. It is a small, carefully managed live-in care environment where a maximum of 4 dogs stay in a home-style setting with consistent human presence.
Our dogs form real bonds with familiar people, and we take that responsibility seriously. This role is about more than supervision — it is about being a calm, trusted presence in their daily lives during their stay.
We are a friendly, close-knit team who care deeply about the dogs, the clients, and the experience we provide.
Please note:This role requires a genuine long-term commitment (minimum 12 months) and is not suitable for Working Holiday Visa (WHV) candidates.
The Role
You will be caring for up to four carefully matched small dogs overnight in your home who stay caring lengths of time while their parents are away.
Your days may include quiet time at home, enrichment activities, neighbourhood walks, or taking the dogs along to daycare with our team.
This is a lifestyle role suited to someone who enjoys a calm home environment and genuinely loves having dogs as part of everyday life.
Responsibilities include:
- Caring for up to four small dogs overnight in a calm home environment
- Morning and evening walks during the week
- Providing companionship and enrichment
- Taking dogs on outings or to daycare when appropriate
- Maintaining a safe and clean home environment
- Treating every dog with patience, kindness, and individual care
Your Home
You will live in a fully furnished one-bedroom Art Deco apartment in the heart of Darlinghurst at a reduced rent, along with an overnight allowance for providing consistent care.
We also understand the importance of balance. Planned respite breaks are built in, with 2–3 consecutive dog-free nights every couple of months so you can completely switch off. Holidays and longer breaks are planned together with plenty of notice.
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
- A genuine dog lover who is trustworthy, reliable, loyal, warm, and friendly
- Someone who enjoys a calm, home-based lifestyle
- Comfortable with early mornings and bedtime walks
- Able to read situations and act calmly and responsibly
- Comfortable working independently and providing thoughtful communication to owners, including photos and updates on their dogs
- Mature and grounded, with minimal other work commitments (may suit a retiree or part-time worker)
- Previous dog experience is preferred but not essential
What’s on Offer
- Fully furnished one-bedroom Art Deco apartment in Darlinghurst at significantly reduced rent
- Overnight allowance of $80 per night when caring for dogs (typically up to 6 nights per week)
- Estimated total package value: $38,000–$41,000 per year equivalent (including accommodation and allowance)
- Planned respite breaks (2–3 consecutive dog-free nights every couple of months)
- Flexibility to plan holidays and longer breaks with plenty of notice
- A warm, supportive, close-knit team
- The opportunity to become a trusted and familiar presence in the lives of our dogs
How to Apply
Please submit:
- Your résumé
- A cover letter introducing yourself
- A short response to the question: “Why does this role appeal to you?”
Applications without a cover letter and response to this question will not be considered.
Pay: Up to $40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Application Question(s):
- Are you able to commit to this role for a minimum of 12 months?
- This role requires living in the provided Darlinghurst apartment and caring for up to four small dogs overnight as part of your daily routine. Are you comfortable with this arrangement?
- Do you currently have any other work or study commitments?
- Why does this role appeal to you?
- Please briefly describe your experience caring for dogs?
- What would your ideal weekday look like caring for the dogs?
Work Authorisation:
Work Location: In person
