Mastering the Dog Walking Job Hunt: Proven Strategies for Success
Are you an animal lover looking for a fun and flexible way to make money? Dog walking jobs are in high demand, with over 40 percent of US homes owning dogs.
Not only do these jobs offer a steady income—potentially earning more than $30 per hour—but they also give you the chance to spend time outdoors exercising alongside our four-legged friends.
Key Takeaways
- Dog walking jobs offer a flexible schedule, good source of income, physical exercise, and interaction with animals.
- Popular dog walking apps and websites include Rover, Wag!, Care.com, Fetch! Pet Care, PetSitter.com, DogVacay, Barkly Pets, Holidog, among others.
- As a freelance dog walker on these platforms or independently offering pet services like boarding or day care to supplement earnings potential, it's important to prioritize safety. This involves conducting background checks where required and obtaining necessary certifications. You also need to stay organized, using digital calendars that integrate with popular dog walking platforms.
- By prioritizing quality service while building up a positive reputation through excellent customer service interactions, job seekers can expand their client base over time. This leads to extra opportunities such as grooming services or training. As a result you will be better equipped to stay afloat in today's evolving gig economy.
What Is A Dog Walking Job?
A dog walking job is a flexible and rewarding opportunity for animal lovers to earn money while taking care of pets. As a dog walker, you are responsible for providing exercise, companionship, and mental stimulation to dogs whose owners are unable or unavailable to walk them regularly.
Dog walking jobs can be found through various platforms like Rover, Wag!, Care.com, among others that connect pet owners with reliable dog walkers in their area.
By creating a profile on these websites or apps showcasing your experience, passion for animals, and personality traits that set you apart from other candidates (e.g., being punctual and organized), it will be easier to secure new clients who trust you with their pets' well-being.
Responsibilities Of A Dog Walker
A dog walker has many responsibilities, including ensuring the safety and well-being of the dogs, walking them on a schedule, and picking up after them; read on to learn more about these essential duties.
Walking Dogs On A Schedule
Establishing a consistent schedule is vital when taking on dog walking jobs. Pet owners rely on punctual and dependable dog walkers to ensure their furry companions receive exercise, socialization, and relief at regular intervals throughout the day.
For example, you may have multiple clients with varying needs – some may require morning walks while others prefer evening strolls.
As a professional dog walker, managing your time effectively not only pleases pet owners but also helps maintain a healthy work-life balance for yourself. To streamline your schedule, consider using smartphone apps or digital calendars that integrate with popular dog walking platforms like Rover and Wag!, making it easier to monitor appointments and communicate with clients in real-time.
Ensuring Dog Safety And Well-being
Prioritizing the safety and well-being of dogs in your care is a crucial aspect of successful dog walking. As an attentive dog walker, it's important to familiarize yourself with proper leash and collar usage to prevent potential accidents or injuries.
For example, encountering other dogs during walks can be a common occurrence; knowing how to calmly manage these situations is essential for preventing conflicts. Additionally, keeping track of weather conditions ensures that the pets are not exposed to extreme temperatures which could pose serious risks to their health.
Picking Up After The Dog
As a dog walker, one of your key responsibilities is picking up after the dogs you walk. This means carrying waste bags with you at all times and being prepared to clean up any messes that your furry friend might leave behind.
Not only is cleaning up after dogs a crucial part of keeping public spaces clean and hygienic, but it also demonstrates responsible ownership to clients. As a dog walker, you are representing not just yourself but also the owners who have entrusted their pets' care to you.
Benefits Of Dog Walking Jobs
Dog walking jobs provide numerous benefits, including a flexible schedule and the opportunity to earn a good source of income while getting physical exercise and interacting with animals.
Flexible Schedule
One major perk of dog walking jobs is the flexibility they offer. As a freelance dog walker, you have control over your schedule and can choose which clients to work with and when.
This makes it an ideal side hustle for those who are currently working full-time or studying, as you can fit dog walks around your existing commitments.
Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed more people to work remotely or from home, creating even more opportunities for flexible schedules in pet care services. You could take advantage of this by offering midday walks for office workers who don't want their pets cooped up all day at home.
