Craigslist ad entices dog lovers with 'free' rent

The Canine Adventure Den isn't your regular doggy daycare there's no kennels or cages,dogs can go for a recreational swimand puppiesroutinely racepigs for popularchew toys.

"The pigs hang out with the little dogs and the puppies," said ownerKirsten MacGregor. "And they love it."

The space is one of just a few24-hour dog daycare spaces inVancouver aservicethat she says has become increasingly in-demand.

Now,MacGregor is hoping to tap into the city's red-hot housing market to find her next employee: a pro-active snugglerand dog handler who doesn't mind working five graveyard shifts a week in exchange for $800 per month and a free place to live in a city with one of the lowest vacancy rates in the country.

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Craigslist ad

MacGregor's unique Craigslist ad for an overnight dog handler and caretaker has been circling the web for a few weeksand has already drawn some interest even though it offers a full-time salary that, at first glance, appears to be below minimum wage.

"Thelodgingcomes out of your pay," she said, adding that once accommodation is deducted, the worker comes out with about $800 per month, with the chance to work extra shifts.

Lodging includes a bedroom and kitchen in Vancouver's pricey Mount Pleasant.

"We got a few resumes, so now [we're]justfiguring out who is best fitted and who we feel secure leaving the dogs in their care," she said, emphasizing that they're not looking for someone who is going to fall asleep on the job.

Space for dogs

MacGregor says a worker is desperately needed for the Adventure Den asmany pet owners drop their pets off late in the night. She says the space is frequented by nurses, paramedicsand doctors.

Graveyard shift workers can bring their own pups to work a perk she says is appealing, as many Vancouver renters struggle finding pet-friendly accommodation.

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"The hardest thing is finding accommodationwith dogs,"she said. "There's nowhere to go with your dogs anymore. People are having to go further and further out of the city. They're having to live in Surrey, Coquitlamor Langleyin order tokeep their dogs."

MacGregor says another bonus is getting to spend all night with a furry horde of pups.

"We let the dogs just sleep with all their friends and have a big slumber party."

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