Off-Leash Dog Hiker & Pack Leader
Sarah's Pet Services — Hatfield, MA
Do you love being outdoors and spending time with dogs? As a Dog Hiker, you’ll lead packs of 3 to 6 dogs on exciting, hour-long off-leash adventures through beautiful New England trails.
In addition to physical exercise, you'll help dogs practice crucial social skills—like group recall, trail manners, and pack dynamics—in all weather conditions (rain, shine, or snow!).
Key Responsibilities:
- Transport, monitor, and safely manage packs of dogs during off-leash trail hikes (each hike takes ~2.5 hours including pickup, trail time, and drop-off).
- Reinforce positive behavioral habits and safety on the trails.
- Provide occasional care and handling for other household pets (cats, small mammals) as needed.
- Deliver outstanding service and clear communication to our pet owners.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Experience: Prior experience handling or working with animals (dog walking, vet tech/clinic, shelter, pet care facility) strongly preferred.
- Vehicle & License: Valid Driver’s License and a reliable vehicle suitable for safely transporting a pack of dogs, it needs to fit at least 4 Lab sized dogs.
- Technology: Smart phone with a reliable camera, texting capabilities, ample data, and email access.
- Physical Fitness: Ability to walk 3+ miles per day on varied terrain (pavement and forest trails) and lift up to 50 lbs.
- Skills: Solid understanding of dog behavior, strong communication/customer service skills, and a positive, adaptable attitude.
Work Location
- On the road / field-based (Northampton, Hatfield, and surrounding Pioneer Valley trail systems)
Pay & Benefits
- Pay: $22.00 – $26.00 / hour (Piece-rate based)
- Average rate is $24.00/hr for standard 5-dog group hikes
- Additional Pay: Mileage reimbursement, tips, and bonus opportunities
- Job Type: Part-Time or Full-Time (Minimum 3 days/week)
- Schedule: ~10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Additional weekend, morning, night, or overnight shifts available)
Perks & Benefits:
- mileage reimbursement
- Paid training & ongoing professional development
- Flexible scheduling
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Tuition reimbursement & advancement opportunities
About Sarah's Pet Services
For 20 years, Sarah's Pet Services has been providing top-tier pet care in the Pioneer Valley. As the largest outdoor dog daycare company in Massachusetts—serving Northampton, Easthampton, and Hatfield areas—we believe that regular exercise and social interaction are key to a healthy, well-mannered companion.
Our mission is simple: We Make Good Dogs GREAT!
Pay: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Mileage reimbursement
- On-the-job training
- Paid time off
- Paid training
Application Question(s):
- Do you live within 20 minutes of Northampton, MA?
- Do you own or have reliable access to a vehicle large enough to safely transport up to 4–6 large dogs (e.g., Labradors) at once?
Experience:
- Dog handling: 1 year (Required)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Work Location: In person
