Today, we’re going to talk about you becoming a dog walker, either as a side hustle or even starting a business as a pet sitter or dog walker in only 30 days.
The thing is, just walking dogs not only saves you money, but you can also keep fit into the bargain, and MAKE MONEY.
Just think how much you spend on a gym membership and end up hardly ever going?
According to a recent survey from Statistica, there are now 89.7 dogs in the United States alone.
That’s right there are 89.7 million dogs in the USA and 8.5 million in the UK!
With those kinds of numbers, it shouldn’t be too difficult for you to find clients who’ll pay you to walk their dogs. We’ll talk about that later.
How to Start a Pet Sitter/Dog Walker Business in 30 Days
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure page for more info.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure page for more info.
Pet sitting and dog walking are now in such high demand. Here’s the good news, you can start a side hustle even IF YOU STILL HAVE A DAY JOB in the evenings or weekends, too.
In fact, you’ll see people who’ve decided to become a dog walker just springing up all over the place. So, let’s look at how you can get paid to walk dogs and who will be your ideal clients.
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1. Who will be your ideal clients?
- Many young professional dog owners have to work long hours
- Thousands of senior citizens who own dogs are just not as mobile as they used to be
- Areas with professional middle-class residents, couples and families, who have dogs and kids
The good news is… pet sitters and dog walkers are in great demand. You can get paid to walk dogs in nearly every town and city in any country nowadays.
In fact, a few years ago my brother struggled to find a dog walker for Jack, his little West Highland terrier.
As he was self-employed and occasionally had to be out all day with clients. But, fast forward to today and there are a couple of dog walkers within just a few miles of where he lived.
If you become a pet sitter/dog walker you’ll find this is a service in high demand, especially in large cities where so many people live in apartments. It won’t take you long to find work as a dog walker nowadays.
With almost 90 million dogs in the US and 9 million dog owners in the UK, there’s definitely a healthy market out there for dog walkers.
Benefits of becoming a pet sitter/dog walker
- You can work from home
- Very low start-up costs
- Flexible hours around your family commitments
- Possibility to expand with ‘add-on’ services
Drawbacks of becoming a pet sitter/dog walker
- You need to be reasonably fit
- You need to walk in all weathers (rain and snow)
- Can be hard work controlling group dogs
- Responsibility for other people’s dogs
Need more expert help? Visit Kristin’s 6-Figure Pet Sitting Academy for lots of free information and great products to start your own pet sitting/dog walking business in 30 Days!
2. What’s involved when you become a pet sitter/dog walker?
There aren’t really any secrets if you become a dog walker, basically, you take dogs for a walk!
IMPORTANT: You usually go to the client’s home or office and pick up the dog(s).
Often the owners are not at home, so being a trustworthy individual who can produce character references is a must. You may need to have a police record check, too.
- Having already been a dog owner is preferable, but not mandatory. Some breeds of dogs can be hard to handle, aggressive or very nervous. The more you know about dog behavior the better.
- A business contract will have to be exchanged detailing your terms & conditions.
- You’ll need to know any special requirements ie, medical conditions, allergies for dogs in your care.
- Being covered by pet insurance is a must to provide cover for accidents and public liability (see Insurance section further down).
3. Any special equipment needed to become a pet sitter/dog walker?
If you plan on taking more than one dog at a time (and earn more) then you’ll need multi-leashes. I’ve found a few on Amazon which looks interesting.
You’ll find 3 x multi leashes make it a lot easier to control the dogs.
4. Do you need a car when you become a pet sitter/dog walker?
Not necessarily. But you’ll be limiting the amount you can earn if you only operate in a small local area.
If you want to maximize your efforts you’ll need to pick up and drop off dogs further afield. To do this you need to own your own vehicle. The more room the better, SUVs, mini-Vans, station wagons and estate cars are ideal.
It’s advisable never to transport more than 3 or 4 dogs at the same time. Your clients’ dogs need to be safe while in your care and in your vehicle.
Consider adding back seat barriers and waterproof covers to keep your vehicle safe and clean.
Click on the links below for more information.
