Work for us
Love dogs, the outdoors, and work that keeps you moving?
At Kuri K9, we’re a small team providing structured, professionally managed pack hikes throughout Nanaimo and Cedar. We care about doing things well — from the way we handle our dogs to the experience we provide our clients.
We’re looking for reliable, capable people who want to develop their skills, take ownership of their work, and become part of a team that takes dog care seriously.
The role - hike leader
Our Hike Leaders manage every part of the pack hike experience — from collecting dogs in our company vehicles to leading structured off-leash adventures on local trails.
Working with groups of up to eight dogs, you’ll learn each dog as an individual while developing the handling skills needed to keep the pack calm, controlled and safe. The role combines driving, dog handling, training and plenty of time outdoors, with a high level of independence and responsibility.
You’ll need to be comfortable working in all weather, physically capable of hiking 6+ km per day, and confident handling multiple dogs on leash. Reliability, good judgement and clear communication are essential.
Professional dog-handling experience is an asset, but we provide hands-on training in our systems, handling techniques and pack management.
The pay $25 / hour
Training: $20/hr
Independent: $23/hr
Performance: $25/hr
The schedule
Monday to Friday, 25-30hrs / week
Hike Only: 9:30am-12:30pm (Nanaimo)
Hike + Drive: 7:00am - 2:30pm (Cedar)
The exact schedule split may vary, but in general days alternate between Hike Only and Hike + Drive, shared with another Hike Leader.
What you’ll need
You don’t need to arrive knowing how to manage a pack — we’ll teach you that. What we do need is someone reliable, physically capable, comfortable around dogs, and ready to learn.
A full driver’s licence and clean driving record — you’ll be driving our company vehicles on scheduled pick-up and drop-off routes.
Reliable transportation — you’ll need your own vehicle to commute to our Cedar office and trail meeting locations.
Physical capability — this is an active job. You’ll hike 6+ km per day, handle multiple dogs on leash, and need to comfortably lift up to 40 lbs.
Confidence around dogs — you don’t need to be a professional trainer, but you should be comfortable working hands-on with dogs of different sizes, breeds and personalities.
Reliability and good judgement — our dogs, clients and team depend on you being where you’re supposed to be, making safe decisions and communicating clearly.
Comfort working outdoors — Vancouver Island weather is part of the job. We hike year-round in rain, mud, heat and cold.
Previous professional dog-handling or training experience is an asset, but not a requirement. We provide hands-on training in our systems, handling techniques and pack management.
What it’s like
Yes, you get paid to hike dogs — and it’s a pretty great way to spend a workday.
It’s also real, physical work. There are muddy dogs, wet gear, busy pick-up routes, van cleaning, changing weather and days when a pack requires your full attention from start to finish.
You’ll work independently for much of the day, while being part of a small team that communicates closely and supports each other when needed. Once trained, you’ll have regular dogs and routes of your own, giving you the chance to build genuine relationships with the dogs in your care and watch their skills and confidence develop over time.