Good Source Of Income
Dog walking jobs are a great source of income for job seekers looking for flexible work with animals. Many dog walkers make over $30 an hour, making it an excellent option for those who need to supplement their income or simply want to earn extra cash.
In addition to earning good money, working as a dog walker allows individuals to set their own schedules and take on as much or as little work as they desire. By offering additional pet services like boarding or daycare, dog walkers can also increase their earnings potential.
Positive feedback and reviews from previous clients can help boost a walker's reputation and lead to repeat business and referrals.
Physical Exercise
Regular physical exercise is an essential aspect of being a dog walker. Not only do you get to enjoy fresh air and sunshine, but walking dogs on a regular basis is also beneficial for your overall health and well-being.
According to research studies, regular exercise can lead to weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, reduced stress levels, and better mental health.
Moreover, some dogs require more physical activity than others depending on their breed or size; this means that as a dog walker, you might not need gym membership since active breeds like retrievers or shepherds will keep your legs toned with every walk.
Interaction With Animals
Interacting with animals can provide numerous mental and physical health benefits, including reduced stress levels, lower blood pressure, and increased happiness. As a dog walker, you'll have the opportunity to spend time with furry friends on a regular basis.
Dogs are known for their loyalty, affectionate nature, and playful personalities. Their enthusiasm for life can be contagious and uplifting. Dog walking jobs offer animal lovers an opportunity to make new furry friends while exercising in the fresh air.
Top Dog Walking Apps And Websites
Some of the top dog walking apps and websites include Rover, Wag!, Care.com, Fetch! Pet Care, PetSitter.com, DogVacay, Barkly Pets, Holidog, and more.
Rover
Rover is a popular app and website for finding dog walking jobs. With Rover, you can create a profile that highlights your experience and credentials, such as pet care certifications or previous pet-sitting jobs.
Pet owners can search for local dog walkers on Rover based on location, availability, and services offered.
One important thing to note about using Rover is that the platform charges a 20% service fee per booking. However, many freelancers find that joining multiple dog walking platforms like Rover helps them increase their earnings potential overall.
Wag!
One of the most popular and reliable dog walking apps is Wag!, which offers services in over 4,600 cities across the United States. As a dog walker on Wag!, you can earn an average of $15 to $17 per 30-minute walk with rates increasing for longer walks or multiple dogs.
Signing up as a walker on Wag! is easy and requires filling out an online application, passing a background check, and completing an orientation video. The app also provides insurance coverage for any injuries or incidents that may occur while walking pets under their care.
Care.com
Care.com is one of the top dog walking apps and websites that offer an opportunity for job seekers to find pet care jobs, including dog walking. Through Care.com, users can connect with pet owners needing in-home care services such as dog sitting, boarding, grooming, walking and training.
With Care.com's background verification process for its providers, both pets and their owners are ensured safety and security. Dog walkers also have the benefit of setting their own rates and schedules while connecting with potential clients through customer reviews or testimonials available on the platform.
Fetch! Pet Care
Fetch! Pet Care is one of the most popular dog walking apps available, and it offers a range of services beyond just dog walking. In addition to walks, Fetch! Pet Care provides pet sitting, overnight visits, pet taxi services, as well as cat playtime.
As an independent contractor for Fetch!, you can set your own schedule and rates while also enjoying payment protection and liability insurance. Additionally, offering additional services like overnight boarding or day care can help increase earnings for pet caregivers.
PetSitter.com
PetSitter.com is a top website and app for finding dog walking jobs, as well as other pet care services like pet sitting and overnight boarding. With a user-friendly interface, users can easily search for available jobs in their area by entering their location and preferred services.
Pet owners can also browse through profiles of potential dog walkers to find the perfect match for their furry friend.
PetSitter.com also provides resources for those interested in starting a pet care business, including tips on setting rates, obtaining certifications, and building a positive reputation.
With the site's commission-free model, dog walkers have the opportunity to earn more money per job compared to other apps with service fees.
