Dog Sitter

Professional Dog Sitter & Dog Walker (Independent Contractor) — St. Petersburg / Clearwater Metro Area

Reliable. Detail-oriented. Great communicator. If you’re the type of person who sends thorough updates after each visit and follows instructions exactly, you’ll fit right in.

The Comforted Canine is contracting with independent dog sitters and walkers in the St. Petersburg / Clearwater metro area. This is a 1099 independent contractor role (not W-2). You choose your availability and service area; we match you with clients based on fit and demand.

Who This Is For

You’ll do well here if you are:

• Reliable and punctual (showing up on time is non-negotiable)
• Calm and confident with dogs of all sizes and temperaments
• Detail-oriented and comfortable following written instructions exactly
• Comfortable entering client homes and taking home security seriously
• Strong at customer service and proactive communication

What You’ll Do

Services you can choose from include:

• In-home dog sitting visits: 30/45/60 minutes (1–3x daily), 10-hour overnight stays, 24-hour live-in house sitting
• Dog walks: 30/45/60/90-minute private walks

Typical responsibilities:

• Follow care instructions precisely (feeding, water, potty breaks, meds as needed)
• Provide appropriate exercise + enrichment (play, training reinforcement, companionship)
• Walk dogs safely with professional leash handling and situational awareness
• Complete light home-care basics as requested (mail, plants, trash, packages)
• Leave the home clean and secure (doors, gates, alarms, keys)
• Send updates + photos through our app after every visit/walk

Required Qualifications (Please Read)

To be considered, you must:

• Be 18+
• Have real dog-care experience (professional is a plus, not required)
• Be physically capable of demanding work (walking, stairs, bending, extended time on your feet)
• Confidently handle dogs from small to large
• Have a smartphone with reliable data + camera (app-based updates are required)
• Be organized enough to manage schedules, keys/access instructions, and detailed routines
• Be able to pass a criminal background check and provide references
• Be able to handle unexpected situations calmly and follow safety protocols

Strong Pluses

• Pet first aid/CPR certification
• Medication experience (pills, injections, fluids)
• Experience handling leash pulling, reactivity, or anxious dogs using safe, positive methods
• Availability during peak demand (especially summer + winter holidays)

Schedule & Flexibility

This is a flexible, self-employed role (not W2 employment). You choose your availability within these client-selected windows:

• Morning (6am–12pm)
• Afternoon (12pm–5pm)
• Evening (5pm–10pm)
• Anytime (6am–10pm)
• Overnights: 10-hour stays
• House Sitting: overnight + living in home most of daytime

We match you with clients based on your availability and location. Flexibility matters, but reliability matters more.

Pay & Perks

• Competitive pay rates
• Bonus opportunities (holidays, short-notice requests, referrals, positive client feedback)
• Many clients tip; 100% of tips go to you
• Access to a nationwide community of experienced pet care providers for support and advice

Important Screening Notes

This role is not a fit if you:

• Struggle with punctuality or last-minute cancellations
• Dislike detailed routines or prefer to “wing it”
• Are uncomfortable with app-based communication and sending updates/photos
• Are not comfortable entering client homes and following strict security procedures
• Are not confident handling dogs on leash in real-world environments

About Us

The Dog Care Equation = Reliability + Responsibility + Responsiveness.
Dog parents choose The Comforted Canine dog caregivers because they deliver professional care and peace of mind.

Complete our quick, mobile-friendly application.

P.S. Background and reference checks are required.
*Please apply to only one position, even if interested in multiple locations.
**No phone calls, please. Due to high application volume, we respond only to candidates who appear to be a strong match