Paid role · We’re recruiting
Become a therapy dog handler team
Work alongside your own dog, bringing joy to workplaces across Yorkshire and Manchester.
We’re recruiting new handler teams to work on an ad hoc, part-time basis. You and your dog will join other dogs and their owners at workplace wellbeing events, with your dog’s welfare at the heart of everything you do.
The role at a glance
- Pay
- £14 an hour
- Includes travel time, plus standard mileage allowance
- Hours
- Ad hoc
- Mostly Monday to Friday, part time
- Where
- Yorkshire & Manchester
- Leeds, York, Doncaster, Manchester and more. Preferences taken into account
- Events
- Up to 2 hours
- Including a 30-minute dog break. Arrive 30 to 60 minutes early
Who you’ll be working with
About Moment to Paws
We connect hard-working employees with the proven benefits of dogs: less stress, better mental health and relief from anxiety.
Moment to Paws was set up near Wetherby in 2020 by qualified dog trainer and behaviourist Kate Soames. Having seen first-hand the impact dogs have on people at work, Kate researched the science behind it, and Moment to Paws was born.
The benefits aren’t one-sided. Watching the tails wag as our dogs meet people is a joy, and the welfare of every dog we work with is always at the forefront of what we do.
About the role
What an event looks like
The exact format varies a little from company to company, but most events follow the same shape.
30–60 mins before
Arrive and set up
Help turn the space into somewhere both dogs and attendees feel comfortable.
First half
Pre-booked sessions
Staff come in for 10, 15 or 20-minute slots they’ve booked ahead. Numbers are capped so your dog is never overwhelmed.
Half way
A 30-minute dog break
Time for your dog to rest and recharge before the second half.
Up to 2 hours in total
Wrap up
Replenish the set-up between sessions, then help pack down at the end.
My labrador Cayt and I have been doing Moment to Paws events for 18 months now, and we love them. It’s what I call a triple win.
The smiling faces of employees and students tell you how much they love the dogs. I get a buzz from the joy it brings to so many people in just a couple of hours: work pressure is paused (pawsed?) and stress melts away. And Cayt gets two hours of fuss and cuddles, plus the mental stimulation that’s so important for a dog.
Paul Swainson
Handler, with Cayt the Labrador
About you
What you’ll do, and who we’re looking for
As an event assistant, you’ll
- Help set up the event space so dogs and attendees are comfortable
- Look after your dog’s welfare at all times, and other dogs’ where needed
- Brief staff on health and safety before their session
- Share key information and answer attendees’ questions
- Replenish the set-up before and after each session
You’ll bring
- A good working knowledge of canine body language
- A passion for the health benefits animals bring to people
- Great attention to detail and strong communication skills
- A professional, friendly, caring and can-do attitude
- Your own car and a clean driving licence, to travel to events independently
About your dog
Is your dog ready for therapy work?
Your dog’s welfare is the number one priority, so it’s essential they actively enjoy meeting people other than you.
- Is at least 12 months old
- Is fully toilet trained
- Enjoys being handled by strangers, and is happy to leave your side
- Is calm and friendly around other dogs
- Is comfortable in new places, without getting over-excited or nervous
- Listens to basic cues from you, despite distractions
- Walks on a relaxed lead without excessive pulling
- Has never shown aggression or fear towards people or dogs
- Isn’t overly worried by sudden noises, and recovers quickly
- Is happy to travel in the car
- Doesn’t jump up or lick excessively
- Is up to date on vaccinations, worming and flea treatments
How to apply
From application to your first event
We work with companies across Yorkshire and Manchester, and you’ll travel to each event independently.
- 1
Complete the application form
Tell us about you and your dog.
- 2
An informal chat near Wetherby
If your application is successful, we’ll invite you to meet. Please bear the location in mind when applying.
- 3
Your dog’s assessment
Your dog will be assessed on their temperament and basic training.
- 4
A trial first event
Your first event is a trial, so you and your dog can try it out and make sure you both enjoy it. If it’s a good fit, you join the team!
Ready to work with your dog?
Apply online. It only takes a few minutes.