In 2022, 40% of Americans will use side jobs like dog walking, tutoring, and ridesharing to supplement their income. Additionally, you’re here to start a side business that will allow you to do what you love most—hang out with adorable dogs—while earning money.
You’re unsure, though, if working with dogs is the right side business for you. You may be wondering if a side business of dog walking can actually earn you a good living and how to determine if this is the right career for you.
Read on to discover why dog walking is a fantastic side hustle and some tips for starting and growing your pet care business from real Pet Caregivers on the Wag! app. Don’t worry — we’ve sniffed out answers to all your dog walking side hustle questions.
Days spent outdoors, at the beach even, enjoying the company of canine chums — sounds great, right? Being a dog walker is a cool career. But before you jump in with both feet, let’s explore the pros and cons.
Even the best jobs in the world have drawbacks, after all. Don’t enter into a career as a professional dog walker without doing your research. Spend some time learning about the position and carefully weighing the pros and cons.
The main benefits and drawbacks of working as a professional dog walker are listed below.
Stress That in order to do this work well—to take care of both people and animals—the walker must first be able to take care of themselves. It takes more than just technical proficiency to perform a job. Knowing how to lead a fearful dog or how to reward desired behavior are insufficient. A dog set off by bikes, children, and squirrels can be used to practice avoidance and redirections.
Time Management Our days are really intense. In three very busy hours of the day (not many people need us before 11 a.m.), we manage to fit a lot of work in. m. or after 2 p. m. ). Every client has a unique routine, and every dog has a unique need.
There’s no health insurance or paid time off. Additionally, you must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays in order to earn additional income. When nobody else wants to be outside with you, Chicago’s weather can keep you there. Additionally, there is also the unpaid time spent driving between clients’ homes, navigating through slow city traffic, and looking for scarce, legal (and free!) parking spaces.
How you define work happiness will determine what you’re willing to accept in exchange for it. I can still picture myself running playgroups out of the Wicker Park Dog Park, stopping occasionally to just feel happy (I’ve written about this before). I had never experienced anything like it at work for anyone else. One of the most fulfilling experiences you’ll ever have in your career is dog walking, in all honesty. And it does make you a stronger and better person.
Thanks for reading, and I’m presenting a two-parter in the comments below, whether you’re a client reading this for a peek into our lives as your walker or you’re considering what it would be like to work with us.
Your coworkers couldn’t be happier to see you.
Unless your coworkers are adorable puppies, you probably haven’t ever entered the office and had a coworker jump up and lick your face. For the majority of dogs, there is nothing better than knowing that you are there to take them on a fun excursion outside. You can be certain that people value what you do.
FAQ
How much money can you make from walking a dog?
Low-end dog walking services: $10 per 30-minute walk. Mid-range dog walking services: $20 per 30-minute walk. High-end dog walking services: $35 or more per 30-minute walk.
Is walking dogs a good way to make money?
If you like dogs and enjoy being outside, dog walking can be a nice side job. You could even turn it into a career and launch your own company. Depending on a few variables, the average cost of a 30-minute walk ranges from $20 to $30.
Is a dog walker worth it?
You should think about getting a dog walker if you’re a responsible pet owner. Similar to hiring a babysitter, picking the right dog walker is a serious decision because he is in charge of your dog’s health and safety while they are together. Also, you’re basically opening up your home to a stranger.
What are the risks of being a dog walker?
In addition to the risk of injury, these dangers in extreme weather conditions include the dangers of heat exhaustion and hypothermia. Elderly people (especially those with arthritis) and those who aren’t used to exercise may be at higher risk of injury while dog-walking.