For Car Pet Barriers go here…
For Car Back Seat Barriers go here…
For Car Back Seat Covers go here…
5. Do you need insurance to become a pet sitter/dog walker?
It’s always advisable to be covered for any eventuality when you start offering a paid service.
Special pet insurance exists and can cover you for accidents or public liability. Please use due diligence, check any insurance carefully to make sure you are fully covered.
In the USA – Petsits.com provides a useful comparison chart for pet sitter/dog walker insurance in the USA.
In the UK – When I typed into Google ‘dog walker insurance in the UK‘ I found this site you can check out PetBusinessInsurance
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6. How much can you earn as a pet sitter/dog walker?
This really depends on how many dogs you can manage at the same time. For example, if you’re charging around $15 or £10 an hour per dog, then by taking 4 dogs at a time you’re making $60 or £40.
But remember, some dogs may not be compatible with each other and hard to handle as a group. One way to supplement your income as a dog walker is to offer pet sitting services.
It makes good sense as you’ve already established a good relationship with the dog owners (and their dogs).
Dog owners are very attached to their pets and need to know they are in good hands in their absence. Often dogs are happier in their own environment (and not in kennels) while their owners are away.
7. What services can you offer as a pet sitter/dog walker?
a) Solo Dog Walks
There are certain dogs who are not suitable for walking with other dogs. Most dog walkers start this service with one dog on the leash for around 30 minutes.
This is a good way to get the dog ready for walking with other dogs later. Group dog walks are obviously more profitable for dog walkers.
b) Group Dog Walks
This is a skill that has to be learned. Walking several dogs together means YOU have to be the leader of their pack.
Understanding dog behavior can really help. Some dog owners allow the dogs off the leash – but they have to be well-trained and return when called.
c) Puppy visits
This involves checking up on the puppy, providing clean water or meals. Spending around 20-minutes playing with the puppy helps to break up a long day when their owners are out of the home.
d) Dog visits
This can also include cats and other small animals. A visit can be around 30-minutes when owners are not at home.
It can include feeding the pets, making sure they have fresh water and playing. May also include other small tasks like collecting mail or watering plants.
e) Fly-by visits
This is a short visit(s) to make sure pets have food and clean water.
8. Where can you walk the dogs?
Your local town or city parks will be a good place to start – but make sure you are aware of any restrictions or local rules regarding walking dogs in each park.
Just as important is making sure there is a dog litter bin. You don’t want to be walking about with bags of dog poo all day!
Country parks are even better if you’re walking large dogs who need more exercise. You may find some owners want you to walk their dogs twice a day.
If so, you’ll have to work out the distances and travel time involved. It’s always advisable to actually have walked the route yourself before you walk the dogs there.
9. Any tips to know before becoming a pet sitter/dog walker?
- Don’t go too wide in your choice of the area or you’ll spend all your time driving around.
- Look for areas with professional middle-class residents, couples and families, who have dogs and kids.
- Preferably households where both parents work.
- Get used to picking up dog poo.
- Check your local regulations for any restrictions in public places
Be prepared for all types of weather. Check out the best seller walking boots to be prepared for stormy weather.
10. Will you need to pay tax?
If you’re self-employed then you’ll have to declare your earnings. If you’re in the US check this out on the IRS website.
In the UK visit the HMRC website for more information.
11. Where can you advertise your services?
Remember to leave your business cards (or flyer) in:
- Supermarkets
- Vet surgeries
- Pet shops
- Banks
- Gyms
- Corner shops
- Libraries
- Childcare nurseries
- Community Colleges
- Local businesses
Get Social
Create a Facebook Page and market your dog walker services. Get tweeting on Twitter and post your photos on Instagram. Place an advert in your local newspaper and offer to provide them with a useful article on dog care.
12. Need more useful information?
- National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (USA)
- Professional United Pet Sitters (USA)
- National Association of Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers (NarpsUK)
- Professional Dog Walkers Association (UK)
Don’t forget to check out Kirstin’s Pet Sitting Academy for more tips & advice.
Want to start your own pet sitter/dog walker right away? Check out Kristin’s 6-Figure Pet Sitting Academy here and get started today!