Walking Dogs for Money: How to Get Started

Getting started with walking dogs for money is easier than you think. You can begin by setting a rate of $15 to $25 per 30-minute walk, depending on your location and the services you offer.

To get started, you'll need to research local pet owners who might be interested in hiring a dog walker. You can use online platforms like Rover or Care.com to connect with potential clients. Consider targeting dog owners who live in densely populated areas or have busy schedules.

Most dog walkers start out by walking one or two dogs at a time, but you can scale up as you gain more experience and build your client base. For example, you can start with a daily schedule of two 30-minute walks and gradually increase to four or five walks per day.

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First, you'll need to decide if dog walking is a good fit for you. Consider your lifestyle and schedule, as well as your ability to handle the physical demands of walking dogs.

Many dog owners have busy schedules, which is why they need reliable dog walkers. Research local dog owners in your area to gauge interest and potential demand for your services.

If you're new to dog walking, start by volunteering to walk your friends' or family members' dogs. This will give you hands-on experience and help you build your confidence.

Searching for dog walking jobs can be a great starting point. Try searching 'dog walking jobs' to see what's on offer, or you could register with the national agency Animal Aunts.

Individuals sometimes look for dog walkers on job boards like Gumtree, too. You could also post about your business on social media, particularly local Facebook groups.

A good reputation is often key to getting work, and registering with the National Association of Registered Pet Sitters can help. Membership isn't cheap, though, so it might not be necessary if you're just looking for the odd job.

You'll need to think about how you can promote your dog walking business if you choose to be self-employed. Putting an advert in a pet shop, vet surgery, or on Gumtree is a great first step.

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As a dog walker, your main responsibility is to plan walk routes and outings to dog parks. You'll also be in charge of looking after the dog's health, making sure it stays safe when it's with you.

You'll need to clean up after the dog, which is an important part of the job. This includes picking up after the dog during walks.

To ensure the dog's safety, you'll need to pass a knowledge test on safety and pet care. This test is a crucial step in becoming a dog walker.

Check this out: How Often Do Dogs Need Walking

Earnings can vary depending on the number of clients and services offered, but a personal experience shows that it's possible to earn $399.52 in the first month. The flexibility of dog walking as a job is a major perk.

Pet owners often recommend cutting rates initially, but it's not the only approach. A friend successfully started with lower rates and increased them later, while another approach is to start with higher rates to attract clients who value quality over cost.

Insurance is a significant expense, with the market rate starting at around £70 a year for basic cover. It's essential to assess needs and shop around for the best deal, considering factors like public liability, care, custody, and control cover, and key replacement cover.

Starting a pet sitting business can seem daunting, but the initial costs don't have to be overwhelming.

You'll need to consider additional costs beyond just getting started, such as a business license, dog walker's or pet sitter's insurance, and bonding.

Pet sitting insurance can seem like a luxury, but it's a necessary investment to protect yourself and your business.

The market rate for insurance starts at about £70 a year, although this price will be for the most basic cover.

You should shop around for the best deal for you, and consider Pet Business Insurance for a total package that includes public liability, care, custody and control cover, and key replacement cover.

Some other expenses to consider are petrol for a car, pooper-scoopers and poop bags, and extra collars or leashes.

Here are some estimated costs to keep in mind:

Forming an LLC instead of being a sole proprietor can add to your initial costs, but it's not a requirement for starting a small business.

You can charge anywhere from $20-40 for an hour-long dog walk with Rover, depending on the length of the walk and where you live.

Raising your rates once you get more reviews can increase your earnings, so it's a good idea to set your prices competitively from the start.

You can make about $40 per night for dog sitting at someone's place, and at least $50 per night to board a dog at your own place.

Charging more for holidays and for multiple pets can also boost your earnings.

Here's a breakdown of some common pet service prices with Rover:

Remember, you can always raise or lower your rates as you gain more reviews and experience.

As you consider your earnings and costs, one of the most important factors is how much you'll need to pay.

The cost of living varies significantly depending on the location, with cities like San Francisco and New York being among the most expensive in the country, with average monthly costs exceeding $4,000.

You'll also need to factor in taxes, which can range from 10% to 20% of your income, depending on your tax bracket.

To give you a better idea, a single person living in a small apartment in a moderate-cost city might pay around $1,500 to $2,000 per month in rent alone.

Keep in mind that these costs can add up quickly, so it's essential to have a clear understanding of your expenses.

Rover is the largest dog walking app in the world, with over 1 million pet owners using it every month.

Rover provides the largest potential customer base, with the highest odds of finding the perfect opportunity for you.

You can set your own rates and schedule on Rover, and payment will be available for withdrawal directly to your bank account two days after completing a walk.

However, Rover takes a 20% commission on every sale you make, which may seem high but consider what they provide in exchange.

If you're looking for a platform with a high commission fee, Wag! might be the way to go, but be aware that they take 40% of all your earnings.

