adminIn this article, learn how you can secure a dog-keeping job in Canada that sponsors a visa for you, and other essential things you might want to know.
Dog-keeping jobs in Canada have gained increasing momentum with the growth in demand for professionals in pet care. With pets multiplying across the country, dog handlers, trainers, and caregivers continue to enjoy a high demand for their services. The search for visa-sponsored jobs in dog keeping outside of Canada promises to be an added opportunity for people to participate in this highly rewarding endeavor amidst Canada’s variegated cultural backdrop.
Dog Keeping Jobs in Canada: A Quick Look
Dog Walker
Responsible to walk dogs and ensure that dogs get enough exercise and change in environment for socialization. Can be full-time or part-time.
Dog Trainer
Training of dogs is involved, either for obedience, modification of behavior, or for specific skills. It requires an understanding of dog behavior and training methodologies.
Dog Groomer
The job involves the grooming of dogs, including bathing, fur trimming, and styling. It requires knowledge of different breeds and their respective grooming styles.
Dog Sitter
Dogs are taken care of in the absence of their owners, which may include feeding, walking, and just being with them.
May offer home-based care or kennel dogs in their own boarding facilities.
Kennel Attendant
Employed in kennels, carers look after dogs while these are kennelled.
Responsibilities also include feeding and cleaning, with observation of health conditions.
Employment Requirements for Kennel Workers in Canada
Experience
Background experience with dogs is useful – even more so in professions such as trainers or groomers.
Certification in dog training or grooming would increase one’s chance of obtaining employment.
Education
Formal education is not always required, but courses in animal care, grooming of pets, or dog training would be beneficial.
Some jobs involve specific certifications; others must have to function, like first aid for pets.
Skills
To be a good communicator with the owners of the pets.
The jobs can be very physically demanding and require stamina and strength, as certain dogs can be of sizeable or unruly nature.
Patience and understanding, especially when anxious or hostile dogs are presented.
Legal Requirements
Licensing or certification may be required of dog handlers or trainers by some provinces.
Knowledge of animal welfare laws and regulations in your area.
How to find a dog-keeping job in Canada that offers sponsorship
Research Potential Employers
Find organizations or individuals offering dog-keeping services that may accept foreign applicants.
Large pet care firms, dog training schools, and boarding kennels are most likely to offer visa sponsorship.
Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter
Highlight experiences with dogs, relevant certifications, and passion in animal care.
Tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for.
Apply for Jobs
- Use pet-care specific job search websites such as: PetSitter.com, Indeed, or Workopolis.
Networking through social media sites like LinkedIn may help you connect with others in the profession.
Get a Job Offer
- In case of being offered employment, your employer will be obligated to obtain an LMIA, showing that no Canadian is available for that position.
The LMIA processing is key regarding visa sponsorship.
Application for a Work Visa
Using the positive LMIA, apply for a work visa under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program-TFWP.
Have all your documents ready: your job offer, LMIA, and proof of qualifications.
Migrate to Canada
- Once your visa is approved, you will be given a chance to move to Canada and work at your new job.
Get to know Canadian culture and weather, and the needs dog owners face in the region you will be working in.
Visa Sponsorship Process
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Your employer must submit an application to ESDC for the LMIA.
The LMIA processing ensures that providing a job to a foreign worker will not harm the labor market in Canada.
Once you get a positive LMIA, you can proceed with the process for a visa.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program
- If an employer in Canada wants to hire a foreign worker for a temporary post, then they could avail this facility.
You must have a valid job offer and a positive LMIA.
TFWP Visa Duration: The TFWP visa usually has a validity period of the duration of your employment contract.
Permanent Residency Optional
- After a period of time in Canada and working, you may become eligible to apply for permanent residency via the Canadian Experience Class .
Permanent residency will grant you the ability to live and work in Canada indefinitely with increased access to benefits.
Challenges and Tips
- Competition: The pet-care industry in Canada is quite competitive, but specialized skills or certifications may make you stand out from the rest of the job candidates.
- Cultural Differences: Familiarizing yourself with the working culture of Canadians and the expectations that the owners of pets may have will help put your best foot forward in your job.
- Weather: The weather in many parts of Canada can be extreme, which may affect outdoor pet-keeping jobs like dog walking.
- Networking: This could be the opportunity to build a network with people working in the care for pets field, which can lead to other opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I get a dog-keeping job in Canada even if I have no experience in the field?
Essentially, the common, simple jobs such as dog walking and kennel attendants may not require much experience; however, a little background could help.
2. What are the requirements that should be certified for dog-keeping jobs in Canada?
Extra certifications in pet training, dog grooming, or even first aid for pets will enhance your chances, though they are not necessarily required.
3. How long does the visa sponsorship process take?
Visa sponsorship can take as long as anything, ranging from a few months, based on the LMIA processing and your country of origin.
4. Can I bring my family along with me if I get selected for a dog-keeping job in Canada?
Yes, most likely a work visa will allow bringing your spouse and dependent children into Canada. They can also apply for work or study permits.
5. What is the average pay for jobs in Canada involving keeping dogs?
The salaries vary according to the job in hand and location. A dog walker or sitter can make anywhere between CAD 14-20 per hour; on the other hand, dog trainers and groomers can make lots more depending upon their skill and clients.
6. Are dog-keeping jobs available in Canada throughout the year?
The dog-keeping jobs are available all over the year, but a few of the outdoor jobs related to dog walking could be slightly affected by seasons, and this could affect demand.
7. Am I eligible for permanent residency after working in Canada as a dog keeper?
Yes, after working in Canada, you can then apply for permanent residency using the Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Program, among other programs.
Conclusion
Landing a job in keeping dogs with sponsored visas is a surety of proper planning, right from researching the potential employers down to understanding how to apply for the visa. If approached correctly, your love for dogs can become a promising career in Canada.
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