Pet Handler and Trainer

Job Summary

We are seeking a reliable and experienced Pet Handler and Trainer to join a private household team, providing attentive care, handling and training for family pets and occasional guest animals. The successful candidate will be responsible for day-to-day animal care, behavioural training, exercise routines, transport to veterinary and grooming appointments, and maintaining a safe, clean and well-organised environment for the pets. This role requires a calm, confident approach, strong animal handling skills, excellent observation, discretion and the ability to work collaboratively with household staff and external providers.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for household pets including feeding, administering medication, cleaning bedding and living areas, grooming support and monitoring health and wellbeing.

• Plan and deliver positive reinforcement training programmes for basic obedience, lead walking, recall, behavioural issues and enrichment activities tailored to each animal’s needs and the owner’s preferences.

• Exercise and socialise pets through walks, play sessions and supervised interactions; ensure safe outdoor time and appropriate enrichment to support physical and mental health.

• Safely handle pets of varying sizes and temperaments; manage introductions between animals and visitors, and maintain control during household events and when guests are present.

• Accompany pets to veterinary, grooming and training appointments as required; liaise with vets, trainers and groomers, follow treatment plans and report observations promptly to the household.

• Maintain accurate records of feeding, medication, training progress, behavioural notes and appointments; provide clear handover and communication with household staff and owners.

• Manage pet supplies, equipment and bedding inventory; ensure prompt replenishment of food, medicines, toys and grooming supplies and report budgetary needs when required.

• Ensure pet areas, vehicles and equipment are kept clean, hygienic and safe; follow household protocols for waste disposal, laundry and chemical use associated with pet care.

• Support household routines and adapt care to travel, events or changes in schedule; provide temporary pet-sitting or short-term boarding within the household when requested.

• Provide advice to household members on animal care, nutrition and behaviour; recommend external specialists when necessary and assist in organising training or behavioural consultations.

• Adhere to confidentiality, discretion and professional standards at all times when interacting with family members, guests and external providers.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 2 years’ professional experience in pet handling, dog walking, animal care, training or a similar role within private households, veterinary practices, shelters or professional training environments.

• Proven experience delivering positive reinforcement training and managing common behavioural issues; recognised qualifications or certificates in animal behaviour or training are desirable.

• Confident and competent with handling animals of different sizes and temperaments; able to demonstrate safe lifting and handling techniques where required.

• Basic animal first aid knowledge and experience administering medications; formal first aid training for animals is desirable.

• Excellent observational skills with strong attention to detail; able to recognise changes in health or behaviour and take appropriate action.

• Good record-keeping and communication skills, with the ability to prepare concise reports and handover notes for owners and colleagues.

• Physically fit and able to perform manual tasks including walking, lifting and handling equipment; flexible and reliable with availability for occasional evenings, weekends or short-notice cover.

• Professional, discreet and courteous manner with a genuine care for animal welfare and respect for household privacy.