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The person who does this for a living is called a dog walker. Dog walkers generally have more than one customer at a time and can handle many dogs at once. Dog sitting, feeding, and grooming are just some of the other services they could provide.
Even though most dog walkers have some prior experience with canines, being a dog walker requires no special training or certification. Because you will be on your feet for extended periods of time, being physically fit is also crucial. Last but not least, you need to be ok dealing with any and all kinds of dogs, as each dog has its own quirks and requirements.
There are a number of upsides to working as a dog walker. For one thing, you may enjoy the fresh air and physical exertion of being outside. Moreover, you have the chance to make friends with both humans and canines.
Plus, you may schedule your dog walking around your other activities. A flexible schedule allows you to work whenever you like. It might be a part-time or full-time occupation.
Knowing that you’re making a difference in the life of a pet’s owner is a great perk of the job. Who wouldn’t be thrilled by that?
Knowing what a dog walker is and what is expected of them, we can go on to discussing how to get started generating money in this field.
This job involves a lot of going outside, so it’s not a good fit if you don’t enjoy being in nature or working with dogs. But if you enjoy being around dogs and cats and don’t mind working out, dog walking can be the right job for you!
Therefore, if you don’t enjoy the company of dogs, don’t look at it as a means to make quick cash. Issues may arise that you weren’t even aware were possible. There are, however, alternative methods to make a fast buck in a day, including suggestions for getting paid to stroll.
It’s possible that you’d like to provide more than just dog walking, and the following would be good additions to your service list:
To stay at someone else’s home while they are away
Some pet owners require more than simply a regular stroll for their “pawsome” dogs, and you can fill that void. So, if you’re in the dog business, it’s in your best interest to provide as many services as possible. Furthermore, you’ll have to devote extra time to the canine companions of your customers.
The next step after deciding the services to provide is to establish a pricing for those offerings. Keep the following in mind as you establish your prices:
Observe what neighboring dog walkers are charging for a similar service, and set your own rates appropriately. When setting your prices, strike a balance between losing customers due to exorbitant rates and failing to turn a profit.
Dog walking services might be priced by the hour or by the number of dogs walked. Services such as feeding and cleaning should be priced independently.
How much experience do you have working with animals, if any? You can demand a higher wage if you have experience working with canines.
The median hourly wage for a dog walker is $15, as reported by Payscale. Depending on the client’s budget, you may charge anywhere from $10 to $30 for every half hour to an hour of your time. Like many other professions, dog walking might occasionally provide unique opportunities for financial gain, such as walking the pets of a celebrity.
There are no set qualifications to become a dog walker, but you may stand out from the crowd by taking advantage of available training opportunities. Taking one of these classes will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to walk dogs responsibly and confidently, regardless of the breed. Courses in dog walking are available at many community colleges and can even be found online.
Many dog owners would rather hire a trained person than a person without any experience with dogs, thus getting training will help you be hired for more jobs. Nonetheless, if you’re prepared to learn on the job, you may get dog walking jobs even if you haven’t taken any classes. The good news is that if you utilize an internet platform dedicated to dog walking, you can probably discover tips and information on how to execute the task properly.
Any injuries or damages sustained by a dog while in your care as a professional dog walker are your responsibility. If the dog you’re walking breaks free and goes into the street, for instance, and is struck by a car, you might be held responsible. You should acquire dog walking liability insurance to safeguard yourself.
This policy will pay for the dog’s medical treatment and any damage it does while in your care. Keep in mind that you may get into issues with the law if you don’t have it, depending on where you are. Liability coverage is available from your local veterinary clinic or pet store.
You may get started with dog walking by asking folks you know if they need a dog walker. Flyers can also be posted in community areas and dog parks.
Alternatively, you may advertise your dog walking services on the web. Because it’s so convenient, many customers look for a dog walker online.
Once you begin to attract customers, it is imperative that you maintain their satisfaction via superior service. It’s possible that they’ll recommend you to their friends who have dogs, too, which might lead to more customers.
Here is a list of sites and applications you may use to find dog-walking jobs:
Rover is a web service that helps pet owners find reliable dog walkers in their area. Creating a profile and applying for local jobs is free of charge. You get to pick your own hours, choose the pets you want to care for, and be paid quickly once you finish a job.
Wag! is a smartphone application that connects dog owners with available dog walkers in their areas. Over 400 thousand people across the country provide care for pets.
You’re welcome to sign up and become a part of the group. A walker’s profile may be created in a matter of minutes, allowing the user to immediately begin walking dogs for a fee.
Professional pet sitting and dog walking services are offered by Fetch! Pet Care. There are more than 115 sites around the US where you may take use of their services.
You have to apply online and get through a background check to work there. Clients will be able to send you work requests through the app after your profile has been authorized.
Another app that allows you to give pet care services and be paid for it is Pawshake. If you’re willing to walk dogs for people, you may sign up to be a dog walker and start getting requests for work in your region.
You may find jobs on Indeed. Indeed isn’t geared for the pet care industry, but it can help you locate dog walking employment in your region.
To do so, visit the site and enter “dog walker” and your area into the respective search fields. After that, a directory of local employment openings will be shown for your perusal.
You may locate work walking dogs on Craigslist, which is a classifieds website.
The best way to locate dog walking employment is to check Craigslist for openings in your area by typing “dog walker” into the search box.
Joining appropriate Facebook groups is another choice for locating dog walking employment. You may, for instance, start networking with other pet owners in your area by joining a local club. Having established trust, you may subsequently offer your services as a dog walker.
Because of your established rapport with them, they are likely to become repeat customers. Customers who are satisfied with your work may also recommend you to others.
Listed below are a few suggestions for taking your dog on a stroll:
In order to work as a dog walker, you will need the following items:
The going rate for a dog walker is between $15.00 – $20.00 each pet visit. Rates may increase, however, based on variables such as the number of dogs, the distance traveled, and the area in which the service is provided.
A 30-minute to 1-hour stroll might cost anything from $10 to $30 per person. Make sure your pricing are reasonable and in line with the going cost in the market.
The answers to these questions might vary widely depending on the nature of the business and the desires of the clientele. Depending on their schedule and client needs, dog walkers may work a few days a week or every day. Additionally, you are free to choose your own hours and pace.
Being a dog walker comes with a number of difficulties, such as:
If you love dogs and want to make some extra cash, being a dog walker is a fantastic option. It’s a job that can be done around your schedule, so it’s also convenient.
Just sign up for a service like Rover that caters to dog owners and post your dog walking profile to begin receiving requests. After you’ve been given the green light, you may begin accepting clients and walking dogs.
You should be prepared to deal with a variety of difficulties, including inclement weather and hostile canine companions. Make sure you’re charging just enough to turn a profit without pricing yourself out of the market when determining your prices. If you follow these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to being a respected dog walker.