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Job Summary

We are looking for a professional and compassionate Pet Trainer & Handler to join a private household team. The successful candidate will be responsible for the training, handling and general welfare of the family pets, working closely with household staff and external specialists where required. This role requires experience with positive reinforcement training methods, excellent animal handling skills, strong communication, discretion and the ability to maintain a calm, safe environment for animals and household members.

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

• 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.