DogVacay
DogVacay is an excellent app and website for finding dog walking jobs. This platform offers on-demand walking services and overnight pet sitting, making it a great choice for job seekers who want to offer flexible options to pet owners.
One of the best things about DogVacay is that they offer vet care coverage of up to $25,000 in case of emergencies. However, it's important for dog walkers to purchase standalone insurance as well, especially given the risks involved with handling pets.
Compared to some other platforms like Rover which charges a 20% service fee per booking, DogVacay only charges minimal or no commissions at all.
Barkly Pets
Barkly Pets is a popular dog walking app that connects pet owners with professional dog walkers in over 60 cities nationwide. One advantage of Barkly Pets is their reduced platform fees, which means more earnings for dog walkers.
Additionally, Barkly Pets does not charge a membership fee to pet owners but instead takes a commission from the earnings of the dog walker.
For job seekers interested in becoming a dog walker, Barkly Pets provides full training and support for their walkers to ensure they provide reliable and professional service to clients.
They also offer payment protection and liability insurance for added peace of mind. With Barkly Pets, earning potential can range between $15-$20 per 30-minute walk depending on location, availability, and experience.
By providing excellent service and receiving positive feedback from clients through testimonials or reviews on the app's platform or other websites like Yelp!, it's possible to increase hourly rates as experience grows.
Holidog
Holidog is one of the top dog walking apps that offer various pet services, ranging from dog walking to cat and dog sitting, daycare, and certified training. Unlike other platforms that charge a commission fee from their dog walkers, Holidog takes a different approach by charging its customers with a membership fee instead.
The amount that someone can earn on Holidog depends on many factors like location, availability, experience, and services offered. On average, a 30-minute walk can earn between $15 to $20 for a walker with higher rates in pricier neighborhoods.
Additionally, offering additional pet services like overnight boarding or daycare can help increase earnings for dog walkers significantly.
Pawshake
Pawshake is a great option for dog walkers looking to find clients in Europe, Asia, and Australia. The app has a selective acceptance process where they only accept 15% of applicants, ensuring that only the best and most experienced dog walkers are listed on their platform.
Pawshake takes a commission rate of 19% on earnings, which is higher than some other apps but still well worth it for the extensive coverage area and reliable customer support that comes with it.
Flexible & Remote Jobs
Here are some related job opportunities you may find of interest.
- Job Description: Walk dogs for a variety of clients, providing exercise and care. Can work for a company or as an independent contractor.
- Requirements: Must love dogs, have good physical health, and patience. No formal education required.
- Estimated Salary: $15-25 per walk
- Benefits: Get paid to exercise, spend time outdoors
- Job Description: Take care of pets while their owners are away. May involve overnight stays or frequent check-ins.
- Requirements: Experience with pets, trustworthy and reliable.
- Estimated Salary: $25-50 per day
- Benefits: Flexible hours, potential for tips
- Job Description: Train dogs for basic obedience, or specialize in areas like agility, search-and-rescue, or therapy dog training.
- Requirements: Knowledge of dog behavior, patience, good communication skills.
- Estimated Salary: $30-50/hour
- Benefits: Rewarding work helping dogs and their owners
- Job Description: Travel to clients' homes to groom their pets. This can include bathing, nail trimming, and haircutting.
- Requirements: Experience in pet grooming, valid driver's license, and mobile grooming van or similar setup.
- Estimated Salary: $50-70 per groom
- Benefits: Independence, potential for tips
- Job Description: Care for dogs during the day while their owners are at work. Can be done in your home or the pet’s home.
- Requirements: Experience with pets, large enough space for dogs to play.
- Estimated Salary: $20-30 per dog per day
- Benefits: Spend all day with dogs, potential for regular clients
- Job Description: Develop and maintain an app for dog walkers and their clients to schedule walks, make payments, etc.
- Requirements: Experience in app development, knowledge of the dog walking industry is a plus.
- Estimated Salary: $70,000-90,000/year
- Benefits: Remote work, high earning potential
- Job Description: Photograph pets for their owners. This could be for fun, or for professional uses like show dog portfolios.
