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Dog Sitting Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree personalized solutions for the unique needs of pets and pet parents. You'll positively impact the ...

In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree personalized solutions for the unique needs of pets and pet parents. You'll positively impact the ...

In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree personalized solutions for the unique needs of pets and pet parents. You'll positively impact the ...

The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of prior experience fully grooming dogs, have knowledge of and experience with a range of coat types and cuts, and have a passion for building ...

The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of prior experience fully grooming dogs, have knowledge of and experience with a range of coat types and cuts, and have a passion for building ...

Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming ... or pet sitting, prior grooming salon assistance is preferred * High-school diploma or GED is ...

Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming ... or pet sitting, prior grooming salon assistance is preferred * High-school diploma or GED is ...

Experienced Dog Camp Counselor - Valley Animal Hospital Huntsville, AL 7535 Bailey Cove Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35802 Serving Huntsville with the Finest in Veterinary Care Since 1992 Are you friendly ...

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Veterinary Technician

Harvest, AL · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

... or sitting for 8 or more hours.  Must be able to lift and carry up to 60 pounds repeatedly ... of dogs and cats in Limestone County and surrounding areas, focusing on low-cost spay/neuter ...

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Dog Sitting information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$8

$15

$22

How much do dog sitting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog sitting in Decatur, AL is $15.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.60 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dog sitter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dog Sitter, you need basic animal care knowledge, experience with dogs, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with pet care apps, online booking platforms, and sometimes pet first aid certification can be valuable. Strong communication, reliability, and patience are essential soft skills for building trust with pet owners and managing animal behavior. These skills ensure the safety, well-being, and happiness of the dogs in your care, leading to satisfied clients and repeat business.

How much can a dog sitter earn?

Dog sitters typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on location, experience, and services offered. Some may charge a flat rate per visit or overnight stay, with earnings increasing for additional pets or specialized care. Rates can vary based on whether the job is part-time or full-time and if additional skills like pet first aid are required.

How much do dog sitters get paid per dog?

Dog sitters typically earn between $15 and $30 per day or $10 to $25 per walk, depending on location, experience, and services offered. Rates can vary based on the number of dogs, duration, and whether additional services like feeding or training are included.

What is dog sitting?

Dog sitting is a service where a person cares for someone else's dog while the owner is away, either at the owner's home or the sitter's home. Duties often include feeding, walking, playing, and ensuring the dog's overall well-being. Dog sitters may also administer medication, provide companionship, and sometimes handle basic training or grooming tasks. This service provides an alternative to kennels, offering pets a more comfortable and familiar environment while their owners are absent.

What is the difference between Dog Sitting vs Pet Boarding?

AspectDog SittingPet Boarding
CredentialsOften no formal certification, but experience and pet care knowledge preferredMay require licensing or certification depending on facility
Work EnvironmentIn client's home or nearbyIn a kennel, pet hotel, or boarding facility
Employer & IndustryPrivate pet owners, pet sitting servicesPet boarding facilities, kennels, pet hotels
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for in-home pet care optionsSeeking overnight or extended care at a facility

Dog sitting involves caring for dogs primarily in the pet owner's home, offering personalized attention. Pet boarding typically takes place in a dedicated facility, providing a more structured environment. Both roles require knowledge of pet care, but dog sitting often requires less formal certification. The choice depends on whether pet owners prefer in-home care or a dedicated boarding environment.

What are some common challenges dog sitters face when caring for unfamiliar dogs, and how can they be managed?

Dog sitters often encounter challenges such as managing separation anxiety, unpredictable behavior, and ensuring a dog's safety in new environments. Building trust with the dog through gradual introductions, maintaining the pet's usual routines, and communicating regularly with pet owners can help ease transitions. It's also important to be observant of the dog's body language and to have clear instructions regarding dietary needs, medical issues, and emergency contacts. Proactive communication and patience are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring a positive experience for both the sitter and the pet.

Can I make a living off dog sitting?

Dog sitting can generate income, especially for experienced sitters with a steady client base, but it is often not enough to be the sole source of income unless combined with other pet care services or running a large-scale business. Factors such as location, reputation, and the number of clients influence earning potential, and many dog sitters supplement their income with additional pet-related services or part-time work.
What are popular job titles related to Dog Sitting jobs in Decatur, AL? For Dog Sitting jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Dog Sitting jobs in Decatur, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Dog Sitting jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Dog Sitting jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Dog Sitting job openings:
Infographic showing various Dog Sitting job openings in Decatur, AL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,432 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Part-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Petco rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 637 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

457th of 731 rated retailers


Job description

Want to help pets live their best lives?


We're proud to be where the pets go and where thepet peoplego. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing,Petco is the place for you.


Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and people.


  • Pet First - Protect & Empower.All pets shouldLive their Best Life.We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.

  • Foster the Fun - Connect & Bond.OurPassionfor pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through distinct experiences, products, and services.

  • Let's Go! Own & Commit.We are stronger asOne Petco team.We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.

About Petco:


We're proud to be"where the pets go"to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years - from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood - the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we're here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are29,000+strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than1,500Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico,250+Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we foundedPetco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately7 million animalsthrough in-store adoption events.

Position Overview

As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in furthering Petco's mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by enhancing the bond between pet parents and their dog companions. Your expertise in modern dog training techniques and positive reinforcement methods will help pet parents develop well-behaved, happy, and healthy dogs. You will provide one-on-one training sessions, group classes, and offer advice on basic training, environmental management, and customized training plans to address specific training goals. In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree personalized solutions for the unique needs of pets and pet parents. You'll positively impact the health and wellness of pets by providing recommendations on healthy nutrition, world class services and essential supplies.

Position Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

The Dog Trainer role consists of 2 core responsibilities:

Provide World Class Dog Training Services

  • Attend and successfully pass Petco's 6-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program led by a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor/Academy Instructor.
  • Complete all assigned Workday Learning modules and DTIP Student Workbook materials per the DTIP roadmap.
  • Recommend and sell appropriate dog training classes, training, and supplies to ensure pet parents and their dogs have the necessary resources for a successful dog training experience.
  • Keep accurate records of training sessions, progress, and pet parents' feedback.
  • Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
  • Work cross functionally with the grooming and veterinary teams to provide holistic whole health solutions for all pet parents.
  • Complete and apply ongoing training programs to maintain a high level of expertise in the role.

Provide 360-Degree Solutions for all Petco Guests

  • Provide an outstanding guest experience by actively engaging with guests in the recommendation and selection of merchandise and services in accordance with their identified needs.
  • Generate future business through a deep understanding of the guest and their pet(s) and connection to our digital platforms.
  • Demonstrate a high level of awareness and knowledge for the health, welfare, and proper handling of all animals.
  • Perform related duties to support the Pet Care Center in achieving its performance goals.
  • Ensure merchandise is stocked, priced, and displayed to enhance the shopping experience for pet parents.
  • Complete cash register transactions and support guests with their OMNI shopping experience as needed.
  • Adhere to established operational guidelines, policies, and procedures.
  • Promote a positive culture of teamwork, inclusion, and collaboration.
  • Complete other duties and special projects as assigned.
  • Evaluate guest inquiries and refer to the Leader on Duty as needed.

Other Essential Duties

  • UTILIZE SELLING BEHAVIORS. You're the key to providing an amazing guest experience within our Pet Care Center Locations. Utilizing the behaviors within our Sales Model is critical to being able to identify and solve for their needs both today and in the future.
  • CONTRIBUTE TO A SAFE ENVIRONMENT. You'll be empowered through our training programs to maintain our safety protocols. Bottom line, the safety of partners, guests and pets is our #1 priority.
  • BE A PART OF A COLLABORATIVE CULTURE. Being a great teammate is key to creating a culture that is centered around solving for the health and wellness needs of pets.
  • ENGAGE IN YOUR CAREER. As you develop your skills and knowledge, you will have the opportunity to participate in developmental programs to support your continued growth throughout your career.

Certification Requirements

  • Stage 1: All candidates are required to complete the 'Dog Training Instructor Program (DTIP)' to become Petco Certified Dog Trainer consisting of the following:
    • Dog Training Apprentice: 6-weeks weeks of instructor led learning and development.
  • Stage 2: Dog Trainer: Successfully run and grow the dog training business in one of Petco's Pet Care Centers with local and national marketing support, with access to internal partner resources, networking, and client acquisition through our state-of-the-art online booking and scheduling systems.
  • Stage 3: Complete the Health & Wellness Certification Program for Dog.
  • Note: Approved candidates with prior experience that can pass both skill and knowledge assessments may be eligible for accelerated training.

Basic Qualifications

  • Passion for animal care, training, and welfare and a genuine interest for improving the lives of pets and their pet parents.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with pet parents and provide clear instructions, demonstrations and applicable selling techniques.
  • Demonstrated ability to handle and work with dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds in a safe and humane manner.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities effectively.
  • Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed to accommodate the training schedule and store operations.
  • Physical stamina to stand, walk, bend, and lift heavy objects (up to 50 pounds) associated with dog training equipment and supplies.
  • Familiarity with computer systems and software to manage training records, schedules, and communication with pet parents.

Supervisory Responsibility

  • None

Starting Rate:

$12.00

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