Pros
- Dogs: You get to spend every shift with dogs. The relationships formed are real, and incredibly special. While the job can be demanding physically and mentally, there is always time during the day to relax for a moment and bond with the dogs. - Clients: 99% of the time, clients of the Daily Stroll are extremely warm and easy-going. They know the employees love their dogs almost, if not just as much as they do. They are understanding of the daycare environment, and typically excited to receive feedback or advice on their dog's behavior. - Management: The administrative team is flexible about hours and scheduling, and will work with you if you have special considerations. As a full-time student and part-time employee, accommodations for my school schedule and holiday breaks were readily made. - Pay/Hours: The pay is above the area standard. Walking services pay extremely well. There are also plenty of opportunities for extra hours or miscellaneous paid tasks, like overnight boarding. In the grooming shop, tips are pretty lucrative, and paid in full to the employee providing the service. - Small business: Each department of the Daily Stroll is generally operated by a group of 3-6 employees, and each department works together very closely. There is a strong "family" environment, and employees really do look out for each other. Along with this, there is something fulfilling about working for a small business and being a part of its journey upwards. The owner does care about you, because you really are an important part of developing and shaping their business.
Cons
- Dogs: This should go without saying, but it is messy and loud -- working with animals, especially pets (vs. trained working dogs) requires a lot of patience and hard work. Shifts are physically and mentally demanding. I wouldn't necessarily call this a con, but if you are simply a dog lover expecting a laidback, fun experience petting and playing with dogs, this is not the job for you. - Small business: The Daily Stroll is not a large corporation. It is a relatively small business that began operation less than a decade ago. That being said, there are going to be bumps in the road. Changes in training standards, upgrades to facilities, and modifications to the organizational systems and client interfaces are ongoing. Sometimes the stress of these changes can be felt by employees, but it speaks to the level of investment employees feel in the success of the company.