I’m looking for an experienced, reliable and professional dog walker to work as an independent contractor during December 2026.

I’m looking for someone who can be available throughout the month of December, including the weeks around the Christmas holiday period. The exact dates and amount of coverage are still being finalized, so flexibility during the month will be important. Availability on Christmas Day or statutory holidays is not required, but availability during the surrounding weeks is important.

The role will involve caring for some of my regular dog-walking clients in the Yonge–Bloor area and surrounding neighbourhoods. I’m looking for someone I can trust to provide a high standard of care and to interact professionally with both dogs and clients.

I’m looking for someone who:

- Has previous professional experience working with dogs, ideally as a dog walker, pet sitter, trainer, veterinary assistant, daycare attendant or in a similar role
- Is confident handling dogs of different sizes, personalities and energy levels
- Has a good understanding of canine body language
- Is comfortable with nervous, reactive or stronger dogs; experience in this area is a strong asset
- Is calm, attentive and genuinely comfortable working independently
- Knows when to communicate or ask questions if something seems unusual
- Is reliable, punctual and responsible
- Has strong attention to detail and can carefully follow individual instructions and routines for each dog
- Has excellent communication and customer-service skills
- Is skilled and comfortable interacting directly with clients
- Is comfortable handling clients’ keys, access instructions and entering clients’ homes responsibly
- Is comfortable walking outdoors for several hours in Toronto winter conditions, including cold temperatures, snow and slush
- Is comfortable travelling between nearby clients primarily on foot
- Has good judgment and is able to handle unexpected situations independently
- Has a smartphone with reliable data access
- Is available during weekday daytime hours,



particularly from late morning through early afternoon

Pet First Aid/CPR certification is an asset. Most clients are located within a relatively compact area around Yonge–Bloor, so the role involves travelling between nearby appointments rather than covering large distances across the city.

Before working independently, I would arrange introductory meetings and training/shadow walks so that the selected person can meet the dogs, learn their routines and become familiar with each client.

Because this position involves entering clients’ homes and caring for their pets, references will be required.

When applying, please include a short introduction about yourself, your professional experience with dogs, your general availability throughout December, where you are located, and any experience you have with reactive, nervous or challenging dogs.

December is the immediate priority, but I’m ultimately looking for the right person to work with on an ongoing basis throughout the year. I regularly need reliable support during busy periods, when I need coverage, and sometimes with regular day-to-day walks, so I’m hoping to find someone I can trust and continue working with long term.

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Application question(s)

- Are you available throughout December 2026, including the weeks around the Christmas holiday period? Please list any dates you are unavailable.
- Please briefly describe your professional experience working with dogs. How long have you worked in dog walking, pet sitting, daycare, training, veterinary care, or a similar role?
- Are you comfortable walking outdoors for several hours in Toronto winter conditions, including cold temperatures, snow and slush?
- Where are you located, and how would you normally travel to the Yonge–Bloor area?
- Can you provide at least one professional reference related to pet care, animal care or another position involving responsibility and client trust?
- Are you interested in ongoing independent contractor work beyond December, including occasional coverage and regular dog walks during the year?

Work Location: In person

📌 Experienced Dog Walker – Independent Contractor | Yonge–Bloor | December 2026 (Toronto)
🏢 Francesca Pet Care
📍 Toronto