- Requirements: Photography skills, patience working with animals.
- Estimated Salary: $50-100/hour
- Benefits: Creative work, potential for high earnings
Pet Supplies E-commerce Store Owner
- Job Description: Sell pet supplies through an online store. This could be homemade items or reselling bought products.
- Requirements: Business knowledge, experience in e-commerce.
- Estimated Salary: Variable (depends on sales)
- Benefits: Work from home, potential for high earnings
Pet Food Delivery Service Provider
- Job Description: Deliver pet food and other supplies to pet owners' homes.
- Requirements: Driver's license, vehicle, good organization skills.
- Estimated Salary: $15-20/hour (plus tips)
- Benefits: Independent work, flexible hours
Animal Shelter Volunteer Coordinator
- Job Description: Coordinate volunteers for an animal shelter. This involves recruiting, scheduling, and training volunteers.
- Requirements: Good communication and organizational skills, love for animals.
- Estimated Salary: $30,000-40,000/year
- Benefits: Rewarding work helping animals, regular hours
What People Say
Here’s what people have to say, based on their own personal experiences:
“I love being a dog walker with the organization. The flexibility in scheduling my walks is perfect for my lifestyle, and the pay is fair considering I get to spend my workday outdoors, doing what I love. There's the occasional difficult client, both human and canine, but that's part of the job and doesn't diminish my overall positive experience.”
Malachi Kilgore, Red Oak, Iowa
“As a mobile pet groomer, I appreciate the autonomy and independence this job offers. My clientele is steadily growing and the income can be pretty good, especially with the added tips. Managing all the administrative work myself can sometimes be challenging, but the overall satisfaction of making pets look their best is worth it.”
Tansy Sheffield, Delano, Minnesota
“Working as a dog trainer has been extremely rewarding. I love seeing the transformation in the dogs I work with, and the happiness it brings to their owners. While dealing with some stubborn pets can be stressful, the supportive team and the love for what I do makes it worthwhile.”
Thaddeus Bingley, Platteville, Wisconsin
“Being a pet photographer combines my two passions: animals and photography. I find the work fulfilling, and there is a surprisingly high demand. Balancing the unpredictability of the animals with the technical aspects of the job can be tricky, but each successful shoot makes it all worth it.”
Fidelia Latchford, Cottonwood, Arizona
“I work as a dog walking app developer from Perth, Australia, and I must say, the flexibility to work from home is a significant advantage. The work is engaging and allows me to contribute to an industry that I care about. Time zone differences can sometimes be a challenge when coordinating with the US-based team, but the understanding and flexibility of the company make it manageable.”
Eamon Underwood, Perth, Australia
Top Opportunities
You can undertake remote jobs and work from home positions from anywhere in the world. But to give you further insights into the best opportunities, here are the top 20 locations where demand is high in this sector:
- New York, New York
- Los Angeles, California
- Chicago, Illinois
- Houston, Texas
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- San Antonio, Texas
- San Diego, California
- Dallas, Texas
- San Jose, California
- Austin, Texas
- Jacksonville, Florida
- San Francisco, California
- Columbus, Ohio
- Fort Worth, Texas
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Detroit, Michigan
- El Paso, Texas
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Portland, Oregon
Many large corporations also offer remote jobs you can do from anywhere. Look out for opportunities with major employers of work-from-home professionals, such as:
- Amazon
- Dell Technologies
- Salesforce
- UnitedHealth Group
- IBM
- SAP
- Oracle
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- VMware
- Humana
These companies offer full-time, part-time, and entry-level remote jobs in customer service, data entry, virtual assistant, transcription, and administrative assistant roles.
How To Get Started As A Dog Walker
To get started as a dog walker, create a profile on popular apps and websites like Rover, Wag!, Care.com, or PetSitter.com.
Creating A Profile
One of the most important steps to becoming a successful dog walker is creating a professional profile that showcases your experience and services. This profile should include details like your pricing, availability, and any certifications or training you have received in pet care.
When creating your profile, it's important to be clear about the kind of services you offer. For example, do you specialize in walking large breeds or older dogs?
