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If you’re looking for a profitable side hustle that pays well and enables you to spend time outdoors with pooches, dog walking could be the answer. If you want to learn how to become a dog walker and what dog walker rates are out there, we have all the info you need!
What Skills are Needed to Become a Dog Walker?
How to become a dog walker and be successful, you should have the following skills:
- Love for animals: You should have a genuine love for dogs and be able to provide them with affection and care.
- Responsibility: You need to be reliable, dependable, and trustworthy as pet owners are entrusting their pets to your care.
- Physical fitness: You need to be able to handle walking, running, and playing with dogs, so being in good physical condition is important.
- Knowledge of dog behavior: Understanding canine behavior, body language, and communication can help you handle any situation that may arise during a walk.
- Good communication skills: You should be able to communicate effectively with pet owners, especially regarding their pet’s needs and behavior.
- Organization: You should be able to manage your time effectively, keep track of appointments and schedules, and be able to plan routes for dog walks.
- First aid and emergency response skills: You should know how to handle any accidents or injuries that may occur during a walk, and have the necessary first aid supplies.
Having these skills can help you provide the best care for dogs and develop a successful career as a dog walker.
What are Dog Walker Rates? Is it worth it to learn how to walk dogs?
Rover Dog Walker Rates:
Dog walker rates to walk dogs on Rover.com vary depending on several factors such as the location, duration of the walk, and the dog walker’s experience and qualifications. On average, Rover dog walkers charge between $15 to $25 per walk. However, the final rate is set by individual dog walkers, and some may charge more or less than the average. It’s best to check with individual dog walkers on Rover for their specific rates.
Rover Dog Walker Shares Experience to Work for the Dog Walking App
Wag! Dog Walker Rates:
The cost of dog walking varies on Wag! depending on a number of variables, including the location, the length of the walk, and the qualifications and experience of the dog walker. Wag! dog walkers typically charge $15 to $20 for each trip. However, each dog walker sets their own prices, so some may charge more or less than the industry standard. It’s best to inquire about individual dog walkers’ prices on Wag! Remember that Wag! charges a fee for using their platform, which is deducted from the dog walker’s earnings. We encourage you to visit Wag! website if you’d like to learn how to become a dog walker with their platform.
Dog Walker Rates can vary based on the Location and Size of the Dog
Yes, dog walker rates can vary depending on the location and size of the dog. Here are some factors that can impact dog walker rates:
- Location: Dog walker rates can vary based on the cost of living in a specific area. For example, dog walker rates may be higher in cities where the cost of living is higher.
- Size of dog: Larger dogs may require more physical effort to walk, so dog walkers may charge a higher rate for larger dogs. On average, rates for larger dogs can range from $20 to $30 per walk.
- Duration of walk: The length of the walk can also impact the rate, with longer walks usually costing more than shorter walks. For example, a 30-minute walk may cost around $20, while a 60-minute walk may cost around $30.
- Special needs: If a dog has special needs, such as a medical condition or behavioral issue, dog walkers may charge a higher rate to accommodate these needs.
These are just general guidelines, and the exact rates for dog walkers may vary depending on the individual dog walker and the specific circumstances.
How to Become a Dog Walker
Practice your dog walking skills
If you have a dog of your own and already enjoy taking him on walks, you still need to get some practice in. Offer to walk your friends’ dogs to get a feel of taking care of a dog you don’t know. You can then progress to taking several dogs on a walk all at the same time. You’ll find that looking after three high-energy dogs is very different from taking care of just one!
This is also a good time to decide how to become a dog walker and if this is really what you are wanting. While it seems like a fun and light gig, you will be responsible for a pet who’s an important part of someone’s family and someone’s life, so it is an important task under the guise of a lighthearted activity. You can’t be a dog walker if you’re just in it for the money – you need to genuinely be a friend to man’s best friend!
