From puppy party planners to professional cuddlers and gourmet food tasters: The quirky jobs dubbed the BEST in Australia

With the rise of outsourced tasks and online market places, more Australians than ever are turning their back on traditional nine-to-five careers.

Instead, they are embarking on less ordinary career paths that allow them to fuel their passions in a number of weird and wonderful ways.

From a puppy party planner to professional foodie, here FEMAIL takes a look at some of the best jobs on offer and a few of the more unusual industries on the rise. 

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Chief canine cuddler and puppy party planner

If you are a dog lover, this may well be the job of your dreams.

One doggy daycare centre, Dog City Daycare in Adelaide, is currently advertising for a senior pack leader role – a Monday to Friday position that involves playing with dogs.

‘They have to make sure each client has a really positive experience and they leave better for having interacted with us,’ director Daniel Spooner told Today Tonight.

As well as dog sitting services, pampered pooches at the Adelaide-based doggy daycare can also celebrate their birthdays.

A designated member of staff handles all puppy party planning duties and is on-hand during the event to make sure things go to according to plan. 

As to be expected, party hats and floral leis and birthday cakes are all part of the fun.

Professional food blogger

If you have a passion for food, a professional food blogger might be the job you’ve been looking for.

Lee Lam runs one of the largest food blogs in South Australia, Adelaide Food Central, and described his job as one where he ‘eats out and drinks for a living’.

He said there are a host of ways to make money through food blogging including writing articles, food photography and social media management.

And the perfect person for such a role?

‘Someone who is disciplined, outgoing and passionate about food and is able to take a decent photo,’ he said.

Professional cuddler

It’s not for everyone, but this unique career has one of the easiest job descriptions around.  

The Cuddle Academy, an Australian company, offers cuddle therapy – cuddles for strangers – for $80 an hour. 

‘Many people do not get the amount of human touch they want or need on a daily basis, and a professional cuddling service is the solution,’ a statement on their website reads. 

‘We are masters of platonic touch and offer a personalised experience, which strives for your absolute happiness.’

Scientifically speaking, hugs release the peptide hormone oxytocin into the body which, when released, boosts an individual’s immune system.

Five star rated professional snuggler, Lisa VanArsdale, earns up to $100 an hour for cuddling and told The Herald Sun previously that she asks all clients to sign a contract and follow a set of strict rules. 

Dog surf instructor

There are a number surfing pros now focusing their talents on teaching dogs to ride waves.

Owner of SUP Dog Oz, Chris de Aboitiz, told Body and Soul previously that he had been training dogs to surf ‘unofficially’ since 2006 before launching his business. 

Thanks to word of mouth he eventually ended up with a number of clients and at one stage found himself training 40 dogs and their owners in a park by the beach. 

‘It is great to see people stay fit and healthy and having fun with their dog mates. My dogs, the dogs I meet and work with are my constant teachers,’ he said.

‘I love to teach and watch people learn how to give their dog leadership, exercise, structure and be confident to know when and how to reward good dog behaviour.’I

In addition to his in-person sessions he also sells training videos online for $29.95.