First-Time Hiring for Pet Pros 101
Chapter 1: First Steps

Lesson 1: The Role

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IN THIS LESSON

  • Identifying the role

  • Experience & qualifications

  • Compatability with your business

First time hiring can be scary! Before we even get into paperwork and the onboarding process, you must first decide exactly what role you're hiring for, who the right fit would be, and how you will find them.

First: How much work do you have for someone? This will determine if you're hiring for an on-call, part-time, or full-time role. Do you have enough work to sustain both of your needs? If not, do you have a marketing plan in place to attract new clients for the new hire?

When do you most need help? This will determine the availability your candidate will need. Do you need more help during the week or on weekends?

Make sure the person you're looking for is realistic; for example, you'd be very hard-pressed to find someone experienced who is available for only 2-3 hours during the midday dog walking rush if you don't have more work for them before or after. Most candidates will need at least 10-15 hours of consistent work per week, depending on their current situation.

When first deciding who could potentially be a good fit for your company, here are some important factors to consider for a potential candidate:

1. Experience and Qualifications

  • Previous Experience: Look for candidates with experience in dog walking or pet care. Experience with a variety of breeds and temperaments is a big plus - but assess the candidate's willingness to learn and consider that as well. Dog walking is a mobile job and is generally not a good fit for someone brand new to the pet industry! (*Note: sometimes candidates with more difficult or high-maintenance dogs can possess a lot of dog-knowledge without any professional experience.)

  • Certifications: Check if they have relevant certifications, such as pet first aid and CPR. While not mandatory, these can be a sign of a commitment to pet safety.

2. Dog Knowledge

  • Understanding of Dog Behavior: Ensure the candidate has a solid understanding of dog behavior and body language to manage different situations effectively.

  • Training Techniques: If your company serves any needy or difficult dogs, the ideal candidate should be familiar with basic training techniques and know how to handle dogs with various behavioral issues.

3. Reliability and Trustworthiness

  • Background Checks: Perform background checks to ensure the candidate has a clean criminal record and a trustworthy history.

  • Punctuality: Look for evidence of reliability and punctuality, as these are critical traits for a dog walker who needs to stick to a schedule. Were they on-time for the interview?

  • References: Obtain and review references from previous employers or clients to gauge their reliability and performance.

4. Ability to Perform

  • Physical Condition: Dog walking can be physically demanding. Ensure the candidate is fit and able to handle long walks, multiple dogs, and all types of weather conditions.

  • Comfort with Physical Tasks: They should be comfortable with tasks like picking up after dogs, handling leashes, and managing multiple dogs at once.

5. Communication Skills

  • Clear Communication: The candidate should communicate clearly and effectively with both you and the dog owners. They should be able to provide updates on the dogs’ well-being and report any issues.

  • Customer Service: Good interpersonal skills are essential, especially if they will interact directly with clients. They should be able to handle client inquiries and concerns professionally.

6. Compatibility with Your Company’s Values

  • Alignment with Company Values: The candidate should share your company’s values regarding both pet care and customer service.

  • Fit with Company Culture: Consider whether they will fit well with your team and represent your business positively.

7. Availability and Flexibility

  • Schedule Flexibility: Ensure the candidate’s availability aligns with your business hours and the needs of your clients.

  • Handling Changes: They should be adaptable and able to handle last-minute changes in schedule or additional requests as needed.

9. Personal Qualities

  • Patience and Empathy: A good dog walker should be patient and empathetic, understanding that dogs may have different needs and personalities.

  • Attention to Detail: They should be attentive to the dogs’ behavior and needs, ensuring their safety and comfort during walks.

10. Trial Period

  • Evaluate Performance: Consider implementing a trial period to assess the candidate’s performance and compatibility with your dogs and clients before making a long-term commitment.

By considering these factors, you can select a dog walker who is well-suited to provide high-quality care and positively represent your company.