Are you available for overnight stays or drop-in visits? By being specific about your skills and experience, you'll attract more clients who are looking for exactly what you have to offer.
Background Checks And Requirements
As a dog walker, you'll be responsible for someone else's furry family member. That's why many dog walking apps and services require background checks before allowing you to join their platform.
For example, Rover conducts identity verifications and criminal background checks on all potential sitters and walkers. Care.com provides access to millions of job postings in pet care but requires users to set up an account that includes information about themselves before applying for jobs.
Some jurisdictions may require additional permits or licenses to operate as a dog walker, so it's important to check local regulations in your area and make sure that you are covered by the necessary paperwork.
Setting Rates And Availability
To get started as a dog walker, it's important to set your rates and availability. Research the market rates in your area and consider factors such as experience, length of walks, and additional services offered.
Don't undervalue yourself - you deserve fair compensation for your time and effort.
When it comes to availability, be realistic about how many dogs you can handle at once and what times work best for you.
Keep in mind that most dog owners need someone during weekdays while they're at work, so having flexibility during those hours is crucial.
It's essential to stay organized with scheduling to avoid overbooking yourself or forgetting appointments. Use a calendar or scheduling app to keep track of clients' preferences and upcoming walks.
Remember that setting reasonable rates & availability ensures timely paychecks! Dog walkers can make upwards of $30 per hour offering flexible schedules which can potentially earn them extra income on the side making this role an attractive side hustle opportunity for job seekers looking for part-time opportunities!
Tips To Succeed As A Dog Walker
Provide excellent customer service by communicating frequently with pet owners, being reliable and punctual, and addressing any concerns or issues promptly.
Providing Excellent Customer Service
To succeed as a dog walker, providing excellent customer service is key. This means not only taking good care of the dogs you walk but also communicating effectively with their owners.
Being reliable and punctual is important, so make sure to always show up on time for walks and drop-ins.
Customer reviews are an important aspect of any dog walking business, so it's crucial to provide top-notch service every time. Positive feedback from happy customers can lead to more jobs and higher earnings in the long run.
Remembering small details about each dog's preferences or quirks can also show owners that you truly care about their pets' well-being.
Building A Positive Reputation
To succeed as a dog walker, building a positive reputation is essential. Providing excellent customer service, being reliable and communicative, and maintaining a professional demeanor are crucial for establishing trust with clients.
Referrals from satisfied customers can also help attract new business.
Social media is an effective tool for promoting oneself as a dog walker. Sharing photos of happy dogs enjoying their walks or highlighting successful pet sitting jobs can demonstrate expertise and professionalism.
In addition, networking with other pet professionals such as veterinarians or groomers can lead to valuable referrals and partnerships.
Finally, it is crucial to maintain liability insurance as unexpected incidents may occur during the course of work that could damage property or injure animals under your care.
Networking With Other Pet Professionals
Connecting with other pet professionals is a key strategy for anyone looking to succeed as a dog walker. By building relationships with veterinarians, groomers, and other pet-related businesses, you can gain referrals that will help grow your client base.
Joining local pet-related groups and associations can provide networking opportunities, whether in person or online.
But it's not just about getting referrals - professional relationships with others in the industry can also lead to new business opportunities. For example, a grooming salon may be interested in partnering with a reliable dog walking service to offer bundled packages for their customers.
Overall, networking allows you to build your reputation within the community while increasing your visibility among potential clients.
Additional Opportunities For Dog Walkers
Dog walkers can expand their services to include pet sitting, dog training, and even grooming for additional income opportunities.
Pet Sitting
In addition to dog walking, pet sitting is another way for job seekers to increase their earnings and work with animals. Pet sitting can include drop-in visits, overnight care, pet boarding, house sitting,and more.
When offering pet sitting services, it's essential to have liability insurance and proper credentials or certifications. Positive reviews from clients can help build a reputation and attract new customers.
Joining multiple apps like Rover or Care.com can increase potential bookings for both dog walking and pet sitting gigs, providing ample opportunities to earn extra income.
