Dog Walker Appreciation Day: Become a Shoreline Happy Paws Dog Walker

September 10, 2025
By: Adriana Valle

Every September 8th, we celebrate Dog Walker Appreciation Day, a time to recognize dog walking professionals who lace up their sneakers, clip leashes, and head out rain or shine to make tails wag across the Connecticut Shoreline. As we honor our dog walkers this week, we’re also excited to share that we’re hiring. If you’ve ever dreamed about working with animals, being welcomed by wagging tails, and building relationships with caring pet parents, become a Shoreline Happy Paws dog walker by applying here!

dog with Shoreline Happy Paws dog walker in Old Saybrook, CTThe Work of a Professional Dog Walker

At Shoreline Happy Paws, our walkers aren’t just employees; they’re the heart of what we do. They provide not only exercise and bathroom breaks but also comfort, companionship, and peace of mind.

Walking dogs is more than just a job; it’s a responsibility that impacts an entire household. A reliable daily walk keeps dogs physically fit, mentally stimulated, and emotionally balanced. For busy pet parents and families, a trusted walker ensures their dogs receive the attention and care they deserve, even when work or life commitments get in the way. Our clients depend on us, and our walkers step up every day with professionalism, compassion, and love.

dog with Shoreline Happy Paws dog walker in Old Saybrook, CTWhat Makes Shoreline Happy Paws A Great Place to Work

As one of the CT Shoreline’s most trusted pet care business, we’ve spent years nurturing strong relationships within our community. Pet parents know that when they partner with Shoreline Happy Paws, they’re not only getting a dog walker, they’re welcoming someone into their village. That trust extends to our team, too. When you work with us, you’re supported by a management staff who truly understands what it takes to provide quality care.

Here are just a few reasons our team members love being part of Shoreline Happy Paws:

Established Dog Walking Routes with Awesome Dogs

You won’t be starting from scratch. We assign you to consistent neighborhoods and schedules, which means you get to know your dogs, their routines, and their families over time.

Founder of Shoreline Happy Paws, Adriana Valle with a dog in a park - Become a Shoreline Happy Paws Dog WalkerDedicated Pet Parents

Our clients value what we do, and their appreciation shows. They partner with us because they care deeply about their pets and want the very best for them. Our clients are truly outstanding pet parents who work tirelessly to ensure and invest in their pets’ well-being.

Supportive Management Team

As a SHP dog walker, you have the independence of working solo, but with the backing of a responsive and experienced leadership team whenever you need guidance, support, supplies, or a back-up.

dog walker Shoreline Happy Paws with a dog Flexible, Independent Work

Enjoy the freedom of working outside an office, exploring Shoreline neighborhoods, and staying active while spending time with wonderful animals. You set your routes and schedules as long as you provide care during each client’s requested time block. It’s flexibility at its best!

Rewarding Pay & Perks

We respect your time, effort, and the important role you play in our success. Competitive compensation makes each outing worth your while. Many clients are generous with gratuities and we provide holiday pay to ensure your ongoing dedication is rewarded.

In addition to our wages, we offer paid time off, a Costco Membership, Pet CPR Certification, mileage reimbursement, and an end-of-year bonus. We will even offer an education stipend if you want to become a Dog Trainer, Groomer, or Pet CPR Instructor to further your work with animals and pet parents.

Fulfilling Work

As a dog walker, you’ll know you’ve made a genuine difference in the lives of pets and their people. Few jobs are as rewarding, joyful, active, and downright fun! But, our work is meaningful too. When families bring home their new baby, a pet parent sustains an injury, someone gets ill or is recovering from surgery, our dog walkers are a lifeline for them and their beloved dog(s.)

Become a Shoreline Happy Paws Dog Walker

Dog Walker Appreciation Day reminds us how essential dog walkers are to families and communities. At Shoreline Happy Paws, we’re proud to recognize our walkers for their dedication, reliability, and kindness. If you’re looking for meaningful work that combines fresh air, exercise, and endless doggy affection, we’d love to hear from you and tell you all about the Best. Job. Ever.

