Pet Care Assistant – Self-Employed (Sheffield)
Location: Sheffield & surrounding areas
Job type: Self-employed / Part-time / Flexible
Pay: 65% of client fee (paid weekly or monthly, depending on preference)
About Us
Mind and Tails is a growing, values-led pet care business providing dog walking, pet sitting, drop-ins, and enrichment with a strong focus on force-free, ethical, and emotionally-aware care. With 5+ years of experience, we pride ourselves on compassionate handling and supporting pets as individuals, not just clients.
The Role
We are looking for a Pet Care Assistant to join our small team. The role is self-employed, flexible, and best suited to someone who has a genuine passion for animals and a professional approach.
Main responsibilities include:
* Overnight pet sitting (the main part of this role)
* Cat and small animal drop-ins (mornings & evenings)
* Holiday cover for 1:1 and paired dog walks (note: paired walks will be removed from our service list from November 2025)
All work will be based in and around Sheffield. Overnight sits can last 24 hours up to 2 weeks, and during sits you will be based at the client's home.
Requirements
We're looking for someone who:
* Is based in/around Sheffield
* Has a car and valid driving licence (essential)
* Is committed to force-free, ethical handling – no punishment, dominance theory, or aversive tools
* Understands (or is open to learning) how to support animals' emotional wellbeing
* Respects animals as sentient individuals with unique needs
* Is reliable, trustworthy, and confident with animals of varying temperaments
* Values continued learning and growth
What We Offer
* Paid shadowing and training
* Coverage under the business insurance policy
* Pet first aid training provided
* Opportunities for CPD, continued learning, and growth
* Flexible, rewarding work that fits around other commitments (ideal for those in remote roles looking to supplement income)
How to Apply
If this sounds like the right fit for you, please apply with:
* A short introduction about yourself and your experience
* Your current availability (especially for overnight stays)
* Your thoughts on what ethical, force-free pet care means to you
We look forward to hearing from you
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From £12.50 per hour
Expected hours: No less than 10 per week
Application question(s):
* Understanding Values
In your own words, explain what "force-free pet care" means to you. Please include examples of what it looks like in practice, and what it doesn't. We're looking for more than just a definition — tell us how you would apply this in real-life situations.
* Research Question
Do some independent research on ethical, force-free pet care. Summarise what you've learned in a short essay (around half a page to a page). Include at least one trainer, book, or organisation that inspires you, and explain why.
* Scenario (Overnight Pet Sitting)
You are staying overnight with a dog who becomes anxious when left at bedtime and whines at the door. How would you approach this situation in a force-free, ethical way focusing on their emotional wellbeing?
* Practical Availability
Overnight pet sitting is the main part of this role. Bookings can last anywhere from 24 hours up to 2 weeks, and you will be based at the client's home in and around Sheffield. Please tell us:
- What your current availability is like (weekdays, weekends, holidays)
- How flexible you can be with overnight bookings
- Any commitments that may affect your ability to take sits at short notice
Work Location: On the road