| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $29,548 |
| Colorado | $34,068 |
| Connecticut | $30,139 |
| Delaware | $28,007 |
In this stock photo from Vancouver, a professional dog walker exercises dogs close to Jericho beach. JEFF VINNICK/The Globe and Mail.
Role: Dog walking is no day at the park. A professional dog walker has a lot of responsibilities and needs to establish relationships with both dogs and their owners. That is because clients frequently allow dog walkers access to their homes and entrust them with the care of their beloved pets. When walking multiple dogs at once, it can be challenging to maintain constant observation of their pet.
Busters Dog Walking Co. owner Jon Chaisson stated, “I treat the dogs like my children.” in Toronto and the head of Professional Dog Walkers Canada, a charity that aids businesses that provide dog walking services.
“When I go to the park, I watch out for them to not poop [in inappropriate places], and if they do, I clean it up. I also watch out for them to not act inappropriately or misbehave.” I need to keep them away from younger children because some of them may not be friendly around those who are less experienced than them. “.
Salary: A dog walker’s pay will vary depending on their level of experience, the number of clients they have, and whether they are self-employed or employed by a business. In an industry that relies heavily on word-of-mouth, dog walkers typically charge between $15 and $25 per dog per day for their services, and salaries typically rise along with reputation.
As such, Mr. Starting salaries, according to Chaisson, can be as low as $15,000 per year because newcomers frequently need to charge less in order to attract their first few customers. However, over time, as they expand their clientele and renegotiate their rates, that salary may soar.
He added that many well-established professional dog walkers make around $80,000 per year, but only if they’ve received positive references, built a sizable clientele, and are working as many hours as possible each day. “You can make $100,000 a year, but it’s a lot of work,” he said.
While commercial dog walkers are exempt from educational requirements, some municipalities have strict licensing requirements. A $250 commercial dog walker permit is required in the City of Toronto, for instance, in order to walk more than three dogs at once (up to a maximum of six), and all of the dogs must be on leashes unless they are in one of the city’s designated leash-free zones. The cost of a permit varies between Vancouver’s districts, from $350 in West Vancouver to $830 for a licence obtained in North Vancouver for businesses not located in that district.
Dog walkers typically need to file taxes as registered businesses and carry liability insurance, which costs about $600 annually, in order to obtain a permit.
Although it is not required, dog walkers are encouraged to obtain pet first aid and pet training certifications, which can add to their credentials and enable them to charge more for their services.
There are plenty of dog lovers in Canada, many of whom require a little assistance caring for their pets. Although there is a low entry barrier to becoming a professional dog walker, getting those first few clients can be challenging.
Dianne Eibner, owner of Jog-a-Dog and founder of the Professional Dog Walkers Association International, which later changed its name to Professional Dog Walkers Canada, advised dog walkers to network with one another so that they can refer clients to one another. “If you’re just starting out, getting to know other dog walkers who would be willing to recommend you is probably your best bet.” “.
Ms. According to Eibner, established dog walkers frequently reach their capacity and are typically willing to recommend new clients to other reliable dog walkers.
The cold weather, which can make the job intolerable during the winter, is undoubtedly the biggest challenge dog walkers in the great white north face.
The winters can be brutal, but you should wear layers and take the dogs on shorter walks because they do get cold too, according to Mr. Chaisson said.
Ms. A lot of risk is also assumed by those who work as sole proprietors or own their own dog walking businesses, says Eibner, who is also the author of The Face in the Window – A Guide to Professional Dog Walking.
“It isnt the most secure occupation,” she said. “If our client is fired from their job, we are fired as well.” “.
Why they do it: While the outdoors is the least enjoyable aspect of the job during the winter, Mr. Chaisson says the opposite is true in summer. He said, “You get to spend the entire day outside while everyone else is stuck inside at their stuffy jobs.”
Additionally, since many professional dog walkers are sole proprietors or business owners, they frequently have the freedom to determine their own working hours and compensation.
I can only work three or four hours a day and still receive a full day’s pay, Mr. Chaisson said. If you put in the necessary effort, you can earn up to $80,000 to $100,000 [per year] working six hours a day. “.
Ms. Eibner continues by saying that the majority of dog walkers just genuinely enjoy spending time with and playing with dogs.
She said, “I enjoy my work and spending time with dogs.” “It’s almost not like a job, but I treat it like a job – you have to on the business end of it, but sometimes I’m rolling around on the ground with them, and that’s the part I like,” the speaker said. “.
Misconceptions: Mr. According to Chaisson, many people mistakenly think that the position is simple and underestimate the level of responsibility that comes with it.
He warned, “You have to understand that these are other people’s property.” It’s similar to a daycare in that you must constantly keep an eye on the dogs as if they were your own. “.
Ms. According to Eibner, some dog walkers have given the rest a bad reputation, and people base their judgments on a few bad apples.
