If you find joy in mornings with animals, quiet walks, soft noses, and the small rituals that help pets feel safe, this role may be exactly what you’re looking for. We’re searching for a calm, caring and reliable Pet Carer & Dog Walker to join our team. This is hands‑on, heart‑led work — perfect for someone who feels most at home around animals and understands the comfort of familiar routines.
About the Role
Every day looks a little different, but the purpose stays the same: helping pets feel secure, loved, and well cared for while their “pawrents” are away.
Your day might start with a series of walks, helping them explore their local neighbourhood, head to the dog park or even head off on one of our Dog Day Out adventures. You’ll visit pets in their own homes — the spaces where they feel most themselves — to provide enrichment, feeding, and companionship. You may settle in with a shy cat, check on horses or chickens, or support pets with special routines. You’ll always be on the move and no one day is the same.
As we’re caring for pets when people are most likely to be away, work over weekends, long weekends, public holidays and school holidays will be required. There is also the opportunity for overnight pet care stays and group adventures.
You’ll need to be confident with a range of temperaments, range of dog sizes and breeds and comfortable working independently.
What You’ll Do
- Walk dogs with confidence and control, including those who need a steady, experienced handler.
- Support pets through their daily rhythms — exercise, feeding, watering, enrichment and gentle grooming basics.
- Keep their spaces clean and comfortable, including bedding, enclosures, litter trays, and equipment.
- Notice the little things — changes in behaviour, appetite, or mood — and communicate them promptly.
- Communicate thoughtful updates to owners, including photos and notes that help them feel connected.
- Care for a variety of species, from dogs and cats to horses, poultry, goats, and any other kind of pets.
- Support the team with additional tasks as needed.
Why This Role Appeals to Animal‑Centric Carers
This role is ideal for someone who:
- Enjoys working outdoors and moving throughout the day
- Loves one‑on‑one time with animals
- Values trust‑building, gentle handling, and animal‑first care
- Is confident supporting animals who may be anxious, shut down, overstimulated, or still learning how to trust
- Appreciates autonomy and meaningful, grounded work
If you’re someone who connects with animals through calm presence, careful observation and supporting animals through their day, then this role is for you.
What We Offer
- Award aligned pay + mileage reimbursement
- A supportive, animal‑focused team that genuinely cares
- Uniform provided
- Paid training time and ongoing development
- Clear, structured shifts
- Opportunities to grow skills in enrichment, behaviour, and multi‑species care
Role Requirements
- Previous experience in the animal industry is mandatory, with references
- Confidence handling reactive dogs and the fitness to manage active shifts
- Strong communication and time‑management skills
- A reliable car and valid driver’s licence (P‑plates or higher)
- Willingness to obtain a police check
- Availability for weekends, public holidays (including Christmas), school holiday periods and overnight stays
How to Apply
If you’re self‑motivated, animal-centric in your approach, and passionate about providing calm, thoughtful care to animals, we’d love to hear from you.
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter via Indeed.
For questions, contact us at [email protected]
About Paws & Whiskers Pet Care Services
Since 2016, we’ve provided high‑quality, animal‑first care to pets across the Southern Highlands. We care for dogs, cats, horses, chickens, goats and more — all in their familiar environments to minimise stress and ensure they feel safe and supported while their owners are away.
Pay: $25.85 – $37.48 per hour
Work Location: In person
