What Does a Dog Walker Do?
A dog walker gets paid to hang out with dogs and take them for walks. Yup, that’s a real job—and it’s awesome.
Dogs need walks to stretch their legs, sniff trees, and do their business. It’s like their version of checking email and going to the gym.
Some pups love quick strolls, while others are marathon walkers in furry coats. You might need to slow down for older dogs or speed up for bouncing puppies.
You can walk one dog or a whole pack. Just make sure they all get along and you don’t get tangled up like spaghetti.
Besides walking, a dog walker might refill the water bowl or toss a ball. Some dogs enjoy belly rubs and snuggles too—bonus points if you give both.
Dog walkers often check in on pets while their humans are working or on vacation. Sometimes they even water plants or grab the mail (multitasking skills required).
You can walk dogs part-time or go full-time and be the neighborhood dog hero. You get to choose your own hours—hello, flexibility!
This job is perfect for people who love animals, fresh air, and getting their steps in. No gym? No problem.
Walking dogs is peaceful and kind of magical. Don’t be surprised when your furry clients become your new best buddies.
What You Need to Get Started as a Dog Walker
You don’t need a fancy office or a dog degree. You just need a few basic tools and a big heart.
Comfy shoes are a must—trust me, your feet will thank you. You’ll be racking up miles like a Fitbit champ.
A strong, non-slippery leash is your best friend. If a squirrel zooms by, you want to stay standing.
Always bring poop bags. It’s not glamorous, but cleaning up after pups is part of the gig (goodbye surprise sidewalk messes).
Don’t forget water, especially on warm days. A collapsible bowl or pet water bottle will keep your doggo hydrated and happy.
Love dogs? Great! Patience helps too—especially when a dog wants to sniff the same bush for five whole minutes.
Pet owners want someone responsible. Show up on time, treat pups kindly, and always follow instructions.
Want a gold star? Take a pet first aid class or basic dog training course. You’ll feel more confident, and parents of pups will love that you know your stuff.
Track your jobs with a notebook or a dog-walking app. It’s super helpful when you’re juggling dog names like Max, Bella, and Sir Fluffy Pants.
Being prepared makes walks smooth, safe, and fun. And when people know you’re reliable, they’ll trust you with their fur babies.
How to Find Dog Walking Jobs
Ready to find some pups to hang with? Let’s sniff out some work!
Start by telling family, friends, and neighbors. Someone’s bound to need help or know someone who does.
Print out cute flyers and post them around your block. Think pet stores, vet clinics, coffee shops, or even the library (bonus points for a cute dog photo).
Be sure to list your name, number, and what you offer—like walking, pet sitting, or belly rubs.
Apps like Rover and Wag can help you find nearby clients. You just make a profile, list your availability, and boom—potential bookings.
Some of these apps check your background, so be honest and follow the steps. They’re a great way to land your first few jobs.
Social media is your friend. Use Facebook, Instagram, or Nextdoor to show off your dog-walking adventures (with owner permission, of course!).
Happy dog photos = people asking, “Hey, can you walk my dog too?” The cuteness is contagious!
Join local pet lover groups online. It’s like a digital dog park full of people who might need your help.
The more people who know about your dog walking business, the more dogs you’ll meet. So don’t be shy—share your love for pups loud and proud!
How Much Money Can You Make Walking Dogs?
Let’s talk cash. Dog walking isn’t just great fun—it can also pay really well.
You usually charge per walk or by the hour. In a small town, a quick 30-minute walk might earn you $10–$15.
In a big city? That same walk could fetch $20–$30 or more. City dogs have big wallets (okay, their humans do).
Walking two dogs at once is double the fun—and double the money. Just make sure they’re both leash-trained and friendly.
Some pet parents tip, especially if you leave sweet notes or send pup photos. Bonus cookies (for you, not the dogs)!
You can offer longer walks, like an hour, for extra pay. Some pets need big workouts to chase away the zoomies.
Weekend and holiday walks usually pay more. If you’re free during those times, ka-ching!
