Become A Professional Dog Walker

In short, you want a professional knowledge and the skill set to keep the group together and under control while everyone has a great time. Of course, a love of dogs is imperative - but not enough on its own.

2. How many dogs do you walk at once?

Some cities, counties, and park districts now regulate the number of dogs a walker can take out together. But most do not.
Ask all clients to sign a contract to help avoid later conflicts and to protect your liability should something happen to the dogs in your care, or should they inflict damage on a third party while in your care.

10. Are you certified to provide canine first aid, and what are your emergency protocols?

What will you do if a dog is injured in your care? If you walk groups, what will you do with the rest of the dogs if one member of the group is hurt and requires your full attention? What about if your vehicle breaks down, if a dog is lost, or if a natural disaster occurs? Always carry emergency information and know the fastest route to the emergency veterinary clinic. In short, be prepared.

We are currently seeing an explosion of dog walkers and dog-walking companies. It is, after all, a wonderful way to make a living. If it's the path you choose, set yourself up to enjoy the most worry-free experience, knowing that you are taking the best care possible of the four-leggeds in your care

"How do I become a dog walker?"

I've had calls and emails asking that since I've been dog walking from people keen to start up and asking for advice. If you're thinking about being a dog walker/pet sitter then I hope this article gives you some help so you can be successful.

Starting any small business is hard (especially when living with such a fragile economy as we do now) dog walking especially so as it appeals to so many people, because a) the start up costs are very low, b) requires little knowledge and skill and c) enables people to be their own boss and all the perks that come with it. This means dog walking businesses are popping up all over the place all with the dream of being successful. Many disappear not long after starting and with more dog walkers about than ever before the spread of work has been spread thin compared to a few years ago.

First thing first

Research everything you can about dog walking and especially the already established dog walkers in your area, the services they offer and the prices they charge. A good way to find out where dog walkers are is to locate them using Google maps, many will have websites detailing their services and general info - this is all useful stuff. Find the going rate and make sure you don't go over it nor beneath it too much as you have to make a living and the first few months will be a real test financially.

The prices of dog walking can range between 5-10 but generally it's about 7-8 per hour walked. There are two types of dog walking, group and solo. Solo walks tend to cost more but group walking is ideally what you want to do.