Tweet
JAMAICANS FLOCK DOG-WALKING JOB
Crystal Harrison, Star Writer
With economies worldwide struggling to stay afloat and the job market becoming quite rough, many are looking beyond traditional jobs and have been forced to "tek dem hand mek fashion".
Professional dog walkers, is one of the latest professions to have creeped into our local job market.
Last week, an advertisement appeared in The Gleaner seeking professional dog walkers, something that is commonplace in the United States of America, but not known to take place in Jamaica. But despite its rarity here over 80 persons turned up for interviews for the job.
When THE WEEKEND STAR spoke to Sian Watts of Sukari Pet Transportation, one the island's first professional pet service proprietors who is seeking professional dog walkers, we were informed that the job requires experienced individuals who are physically fit, patient, experienced in CPR, and qualified at least at the secondary level.
The advertisement also hinted that individuals applying for such a job should be between the ages of 19-35 years old and should have own their transportation.
According to Watts, her new business venture is set to take off in mid- January and it will seek to provide amiable, loveable and secure door-to-door chauffeured transportation, professional dog walking, pet sitting and pet photography.
"I am not aware of any other company providing this type of service, however, I believe there is a market for this type of service in view of the many persons who now seem to own pets (following the trend in North America), but are unable to give them the necessary exercise they need on a regular basis," Watts said.
Watts also reasoned; "I am aware of a few single females who have full-time jobs and owning up to five poodles and therefore, have limited time to give these dogs regular exercise. I also observe many persons walking their German shepherds, pit bulls and other dogs in the evenings so I am sure owners would be happy to know that they can leave their dogs in the company of someone else who can provide the necessary care and protection should they be too busy to do this themselves."
When asked why candidates needed so many qualifications, Watts said "a first-class service requires first-class employees. Each occupation has its own unique type of requirements, and physical fitness, a lover of animals, <span style="font-weight: bold">basic CPR </span>and patience are certain prerequisites for our dog walking service which doesn't seem too onerous. In addition, this person must have a certain level of education which will allow him/her to make on the spot decisions to the benefit of all parties if he/she is faced with any dangerous situation such as dog attacking dog and dog attacking person."
According to Watts, obesity in pets is associated with a number of medical complaints. "Every dog, no matter what breed or size, needs exercise. People who have dogs want them to be healthy and happy, but this can't happen if your pet is locked away indoors all day every day."
Crystal Harrison, Star Writer
With economies worldwide struggling to stay afloat and the job market becoming quite rough, many are looking beyond traditional jobs and have been forced to "tek dem hand mek fashion".
Professional dog walkers, is one of the latest professions to have creeped into our local job market.
Last week, an advertisement appeared in The Gleaner seeking professional dog walkers, something that is commonplace in the United States of America, but not known to take place in Jamaica. But despite its rarity here over 80 persons turned up for interviews for the job.
When THE WEEKEND STAR spoke to Sian Watts of Sukari Pet Transportation, one the island's first professional pet service proprietors who is seeking professional dog walkers, we were informed that the job requires experienced individuals who are physically fit, patient, experienced in CPR, and qualified at least at the secondary level.
The advertisement also hinted that individuals applying for such a job should be between the ages of 19-35 years old and should have own their transportation.
According to Watts, her new business venture is set to take off in mid- January and it will seek to provide amiable, loveable and secure door-to-door chauffeured transportation, professional dog walking, pet sitting and pet photography.
"I am not aware of any other company providing this type of service, however, I believe there is a market for this type of service in view of the many persons who now seem to own pets (following the trend in North America), but are unable to give them the necessary exercise they need on a regular basis," Watts said.
Watts also reasoned; "I am aware of a few single females who have full-time jobs and owning up to five poodles and therefore, have limited time to give these dogs regular exercise. I also observe many persons walking their German shepherds, pit bulls and other dogs in the evenings so I am sure owners would be happy to know that they can leave their dogs in the company of someone else who can provide the necessary care and protection should they be too busy to do this themselves."
When asked why candidates needed so many qualifications, Watts said "a first-class service requires first-class employees. Each occupation has its own unique type of requirements, and physical fitness, a lover of animals, <span style="font-weight: bold">basic CPR </span>and patience are certain prerequisites for our dog walking service which doesn't seem too onerous. In addition, this person must have a certain level of education which will allow him/her to make on the spot decisions to the benefit of all parties if he/she is faced with any dangerous situation such as dog attacking dog and dog attacking person."
According to Watts, obesity in pets is associated with a number of medical complaints. "Every dog, no matter what breed or size, needs exercise. People who have dogs want them to be healthy and happy, but this can't happen if your pet is locked away indoors all day every day."
Comment