Pet Trainer & Handler

Job Summary

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver training programmes tailored to each animal’s needs, including basic obedience, recall, leash manners, socialisation, behavioural modification and advanced skills as required by the household.
• Handle and care for pets on a day-to-day basis, including walking, feeding, grooming coordination, administering medication and monitoring health and behaviour.
• Assess behavioural issues and implement humane, evidence‑based intervention plans; work with external behaviourists or veterinary professionals when specialist input is required.
• Provide safe and calm handling of animals during household activities, events, travel and visits from guests or contractors; ensure animals are well managed and presented appropriately.
• Support travel arrangements for pets, including crate training, preparation for transport, liaising with specialist transport providers and ensuring all documentation and health requirements are met.
• Maintain accurate records of training progress, behaviour observations, medication schedules, veterinary visits and any treatments or interventions applied.
• Train and advise household staff and family members on consistent handling techniques, training cues and safety protocols to maintain continuity of training and care.
• Coordinate routine and emergency veterinary care, attend appointments as required and communicate clearly with veterinary professionals regarding concerns and follow-up care.
• Ensure all pet equipment, bedding and training aids are kept clean, organised and in good repair; report and arrange replacement of supplies and equipment when necessary.
• Follow household protocols for confidentiality, discretion and professional conduct; present a polite, calm and helpful manner at all times.
• Undertake additional reasonable duties relating to animal care and household support as required to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of the pets and smooth household operation.

Qualifications & Experience

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• Minimum of 2 years’ professional experience in pet training, animal handling or a related role within private households, canine training centres, veterinary practices or the animal care sector. (Dogs, Birds, Turtles & Goats)
• Proven experience with positive reinforcement and reward‑based training methods; ability to design and deliver structured training plans.
• Strong animal handling skills across multiple species commonly kept as household pets (dogs, cats and where applicable small mammals or birds); comfortable managing reactive or nervous animals.
• Good observational skills with the ability to identify subtle changes in behaviour or health and respond appropriately.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with experience training and advising non‑professional handlers and household staff.
• Reliable, punctual and discreet with the ability to work independently and as part of a small household team; able to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Physically fit and able to perform duties including walking, lifting pet supplies, handling animals and spending extended periods outdoors in varying weather conditions.