Care.com, on the other hand, takes no commission and offers a free basic membership tier, but you'll need to upgrade to their premium membership to access all the features and communicate with a wider range of potential customers.

Wag! is a popular platform for booking pet caregivers near you. It's available in over 5,000 cities across all 50 US states.

One of the main benefits of using Wag! is that it allows you to create your own schedule and receive your earnings once a week through the Payable app.

However, it's worth noting that Wag! takes a 40% commission fee, which is a significant portion of your earnings. This is a higher commission fee compared to other platforms like Rover.

If you're looking for a platform that offers more control over your schedule and earnings, Wag! might be a good choice for you. But if you're looking for a platform with lower commission fees, you might want to consider other options.

Here are some key facts about Wag! to consider:

Ultimately, the choice between Wag! and other platforms will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

You don't need to rely on dog walking apps to make money walking dogs. Many people have had success with their own business as freelance dog walkers in their neighborhood using word of mouth, social media, and their own website.

You can also use apps like Rover, which connects you with customers and provides a secure system for receiving payments, comprehensive insurance, and education resources.

You can offer additional services through some apps, such as pet sitting, boarding, drop-ins, and doggy daycare, without leaving the comfort of home.

Some apps also allow you to care for pets other than dogs, including cats and other animals like horses, pot-bellied pigs, hamsters, snakes, lizards, and even pet shrimp.

If you prefer to work independently, you can still make a living walking dogs and offering other pet care services.

Start by deciding which services you're going to offer on the platform. You can offer a variety of services such as dog walking, drop-in visits, doggy daycare, boarding, and even cat sitting.

Rover will suggest a starting rate for you, but you can also set your own rates, just like a friend did who started with lower rates and later increased them to become one of the highest paid in her area.

You can have different rates for each type of service, so consider what services you want to offer and what rates you're comfortable with. Don't be afraid to start with higher rates to attract clients who are looking for the best.

Consider starting with just one or two services, like dog walking, and then expand to other services over time, as one person did who originally started with just dog walking and later added other services.

For more insights, see: When Do Dogs Start Walking

Building a client base is key to getting into a routine and securing consistent income. This can be achieved by having steady clients on rotation, like I did with four different dogs on a set schedule.

Rover's pricing system helps you set a competitive rate, usually starting with a lower rate to attract reviews. You can then raise your rates as you start getting reviews and steady clients.

Having a set schedule with multiple clients allows you to get plenty of steps in, making it easier to stay active and healthy. This is a great way to build a client base and increase your earnings over time.

Rover's rate setting feature takes the guesswork out of pricing, so you can focus on what matters most - providing great service to your clients.

Using the Rover dog walking app makes managing walks and communication really easy. It's a lot easier than trying to coordinate schedules otherwise, and it provides the owners with useful information.

You can text with potential clients without revealing your actual phone number, ask and answer questions, and set up meet and greets, all before booking. This feature is super handy.

The app allows you to keep the owner informed of what's going on during the walk, including marking pee and poop locations, providing food or water, and sending photos. It also creates a map of where you've gone on the walk, keeping track of time and distance.

To become a sitter on Rover, you'll need to sign up and pay for a background check through them. You can do this in just a few clicks.

To increase your chances of getting approved, ask for testimonials from people who know how you are with dogs. This will show Rover that you're responsible and caring.

You'll also need to watch videos and answer questions to demonstrate your knowledge and experience with dogs. This is a crucial step in the process.

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Filling out your profile is really important, so be sure to show that you care, provide enough attention and supervision, and are capable. If you plan to watch dogs in your home, describe how you'll keep them safe and separated if need be.

To get your profile live, you'll need at least one testimonial. Rover makes it easy to request testimonials, but be sure to follow up personally with the people you're asking via text or a call.

To make your profile stand out, think about what you'd like to see in a person if they were going to be walking your dog. What would make you comfortable with letting them care for your pet?

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Using the Rover app is a game-changer for dog walkers. It makes managing walks and communication with owners a breeze.

The app provides a range of features that make it easy to coordinate schedules and communicate with clients. You can text with potential clients without revealing your actual phone number, ask and answer questions, and set up meet and greets.

One of the standout features of the app is the ability to keep owners informed of what's going on during the walk. You can indicate that you've started and ended the walk, mark pee and poop locations, and send photos. This feature is a big benefit for both you and the client.

Rover also helps you stay organized with its calendar feature. Make sure to update your calendar regularly to confirm your availability, and turn on notifications so you're alerted when someone wants to book you.

The app is also super handy for booking and managing jobs. You can easily approve, decline, or change bookings right from your phone, and the app keeps track of the time and distance of the walk.

By using the Rover app, you can earn money by dog walking and provide a valuable service to pet owners. It's a win-win!

Making money through Rover is a flexible and lucrative option. You can make anywhere between $150-300 a week as a dog sitter or boarder, and some people even make up to $5,500 a month.