She lamented that there had been instances where dog walkers had interfered with other people and park visitors. If or when one dog walker is observed not picking up after their dogs, we may be held to be guilty by association. “.
Are you a professional dog walker? Tell us about it by leaving a comment below or sending an email to [email protected]. com and tell us what advice you would give to people interested in the field.
How much do dog walkers make per day?
There are over 15,000 dog walkers in the United States. 2 The average pay for the job is $15. 11 per hour, which translates to $31,428 per year. 3.
However, depending on where they work in the U.S., dog walkers may make more or less money. S. , any additional services they provide, and whether they are independent contractors or employees For example, self-employed dog walkers can earn $17. 00 per hour (about 12. 5% more than those who work for other businesses). The top 25% of self-employed dog walkers earn $24. 00 per hour, translating to $49,920 per year. 4.
How much revenue can dog walkers make?
The vast majority of dog walkers we polled stated that their average gross income in 2022 would be up to $50,000. (One even reported up to $100,000. (While the majority predict that their annual gross revenue will remain constant year over year, one-third of respondents said they anticipate an increase of between 10% and 50% in 2022.
Given the growing levels of dog ownership in the U. S. , dog walking is in high demand. The pandemic caused a downturn in the sector in 2020. However, it has returned and is anticipated to grow 5 5% in 2022 alone. 7 As you might anticipate from statistics like these, all of the dog walkers we polled expressed confidence in the success of their business in 2022.
Dog walkers take dogs for walks as a means of income, but this is only one aspect of running a dog walking business. Dog walkers may also play with dogs at home, check on their food and water, and send video or photo updates to their owners in addition to walking dogs. When dogs and their owners are out together exploring the neighborhood, dog walkers have a talent for getting along with them, earning their trust, and being able to confidently control them.
Dog walking is a physically demanding job that requires you to stand all day. Once the walks are done, the work doesn’t stop. Dog walkers spend time on their phones or computers managing their accounts, making appointments, sending clients photos, and updating social media. It’s a job that offers flexibility, variety and puppy love.
Many dog walkers delight in being their own boss because they love working with animals. Several people told us they were relieved of the “corporate BS,” while one said, “I enjoy working from home and doing what I want to.” ”.
Average Dog Walker Salary Over Time
Compared to the national average, look at salaries in various states or cities.
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $30,900 | $14.85 | +5.0% |
| 2021 | $29,400 | $14.11 | +4.1% |
| 2020 | $28,100 | $13.53 | +3.4% |
| 2019 | $27,200 | $13.07 | +4.2% |
| 2018 | $26,000 | $12.52 | +4.5% |
| Company | Job | Location | Date Added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pet Fit | Dog Walker | Catonsville, MD | 07/25/2022 | $31,305 |
| Simply Pets Pet Sitting LLC | Midday Dog Walker | Batavia, IL | 07/24/2022 | $33,392 |
| Tailchasers | Dog Walker | (Palatine + Arlington Heights) | Arlington Heights, IL | 07/23/2022 | $37,566 |
| Dog Tired Adventures | Job-Professional Dog Walker | San Ramon, CA | 07/21/2022 | $33,392 |
| Doggie Concierge LLC | Dog Walker (Weekday) | Westlake, OH | 07/20/2022 | $33,392 |
| Hooman On Demand | Dog Walker | Raleigh, NC | 07/19/2022 | $31,305 |
| Privileged Paws Pet Care | Dog Walker/Pet Care Professional | Dallas, TX | 07/18/2022 | $35,479 |
| Doggy Lama Pet Care | Dog Walker | Emeryville, CA | 07/18/2022 | $43,827 |
| Tailchasers | Dog Walker | Weekdays Only! NW Suburbs | Arlington Heights, IL | 07/17/2022 | $37,566 |
| Simply Pets Pet Sitting LLC | Daily Dog Walker | Batavia, IL | 07/17/2022 | $33,392 |
FAQ
Can you make a living as a dog walker?
The average pay for the job is $15. 11 per hour, which translates to $31,428 per year. However, depending on where they work in the U.S., dog walkers may make more or less money. S. , any additional services they provide, and whether they are independent contractors or employees
Is a dog walking business profitable?
How much can a dog walking business make? That depends. According to Glassdoor, the average American dog walker earns just under $28,000 annually. However, it’s not uncommon for people to earn up to $150,000 a year by walking dogs.
How much do you get paid for walking a dog?
HomeGuide provides the following national average rates for low, medium, and high-end dog walkers to give you an idea of how much a dog walker makes: Low-end dog walking services: $10 per 30-minute walk Mid-range dog walking services: $20 per 30-minute walk.
Is it hard to start a dog walking business?
Beginning a dog walking business is an easy and affordable way to work in the animal industry. By taking a few easy steps, you can start your business off on the right foot. The majority of people are likely to launch their businesses as sole practitioners or as limited liability companies (LLCs).