Job Description
About
Hounds & Heritage Weddings is a small business based in South Lanarkshire, which currently offers wedding day services across the entirety of Scotland to brides and grooms who wish to include their furry family members in their wedding. The long-term objective of our business expansion strategy is to eventually establish a cohesive group of individuals, dispersed throughout the entire country, who can provide these services, with the ultimate objective of eventually expanding into the northern regions of England.
Our dedication to providing exceptional, personalised support to each and every one of our clients, has earned numerous accolades, and we're excited to keep these practices alive in the future.
Our company is especially known for its;
- Approachability
- Problem-Solving
- Honesty
- Family Values
- Passion
- Trust
- Inclusivity
- Authenticity
Hounds & Heritage Weddings
Job Position: Wedding Day Dog Chaperone & Pet Sitter
We are seeking responsible and attentive individuals with a profound love and comprehension of dogs to join and expand our team as Wedding Dog Chaperones.
There are more and more couples getting engaged who want to include their family pets in the wedding celebrations. For some couples, friends and family are the most important wedding attendees on their list, while for others, it's their dogs… with some couples planning their entire wedding around the possibility of having their dogs present on the big day.
This can be a dream come true, but it can also be stressful for the couple to make sure their dog is happy, safe, and taken care of, when everyone they would normally trust to look after their pets is invited to the wedding. Adding the complexity of scheduling pet friendly transportation and overnight hotel stays can make it seem like a nightmare trying to figure out a plan that works in everyone's best interests.
This is where our Professional Wedding Day Dog Chaperoning service comes in.
What is a Wedding Dog Chaperone?
A Wedding Day Dog Chaperone is a dedicated individual who takes care of the bride/grooms dogs throughout their wedding day. The duties include transporting them securely to the wedding location, offering frequent toilet breaks, water breaks, and rest, as well as ensuring they remain calm and content throughout their wedding experience.
A significant aspect of this service involves assisting the dog with fulfilling their requested wedding duties. These may include but are not limited to positioning for photographs, escorting them down the aisle with the wedding rings, and supporting them in calmly greeting the wedding guests.
About the Position
Your main responsibility as a dog chaperone is to ensure the safety and well-being of our clients' furry family members at all times – from the start of the service to the very end. During the wedding day, you will be responsible for supervising dogs and providing them with the necessary support as they complete their role in the day. This will vary for each dog and may include assisting with photographs, ceremonial duties, or greeting guests.
The position requires the candidate to responsibly and safely transport dogs to/from the wedding venue, lodgings, and any exercise/walking locations, while adhering to all current DEFRA transportation guidelines, laws, and regulations pertaining to animal welfare.
Whilst not all wedding bookings will require pet sitting services, there will be a portion of bookings that require pet sitting. This will take place at the clients' residence or venue accommodation from late afternoon until late evening, following the end of the wedding duties.
Responsibilities
- Attend pre-booked Initial Consultations and Familiarisation Meetings to work on creating a bond with the clients dogs.
- Use the online scheduling system to manage your diary, update clients, and notify HHW staff when you complete your bookings/meetings.
- Ensure that all meetings are documented with the necessary paperwork provided by HHW.
- Transport dogs safely from their residence/exercise locations to the wedding venue, and then return home or to their overnight lodgings in your personal vehicle.
- Maintain a safe and reliable condition of your vehicle, including insurance, taxes, regular services, and MOT.
- Provide regular meals and water at appropriate intervals in accordance with the dogs schedule/routine.
- Provide appropriate exercise prior to the commencement of any wedding duties, as well as post-wedding duties.
- Ensure the safety of the dogs you are chaperoning and any other individuals in their vicinity whilst at the Wedding Venue.
- Observe the behaviour of each dog in order to prevent any problems or issues and to proactively address them.
- Before attending the wedding, prepare the dogs’ with a towel dry, brush, and perfume/aftershave spritzer.
- Upon arrival at the Venue, accessorise the dog with the client's chosen dog attire (collar & bow tie, kilt, etc.)
- Adhere to the wedding schedule itinerary to oversee and provide assistance to the dog during the wedding celebrations.
- Understand the special requirements and specific conditions for each dog.
- Perform regular kit checks and notify HHW if any replacements are needed.
- Follow the company's uniform policy and notify HHW if replacements are needed.
- Participate in Training and Professional Development Days, which may include shadowing weddings for on-the-job training.
- Provide photographs and general updates to the client using the HHW social media platform.
Requirements & Qualifications
MUST HAVE -
- A love for dogs of all sizes, breeds, and backgrounds.
- Valid driver's license, reliable transportation and a clean driving record.
- Experience working with dogs in a professional or volunteer setting.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with others as well as independently.
- A good level of fitness - Physical requirements include being able to handle medium-to-large breeds of dogs, and to be on your feet for extended periods of time.
- A knack for handling multiple tasks, tackling challenges and staying cool in stressful situations.
- Valid DBS certificate.
Inclusions
- Meal Allowance - £20.00
- Fuel Expenses
- Training
- Work Phone
- Uniform
- Equipment / Kit
*Salary DOE
We would like to reiterate that the majority of wedding day dog chaperone positions are typically performed during the day on weekends (Fri-Sun), with a select amount scheduled during the week.
We value punctuality, high-quality work ethics, and professionalism, while also providing an enjoyable experience for pets and their owners. We're thrilled to hear from anyone who's interested in joining a family-oriented business. If you feel that you have the passion and enthusiasm required for this role and match our requirements, please apply today!
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Part-time hours: 20 per week
Salary: From £13.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Free or subsidised travel
- Paid volunteer time
- Sick pay
Schedule:
- 10 hour shift
- 12 hour shift
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Holidays
- Night shift
- Weekend availability
Supplemental pay types:
- Performance bonus
- Yearly bonus
Application question(s):
- What interests you about this position?
- What skills and experience could you bring to this position?
- A typical wedding starts roughly at 11am and finishes at 4pm. Some Weddings then require a Pet Sitting extension through to 10pm/midnight, or overnight.
Please indicate if you would be happy to accommodate this?
- Are you local to Edinburgh?
Experience:
- Animal care: 4 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Shift availability:
- Day shift (required)
- Night shift (required)
- Overnight shift (preferred)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 30/09/2023
Reference ID: hhw.cg23