Dog Training
Offering dog training services can make a significant difference for dog walkers, allowing them to increase their income potential and stand out in a crowded market. By offering this added service, dog walkers can attract new customers and build a loyal client base that values their expertise in training dogs.
Dog walkers who obtain certifications in dog training will find themselves more credible and marketable in the industry. Additionally, some pet care apps offer integrated dog-training services, providing an additional source of income for freelancers using these platforms.
Before jumping into this lucrative opportunity fully, be sure to check local regulations and insurance requirements when offering these types of services as part of your business plan.
Grooming Services
Offering grooming services can be a great way for dog walkers to expand their skill set and increase their earning potential. Grooming services include bathing, brushing, trimming nails, and other basic pet care tasks that help keep dogs looking and feeling their best.
Some popular dog walking apps like Rover and Wag! also offer grooming services as part of their service. This means that dog walkers who offer both walking and grooming can take advantage of the platform's built-in user base to find new clients.
Additionally, offering grooming services can lead to repeat business from satisfied clients who appreciate the convenience of having all of their pet care needs met by one provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common queries we receive on this topic.
Q. What’s the best way to find a high-paying job I can do from anywhere?
A: We recommend you sign up for remote job alerts (free) to get notified of new work-from-home jobs matched to your needs.
Q: What are dog walking jobs?
A: Dog walking jobs involve taking care of people’s pets by casually walking and playing with them while their owners are away or at work.
Q: How can I find dog walking jobs near me?
A: You can find dog walking jobs near you by searching online or contacting local pet sitting services. You can also post your availability on social media or community message boards.
Q: What qualifications do I need to have to become a dog walker?
A: Generally, you do not need any specific qualifications to become a dog walker. However, being knowledgeable about dog behavior and safety can make you a more desirable candidate to hire.
Q: Are there part-time or full-time dog walking jobs?
A: Yes, there are dog walking jobs available both part-time and full-time. Dog walking can be a great option for a flexible schedule that fits your needs.
Q: How much can I earn from dog walking jobs?
A: The earning potential for dog walking jobs varies depending on the volume of work and rates based on location. Some dog walkers charge hourly rates, while others charge per dog per walk.
Q: What is the best way to get to work as a dog walker?
A: The best way to get to work as a dog walker is to have reliable transportation. Consider how far you are willing to commute to work and ensure it fits your schedule.
Q: What are the benefits of working as a dog walker?
A: Dog walking can be a fun and enjoyable job that allows you to spend time outside and work with furry friends. It can also be a convenient and flexible way to earn extra income.
Q: What should I do if I am interested in pet sitting jobs?
A: If you are interested in pet sitting jobs, research local pet sitting services and inquire about employment opportunities. You can also offer your services through social media or community message boards.
Q: What is the typical age range for dog walkers?
A: There is no specific age requirement for dog walkers. Anyone who is energetic, responsible, and dedicated to caring for people’s pets can become a dog walker.
Q: Where are popular locations to find dog walking jobs?
A: Popular locations to find dog walking jobs include urban areas with high pet owner populations, such as New York City or Los Angeles. Additionally, areas near parks or natural landscapes where pets can go for walks are popular locations.
An Excellent Opportunity
Dog walking jobs are an excellent opportunity for animal lovers to make money while staying active and enjoying the company of furry friends.
With the popularity of dog walking apps like Rover, Wag!, Care.com, Steady, Fetch! Pet Care, and more, finding a job has never been easier.
Joe Bensam is a dynamic, young blogger and avid entrepreneur, fervently championing the cause of startups and global team collaborations. Riding the crest of the digital age, he harnesses his experiences in the entrepreneurial world to provide practical insights and inspiration.
Starting his entrepreneurial journey at a young age, Joe quickly grasped the potential of a connected global community in shaping the future of business. His writing encompasses his passion for innovative startups, the power of global teams, and the limitless opportunities in entrepreneurship.
Renowned for his energetic writing style and progressive ideas, Joe offers his readers a fresh, forward-thinking perspective on building successful businesses in today's interconnected world.