Apply today to join our team and help us make tails wag all across the Connecticut Shoreline. We serve Old Saybrook, Essex, Ivoryton, Centerbrook, Deep River, Chester, Westbrook, Clinton, Old Lyme, East Lyme, Niantic, Lyme, Madison, Waterford, Groton, Uncasville, Gales Ferry, New London, Mystic & Noank.

The Best Care for Shoreline Pets

Shoreline Happy Paws is currently accepting new clients for our dog walking and dog hiking adventure services! New Shoreline Happy Paws clients can create an account. We will be in touch to further discuss your needs and set you, your family, and your family up for success. Existing clients, please book services by logging in to your client profile.

We serve the following areas of the Connecticut Shoreline:

  • Old Saybrook
  • Essex, Ivoryton & Centerbrook
  • Deep River
  • Chester
  • Westbrook
  • Clinton
  • Old Lyme
  • East Lyme
  • Niantic

Certain Parts and Certain Service Hours in:

  • Lyme and Madison
  • Waterford, New London, Groton
  • Uncasville, Gales Ferry, Mystic, Noank

Adriana Valle

Adriana Valle is the Owner, Founder, and Chief Pet-Loving Officer at Shoreline Happy Paws LLC, where she has led professional pet care since 2010. Her pet care journey started in Doha, Qatar, where she founded the country's first full-time pet sitting service, before relocating to the Connecticut Shoreline in 2017 and rebuilding it into a team-based pet care company trusted by more than 600 local families. Adriana is a Certified Pet First Aid and CPR Instructor, trained through the Pet Safety Crusader curriculum by Denise Fleck, and teaches hands-on Pet CPR and First Aid classes for pet parents throughout the Shoreline. She is currently pursuing a certificate in dog behavior from CATCH Canine Trainers Academy and is a longtime member of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters and Pet Sitters International. She regularly attends pet industry conferences across the country to stay on the leading edge of professional pet care standards, safety practices, and industry trends. Shoreline Happy Paws is veterinarian recommended and proudly holds a 5-star Google review from Saybrook Veterinary Hospital. Beyond daily pet care, Adriana leads the Shoreline's pet parent community, running social community walks, hikes, and Dog Water Adventures for pet parents across Southeastern Connecticut, along with the CT Pet Parents Facebook community. She also welcomes dogs into her own Essex home through the company's Homestyle Boarding service, and is currently launching the first Doggie Adventure Bus in the CT Shoreline, a group enrichment adventure on wheels. Her love of animals started early, growing up in El Salvador surrounded by eight Boxers and her grandparents' farm animals, and later volunteering with the Qatar Animal Welfare Society caring for rescued strays. A fluent Spanish speaker, she is proud to serve Shoreline families in both English and Spanish. Today she shares her home with her husband Chris, Cannoli the Corgi, and Gnocchi the hedgehog. Adriana has written more than 200 articles on pet care, safety, and pet-friendly living. She posts weekly blogs to ensure that pet parents in the Shoreline and Lower River Valley areas of Southeastern Connecticut stay informed and educated on pet care best practices and pet-friendly living. Her topics range from Shoreline Happy Paws-specific topics, including highlighting the benefits of Dog Walking, Dog Hiking, and Cat Sitting services, to reporting on local shelter changes, wildlife threats, pet industry trends, and other current events.

Related Articles

The Hidden Costs of Skipping Daily Dog Walks

The Hidden Costs of Skipping Daily Dog Walks

Life gets busy. Between work, family commitments, errands, and everything else on your calendar, it's understandable that a daily dog walk can occasionally fall by the wayside. But when missed walks become the norm instead of the exception, many dogs begin to show us...

read more

Get the latest updates for CT Pet Parents!