Add extra services like feeding, brushing, or pet sitting to boost your income. Think of them like toppings on a money sundae.
Some busy dog walkers make over $1,000 a week. That’s a whole lot of treats, friends.
Your earnings depend on where you live, how often you walk, and how many repeat clients you get. Want to grow? Be kind, stay on time, and keep tails wagging.
Tips for Being a Great Dog Walker
Being a dog walker isn’t just about strolling around. It’s about being awesome at pet care.
Always be on time. Pups run on routines, and their tummies know when it’s walk o’clock.
Listen closely to the pet owner’s instructions. Some dogs need gentle hands, while others need a little pep talk to get moving.
Be calm and in control, especially around loud cars, cats, or squirrels doing ninja flips.
Keep the leash short in busy areas. Safety is your top job.
Watch the ground. Hot sidewalks, broken glass, and mystery objects can hurt paws.
Always clean up after the dog. Nobody likes stepping in surprises.
After the walk, send a quick text or leave a note. “Bella did zoomies and sniffed 14 trees!” is always appreciated.
Bring treats (if allowed) to reward good behavior. A happy dog = a happy walk.
Be friendly and respectful to pet parents. Great manners lead to repeat jobs and glowing reviews.
How to Grow Your Dog Walking Business
Want more walks and more wagging tails? Time to grow your biz like a pro.
Ask happy clients to tell their friends. Word of mouth is pure magic in the pet world.
Print cute business cards with your info. Hand them out when you see someone struggling with an energetic Lab.
Create a simple website with your services and smiling pup pics. Don’t forget to include how to contact you.
Post pictures of your doggy clients on social media (again, with permission). Nothing says “hire me” like a dog mid-tail-wag.
Offer extra services like brushing, pet sitting, or watering plants. Being a one-stop pet shop is super helpful for busy owners.
Use a calendar or dog-walking app to stay organized. No one likes missed walks or double bookings.
Keep learning! Watch dog training videos or read books about pet behavior. The more you know, the better you’ll do.
Ask for feedback and make changes if needed. Listening helps you grow and keeps everyone happy—including the dogs.
One day, you might even hire helpers or start a full-on dog walking team. Dream big!
Staying Safe While Walking Dogs
Let’s talk safety—because even the fluffiest walk can have surprises.
Check the weather before heading out. Nobody wants to walk a dog in a lightning storm or on a sidewalk that’s basically lava.
Hot pavement burns paws fast. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their feet.
Always bring your phone. It’s great for directions, emergencies, or snapping a cute photo (again—with permission!).
Avoid strange dogs unless you get the green light from the owner. Some dogs give side-eye and mean it.
Skip loud or crowded spots if your dog gets nervous. A calm walk is way better than a stressful one.
If a dog slips loose, don’t panic and chase. Use your calm voice, call their name, and show a treat if you’ve got one.
Learn some basic pet first aid. Knowing how to treat a scraped paw or upset tummy can make a big difference.
Keep ID on both you and the dog. GPS tags on collars can be a lifesaver too.
Try to walk during the day. If it’s dark, wear something bright and bring a flashlight—glow sticks optional.
Being safe makes owners trust you more. Plus, it keeps tails wagging and your walks smooth.
What Makes Dog Walking a Great Way to Earn Money
Dog walking is the dream job you didn’t know existed. You get paid to hang out with happy, tail-wagging besties.
You’re outside, breathing fresh air, and getting those steps in without even thinking about it. Who needs a treadmill?
You get to pick your schedule. Morning walks? Lunchtime strolls? Sunset saunters? You choose!
Starting out doesn’t cost much. Just grab a leash, some poop bags, and comfy shoes—and you’re in business.
No office, no sitting at a desk all day. Your “co-workers” have wagging tails and fuzzy ears.
Each happy walk can lead to another client. It’s like a chain reaction of joy and cuteness.
Some folks turn dog walking into a full-time gig. Others keep it as a fun side hustle.
If you’re kind, careful, and love animals, dog walking can be a great way to earn money and smile all day long.