Sign up to become a Dog Walker
There are several companies that hire dog walkers:
These companies offer dog walking services and provide a platform for dog walkers to offer their services to customers. Keep in mind that the rate and policies of each company can vary.
Map out the walks you plan to take around your area
Before you start getting clients, make sure you plan out where you will take their dogs for a walk. This ensures you are able to take a lot of control over your walks and that you know the ins and outs of paths you will be taking, making sure you avoid ones that are difficult for certain dogs and could possibly be risky if you are taking a lot of them with you.
Learn how to read or assess dog personalities
Spending time with dogs you don’t know isn’t unlike spending time with strangers you’ve met for the first time. So be adept at reading the room – which in this case, means trying to understand the temperaments of the dogs you will be taking care of. Various tests enable dog handlers to determine this, and you might not take to it immediately, but as you interact with more and more dogs, it should eventually come to you naturally.
How to be a Dog Walker – Do I need Certification?
There is no specific certification required to become a dog walker, but there are several courses, training programs, and certifications that can enhance your knowledge and skills in the field. Here are a few options:
- Pet CPR and First Aid Certification: You can obtain certification in pet CPR and first aid through organizations such as the American Red Cross or PetTech.
- Professional Dog Walking Certificate: Some organizations, such as the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), offer professional dog walking certification programs that cover topics such as dog behavior, safety, and business management.
- Dog walking online courses: There are various online courses that focus on dog behavior and training, pet first aid, and the business of dog walking.
- Volunteer work at animal shelters: Volunteering at local animal shelters or dog rescues can provide hands-on experience working with dogs and can be a good way to build your skills and experience.
Having a certification or training in these areas can demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to providing quality care for dogs, which can make you a more appealing choice for clients. However, keep in mind that certifications are not a requirement to become a dog walker.
How to Become a Dog Walker – Other ways to make Money
Besides being an actual dog walker, there are many other ways to earn money in the dog caring industry. Here are a few of our favorites that you should definitely try if you have a love for these four-legged friends and a passion for entrepreneurship!
Make and sell dog treats
Dog owners love giving their pets treats, especially after they’ve left them alone with a stranger for an entire day and are feeling a little guilty about not spending enough time with them. Enter your homemade dog treats.
There are numerous dog treats recipes online that you can experiment with to help you find your own brand and style of products. Offer them to your clients and even consider selling them online to widen your potential customer base!
Plan and organize dog adventures
Sometimes the normal walk around the neighborhood isn’t enough. You can organize dog adventures at the beach or in the mountains for dogs who are especially high-energy but whose owners don’t have the time or their own energy to keep up with their pets. Naturally, these dog adventures would be priced at a premium compared to your regular dog walking services, so it’s an offer that’s bound to be more lucrative for you.
How to Become a Dog Walker – Offer Dog Grooming Services
If you want to offer dog grooming services in addition to dog walking, here are some basic services you can consider offering:
- Bathing: Offer a basic bath or a full grooming session, including shampooing, conditioning, and blow-drying.
- Nail trimming: Trimming a dog’s nails is a common grooming task that many pet owners may appreciate having done during a grooming session.
- Ear cleaning: Cleaning a dog’s ears can help prevent infections and keep them comfortable.
- Brushing: Brushing a dog’s coat can help remove loose hair, prevent mats and tangles, and keep their coat looking healthy.
- Trimming: Offer basic trimming services for dogs, such as trimming the hair around their paws, faces, and tails.
- Anal gland expression: Offer to express a dog’s anal glands, which can help prevent discomfort and infections.
It’s important to only offer grooming services that you are trained and comfortable performing and to always prioritize the safety and well-being of the dog. You may also want to invest in some basic grooming equipment, such as a grooming table, clippers, and brushes. Consider offering grooming services as an add-on to your dog walking services, and let your clients know about your availability and consider the dog walker rates in addition to these services.
If you’re a dog walker and have more helpful tips for us to add, let us know!