Wild Pack ABQ — Part-Time Dog Care Team Member

Wild Pack ABQ is a locally owned dog-care company providing adventure hikes, daycare, dog walking, and in-home pet care around Albuquerque.

We’re looking for experienced dog handlers to join our growing team. This is not a basic dog-walking job. Our dogs have different personalities, energy levels, training needs, and behavioral challenges, and we want people who can confidently handle them while creating a genuinely enriching experience.

What You’ll Do

  • Safely handle dogs who pull, are reactive, anxious, excitable, or have challenging behaviors

  • Lead individual and small-group hikes and walks

  • Pick up and drop off dogs safely

  • Provide daycare, play, enrichment, feeding, and basic care

  • Read dog body language and recognize stress, overstimulation, fear, or discomfort

  • Adjust activities based on the individual dog rather than simply following a route

  • Think creatively when a dog isn't enjoying an activity — for example, incorporating training, commands, jogging, sniffing, games, or other enrichment

  • Use and reinforce owners' existing training and routines

  • Notice when a dog could benefit from additional enrichment, equipment, or activities and communicate those ideas to the Wild Pack team

  • Provide updates about the dog's behavior, energy, and experience

  • Follow Wild Pack safety and handling procedures

We’re Looking For Someone Who:

  • Has professional or significant hands-on experience working with dogs

  • Has experience handling reactive, fearful, high-energy, or strong/pulling dogs

  • Is physically comfortable handling larger or powerful dogs

  • Understands canine body language and behavior

  • Can confidently manage multiple dogs when appropriate

  • Thinks beyond “walk the dog and go home”

  • Has an enrichment-focused mindset and enjoys figuring out what makes an individual dog happy, engaged, and successful

  • Can make good judgment calls independently while knowing when to ask for help

  • Is observant and proactive — if something isn't working for a dog, you look for a better approach

  • Is dependable, communicative, and comfortable working independently

  • Has reliable transportation and a valid driver's license

  • Is comfortable hiking 1–2+ hours on uneven terrain and working outdoors in New Mexico weather

  • Pet First Aid/CPR or other dog-training/behavior certifications are a plus

Schedule

Part-time to start, with potential for more hours as Wild Pack grows.

Our busiest needs are generally weekday mornings through early afternoon, with occasional weekends and holidays.

Compensation

$12-18/hour, depending on experience and qualifications.

How to Apply

Send us an email at wildpackabq@gmail.com with the following information:

  • A brief introduction

  • Your dog-care experience

  • Any experience with reactive or challenging dogs

  • Your typical weekday availability

  • Any dog-training, behavior, or pet first-aid experience

  • A little about how you approach enrichment and working with dogs who aren't responding well to a typical walk

A resume is welcome but not required.