How to Become A Dog Walker
How does one become a professional dog walker and what do it takes to start a rewarding career and business in dog walking.
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If you are a dog lover, few careers could be more rewarding than becoming a professional dog walker. When you decide to become a dog walker, there are many perks involved such as you get to interact every day with your favorite furry friends; have a flexible schedule and have a job that is fun, interesting, and financially rewarding. This field is definitely worth a closer look for anyone who loves animals.
>> Click Here To Learn How to Start Your Own Dog Walking Career & Business Today!
“This is a fantastic industry to work in. Two days are never the same, and you have the freedom to set your own schedule, be your own boss, and be playing with pets. What could be more fun?” — Paul Mann, Founder, Fetch! Pet Care
Cool Facts about Being a Dog Walker
There are lots of benefits for you when you become a dog walker. Here are just a few to consider:
- You will get some great exercise, and can take great walks in the park, on local trails, or at the beach. Walking is the perfect form of exercise for both dogs and humans, and doing it together makes it more fun.
- You will meet new and interesting people and dogs and their “families” and form real relationships with both. Whether on the trail or the local off-leash park, you will see a lot of the same people with their dogs and begin to bond with both the animals and their masters.
- You will get to earn money simply by doing some of the things you love. Playing catch with your buddy at the dog park, but you are earning $18 an hour doing it. What could be better than that?
- You will be able to schedule your time with each dog around other commitments.
- You will have a new friend that looks at you with love in his eyes every time he sees you. This priceless benefit makes it more than a job!
Steps To Become a Successful Dog Walker
Becoming a successful dog walker takes more than loving dogs and having a way with leashes. On the contrary, you must be organized and efficient, professional and experienced with dogs.
 A professional dog walker taking ten dogs for a walk and exercise along the beach. |
The first step is to find out what licensing requirements your city might have for your dog walking business. A call to your city should get you answers about requirements and any additional regulations that you should know about as a licensed dog walker.
Next, you will want to pick up some supplies. At a minimum, you’ll want to have a pooper scooper or plastic bags, dog treats, and an assortment of leashes and collars. Be sure to get one or two multi-lead leashes, so that you can walk more than one dog with the same leash.
Make a reference list that you can give clients to ease any worries they have. People like former bosses and coworkers, clergy, and teachers make great references. Also, have your criminal background check done so that you can provide it as well.
Decide what you will charge. This is something that depends totally on the location and the demand for services. The dog walker price in New York City will be considerably higher than it might be in Idaho, where folks might be more reluctant to pay for this service. Call current local dog walkers and ask them what they charge. They do not need to know that you want to become a dog walker. Also, decide how long you will walk the dogs, and if you will offer related services. Some dog walkers also do basic dog training, pet sitting, and even bathing and grooming.
Marketing is a key part of the success of your business. Decide how you will market your services; both offline and online are important nowadays. Put up flyers in coffee shops, apartment buildings, and offices. Ask pet stores if you can leave some business cards and flyers for customers. Online, create a Facebook account or build a professional looking website that is user-friendly.
Consider joining an organization like the Pro Dog Walkers Association. They can offer information that will help with starting your business and also getting bonded and insured.
Income Potential of a Dog Walker
Many people are surprised to learn that becoming a dog walker can be lucrative. You will need to do your own math based on the amount you have decided to charge and the number of visits you will be doing in order to get an accurate figure, but here’s an example:
Let’s say you charge $20 per 30 to 45 minute walk, and will do six walks per day. That would be six walks X $20= $120 per day, working five days per week, it would work out to $600 per week, or $30,000 annually. Of course, if you will be doing more walks or maybe working six days a week, you will earn more. Adding value with pet sitting, grooming, and other related services can also beef up your income.
The Professional Guide To Becoming A Dog Walker
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If you are interested and would like to find out more about how you can become a professional dog walker, check out the FabJob Guide to Become a Dog Walker. It will help answer a lot of questions and provide you with lots more tips and ideas on starting your own business and career in dog walking.
“The FabJob Guide to Become a Dog Walker is designed to help you launch your new dog walking business by providing industry information, how-to guidelines, and helpful hints on finding clients. Throughout the guide you will find handy samples of registration forms, budget planners, marketing materials and checklists you can adapt and use for your own dog walking business.”
Tips & Warnings
- Hiring other dog walkers can increase your income, but it also increases your risks. Be sure that you are insured and bonded, just in case.
- Learn some basic first aid for canines. You can pay a local vet for some basic training before you become a dog walker.
- Know proper procedures for handling a dog bite. (It is almost inevitable that one of them will nip you.)
- Be honest, reliable, and trustworthy in all of your dealings, and your business will grow quickly by word of mouth.
- Fill a backpack with all of your supplies, and wear it when you walk your new friends. You can keep treats, squeaky balls, and extra leashes in there, just out of reach for them.
- Keep appropriate weather gear, like a raincoat or sweater, in your supply bag. This will keep you comfortable if the weather changes mid-walk.
- You should have a signed service agreement with each of your clients that spells out the terms of your services, your pricing, and other pertinent details.
