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Dog Companion Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

VCA Animal Hospitals

Medical Director

South Hadley, MA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... small animal/companion animal practice. This role combines clinical practice with medical ... Our caseload is primarily cats and dogs, with regular rabbit and pocket pet visits - comfort or ...

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Dog Companion information

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How much do dog companion jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog companion in Springfield, MA is $16.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $17.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dog companion?

Dog companions are individuals who provide companionship, care, and attention to dogs, either as pet owners or as hired professionals. Their main responsibilities include feeding, walking, playing with, and ensuring the well-being of the dogs in their care. Dog companions may also help with basic training, grooming, and monitoring the health of the dogs. This role is important for ensuring dogs receive adequate social interaction, exercise, and emotional support, especially when their owners are busy or away. Dog companions can work independently, for pet-sitting companies, or as part of animal care facilities.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a dog companion?

As a Dog Companion, your daily responsibilities typically include providing exercise through walks or playtime, engaging in interactive activities, administering feeding routines, and monitoring the dog's health and behavior. You may also assist with basic training, grooming, and socialization with other pets or people. These tasks are essential for maintaining a dog's physical health, reducing anxiety or loneliness, and supporting positive behavior, making your role highly impactful for the dog's overall well-being.

What is the best job for dog lovers?

A dog companion job involves caring for and providing company to dogs, often in settings like pet hotels, shelters, or as a professional pet sitter. It requires knowledge of dog behavior, basic training skills, and a love for animals, making it ideal for dog lovers seeking a rewarding, animal-focused career.

What is the difference between Dog Companion vs Pet Care Assistant?

AspectDog CompanionPet Care Assistant
CertificationsDog training, pet first aidPet first aid, basic animal care
Work EnvironmentPrivate homes, dog parks, sheltersAnimal shelters, pet stores, homes
Employer & IndustryPet owners, shelters, pet service companiesAnimal shelters, pet stores, veterinary clinics

Dog Companions focus on providing companionship, training, and basic care specifically for dogs, often working directly with pet owners or shelters. Pet Care Assistants have a broader role, caring for various animals in shelters or retail settings. While both roles require animal care knowledge, Dog Companions typically need specialized training in dog behavior and training techniques.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dog companion?

To thrive as a Dog Companion, you need a solid understanding of canine behavior, basic dog care, and safety practices, typically supported by experience or training in pet care. Familiarity with tools such as leashes, harnesses, treat pouches, and pet tracking apps is useful. Patience, reliability, and strong communication with both dogs and their owners are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the dog's well-being, foster trust with clients, and create a safe and enjoyable environment for both the dog and companion.

What are popular job titles related to Dog Companion jobs in Springfield, MA?

For Dog Companion jobs in Springfield, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Dog Companion jobs in Springfield, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Dog Companion jobs in Springfield, MA are:

What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Dog Companion jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Dog Companion job openings:

Dog Companion jobs near you

Medical Director

VCA Animal Hospitals

South Hadley, MA • On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 657 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 52 rated veterinary

Job description

VCA South Hadley Animal Hospital in South Hadley, MA is seeking a Medical Director to lead our small animal/companion animal practice. This role combines clinical practice with medical leadership, and does not include on-call hours.
As Medical Director, you'll guide medical quality, mentor associate doctors, and help shape the practice's culture and clinical standards. Our caseload is primarily cats and dogs, with regular rabbit and pocket pet visits - comfort or interest in exotic small animal medicine is a plus, and it's a longstanding strength of this hospital.
The business side of running a hospital is already handled here - payroll, scheduling, marketing, and operations all have dedicated people in place - so your time and energy stay where you want them: practicing medicine and teaching it.
Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday 8am-4pm, closed Sundays.
We've served the South Hadley, Chicopee, Holyoke, and Granby communities for more than 20 years, with a collaborative, supportive team culture built around high-quality, compassionate care.
What the hospital offers:
  • Full digital radiography, including dental radiographs
  • A user-friendly EMR
  • A strong, experienced support team
  • Access to specialists and VCA's professional development and MD leadership resources

South Hadley offers easy access to hiking along the Holyoke Mountain Range, a year-round music and arts scene, and strong schools, with more culture and cuisine a short drive away through the Pioneer Valley and up toward Brattleboro, VT and southwestern NH.
Total Rewards
As a member of the VCA family, eligible full-time employees will be rewarded with a comprehensive package, including:
Compensation
  • Salary is negotiable based on experience, skills, knowledge, abilities and other relevant credentials. Salary Range: $140,000 - 160,000. Salary range listed is based on a 40 hour work week.
  • This position may also be eligible for other variable pay programs.

Health & Well-being
  • Innovative Associate health and well-being department (Headspace app subscriptions, Fidelity financial wellness tool, and access to additional mental health resources)
  • 401k retirement savings plan with company match
  • Health/dental/vision insurance, infertility benefits, gender affirmation services
  • Paid parental, vacation and sick leave

Professional Development
  • Continuing Education Allowance and paid Continuing Education Days
  • WOOF University - offering abundant CE for Doctors and the care team
  • Opportunities to participate in a robust Clinical Studies program

Discover Additional Benefits Benefits | VCA (vcacareers.com) (open link in new window)
Qualifications
  • A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, from an accredited university or equivalent
  • Licensure in good standing to practice in (state), or the ability to obtain
  • A commitment to practicing the highest standard of medicine and upholding the veterinary code of ethics

About VCA
VCA is a leader in veterinary care and is committed to taking care of the future of veterinary medicine. With a network of 1,000 animal hospitals, we impact pets, people and our communities by delivering world-class medicine with hometown care to over 4.5 million pets annually.
Trusted and empowered, our 35,000 Associates collaborate and unleash their unique power to achieve the best outcomes. With access to endless resources, we continuously learn and share knowledge to build fulfilling careers, push our profession forward and make a lasting impact on our shared future.
VCA is part of the Mars Veterinary Health family of brands, working towards A Better World for Pets™. Learn more at www.vca.com or find us on social media.
If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!
The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

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