Psychology-Informed Pet Sitter

Psypawlogy Pet Care LLC is seeking two dependable and compassionate team members to provide psychology-informed pet care throughout the DMV area:

• One sitter based in or near Arlington, Virginia
• One sitter based in Washington, DC

This flexible, booking-based opportunity is especially well suited for undergraduate or graduate psychology students, recent graduates, and individuals studying psychology, forensic psychology, social work, counseling, human services, animal behavior, or a related field.

ABOUT PSYPAWLOGY

Psypawlogy provides individualized pet care centered on each animal’s personality, behavior, emotional needs, routines, and comfort level. We care for pets of all personalities, including puppies, senior pets, rescue animals, and pets who may be shy, anxious, energetic, or adjusting to new experiences.

Our sitters do more than complete a walk or visit. They take the time to understand each pet, follow detailed care instructions, provide appropriate enrichment, and help pets feel safe and supported.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Depending on the opportunities you accept, responsibilities may include:

• Dog walking
• Dog and cat drop-in visits
• Feeding, refreshing water, and administering routine care
• Providing enrichment, play, and positive reinforcement
• Extended pet sitting and overnight care
• Adventure Club outings
• Following each pet’s established routine and care plan
• Providing clients with timely updates, photos, and visit notes
• Communicating professionally with pet parents and the Psypawlogy team
• Following all Psypawlogy safety procedures and standards of care

WHY JOIN PSYPAWLOGY?

• Flexible, booking-based schedule
• Choose the care opportunities that fit your availability
• Ideal for students balancing classes, internships, or practicum schedules
• Paid per completed service or booking
• Paid Dog and Cat CPR and First Aid training and certification
• Fully covered under Psypawlogy’s professional pet care insurance while providing approved services
• Training in the Psypawlogy Method and our standards of care
• Hands-on experience observing animal behavior and applying concepts such as reinforcement, enrichment, patience, structure, and individualized care
• Opportunities to participate in Adventure Club outings and community events
• Potential to grow with the company as our DMV client base expands

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Currently pursuing or already earned a degree in psychology or a related field is preferred
• Genuine experience with and passion for dogs and cats
• Patient, observant, compassionate, and dependable
• Comfortable working with pets of different sizes, breeds, ages, and personalities
• Able to follow detailed written and verbal instructions
• Comfortable communicating professionally with clients
• Reliable access to a smartphone
• Reliable transportation within the assigned service area
• Availability for some evenings, weekends, holidays, or overnight care is preferred
• Willing to complete a background check
• Willing to complete required Psypawlogy training and Dog and Cat CPR and First Aid certification

Previous professional pet care experience is preferred but not required for the right candidate. We value reliability, maturity, good judgment, communication, and a willingness to learn.

SCHEDULING AND COMPENSATION

This is a flexible, booking-based position without guaranteed weekly hours. Team members may review available opportunities and choose the bookings that fit their schedules. Compensation varies by the type and length of service and is communicated before a booking is accepted.

Once a booking is accepted, the sitter is expected to provide reliable, consistent, and professional care for the full assignment.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit:

• Your resume
• A brief letter of interest
• Whether you are applying for the Arlington or Washington, DC area
• Your general availability
• A short description of your experience with animals and your interest in psychology-informed pet care

Come help us provide pet care that is truly more than a walk.