Ana Fuentes (Flickr Creative Commons)
This dog is in need of a running buddy.
This week: grab a leash in one hand and your best sneakers in the other as a professional dog runner, as advertised by this Craigslist post.
Everyone has heard of a dog walker. You may have even seen one — some kind-hearted soul with 38 pooches on a leash, each one with different walking paces and sniffing priorities.
But the dog runner is a completely new concept to me. Maybe it’s because my dog shows about as much interest in running long distances as she does in befriending the neighbor's Siamese. Neither of those things are happening.
Some dogs love to run, though. And if you do too, being a dog runner is a job you can have, according to this Craigslist post. My Best Friend Pet Services is hiring a professional dog walker/runner. And this is not a gig for just any pup enthusiast with legs. Here’s part of the job description:
Do you like to exercise AND love dogs?!
A professional dog walker / runner job is perfect for you!
Basic requirements:
Must love dogs
Must be 20 years or older
Be relatively physically fit (and injury free)
Enjoying running and/or walking (rain or shine)
Able to lift 25+ lbs
1+ year experience caring for pets - your own, volunteer, rescue, or in the industry
Reliable transportation
Clean driving record with proof of insurance
Must pass Criminal and Background checks
Basic business and communications skills — proficient in XL and proper email / phone etiquette
Must live near or within our service areas
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Multi-tasker
Own a Smart Phone - Web, GPS, email, text enabled; and capability to send photos
Own a personal computer with access to the internet
Must be or become certified in Animal First Aid and CPR within first month of employment
Job Tasks:
Canine fitness training, on road and off
Occasional Feeding or administering medications
The description also asks applicants to answer a few questions about themselves before applying. Rare is the application that queries “What is your experience with pets (please be as detailed as possible)?” “How many miles can you run? At what pace?” and “Describe yourself in three words.” We know how Dwight Schrute would answer:
This isn't a paper selling gig though. Dog running is serious business. For more information, visit the company's website. For inspiration about how awesome this job could be, click here.