My friend Josh picks up dog walking gigs and cat check-ins, and he found a gig where he gets paid to check in on a cat. This shows that there are various opportunities available on Rover.

You can charge between $20-40 for an hour-long dog walk, depending on the length of the walk and where you live. Dog sitting at someone's place can earn you around $40 per night.

You can also board a dog at your place and charge at least $50 per night. Drop-in visits can earn you $20 per visit.

Here's a breakdown of some of the money you can make with Rover:

Remember, you can increase your rates once you get more reviews. Your primary objective at first is to get the reviews in so that your profile is shown more often in the search results.

As a dog walker, you'll want to take precautions to ensure both your and your clients' safety. A good first step is to either have your own selection of leads to use or ask clients to provide one just for you, to avoid contamination.

Having a facemask on you at all times is also a good idea, unless you're exempt. This will help minimize your Covid-19 risk if you have to enter someone's house or make an emergency trip to the vets.

It's also essential to use hand sanitiser regularly, especially when walking dogs through gates or stiles.

As you consider using a dog walking app to make some extra money, it's essential to be aware of the potential setbacks.

Rover, one of the most popular dog walking apps, has some limitations. You may encounter untrained dogs that can be challenging to handle.

For example, one dog barked at anyone who jogged or used a wheelchair, and another dog didn't like people and had almost attacked strangers. This can lead to awkward situations for you as a dog walker.

Rover takes a fee from your earnings, which can add up quickly. For instance, a two-week booking with daily dog walks can result in a significant fee.

You may also find that the app isn't widely used in your area, limiting your potential client base. This was the case for someone who lived in a big city like Toronto, where there were plenty of other apps like Airbnb.

Another potential issue is that you may not be compensated for damages to your property while dog walking. This is something to consider when deciding whether to use the app.

Lastly, be prepared to get attached to the dogs you walk, only to return them to their owners. This can be a bittersweet experience, but it's essential to maintain professional boundaries.

Here are some key setbacks to consider:

Running a business during Covid-19 requires extra precautions to ensure both you and your clients' safety.

Having a selection of leads to use or asking clients to provide one just for you can help avoid contamination.

It's a good idea to always have a facemask on you, unless you're exempt, to minimize your Covid-19 risk if you need to enter someone's house or make an emergency trip.

Hand sanitiser is a must-have, especially if your route involves going through gates or stiles, and you should use it after touching a dog's collar or harness.

Carrying wipes and other cleaning supplies to clean down equipment between clients is a good idea.

Having less dogs in your control at any one time can help you maintain social distancing and reduce stress for both you and the dogs.

Choosing a quieter route, such as an open field, can be a good option if you're looking to avoid crowds.

You should always keep your distance from other people and be mindful of their space.

Having vet details for each customer in case of emergencies is crucial, and you don't need any special training for this work.

Considering a canine first-aid course can be a good idea to be prepared for any situation.

Including a clause for Covid-19 protocol in your business agreement can help establish clear expectations and guidelines for both you and your clients.

Dogs running away and not coming back can be a major issue for dog walkers, not only because it's a safety concern but also because it can harm your business reputation.

National guidelines suggest that six is the maximum number of dogs a walker should be able to cope with at one time, but local councils may have their own rules.

Some local councils, like North Lincolnshire, have a maximum of four dogs at once, so it's essential to check with your local council to avoid a fine.

Being given dogs to walk who are unwell can lead to emergency vet visits and difficult conversations with owners.

You may also encounter owners who don't come home when they should, leaving you to deal with their neglected dogs.

Dogs Trust has a handy online guide that details everything you should consider as a dog walker, so it's worth checking that out before you start.

The problems can add up, especially if you have a lot of dogs to walk each day, and it may take extra hours to deal with the ones that are a bit more challenging.

Holidog is a convenient option for those who want to start dog walking right away without investment. It's available in the US, Europe, Brazil, and Australia.

You don't need to pass any tests or undergo background checks to use Holidog, making it a quick sign-up process. It's free for dog walkers, with no commission fees or membership charges.

However, some people might be concerned about the lack of background checks, which could raise safety concerns for pet owners.

If you can host a few dogs on the weekends and sign up for a couple of walks, then making money with Rover is a viable side hustle.

Rover is a platform where dog owners can find reliable and trustworthy dog walkers and hosts.

You don't have to worry about chasing anyone for money; plenty of dog owners are looking for someone.

Some people have found Rover to be a great way to earn extra cash, with one user noting that they've had the "most fun" they've had "working" in a long time.

Worth a look: How to Start Walking Dogs for Money

Hosting dogs can also be a great way to earn money, as one user mentioned they're currently taking care of two adorable French Bulldogs.

These dogs love the attention, and their owners are happy to pay for it.

If you're considering making money with Rover, it's worth noting that you can earn money by hosting dogs on the weekends and signing up for dog walks.