What Should I Look For In A Dog Walker?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Dog walkers should have

liability insurance, references, a detailed service contract, and clear, written policies and rates

. No matter who they work for or if they’re self-employed, all dog walkers should have this stuff. Before you hire them, you’ll want to know: what’s their cancellation policy?

How do I choose a dog walker?

  1. Ask For Recommendations. …
  2. Invite Candidates To Meet Your Dog. …
  3. Ask Logistical Questions. …
  4. Ask About Training Background. …
  5. Go For a Test Walk.

What skills does a dog walker need?

You will need

strong interpersonal and communication skills

, and be willing to work outdoors regardless of the weather. In addition to this, an affinity with, and understanding of dogs is essential. It is important to be patient; it can take a while to build up a good client base.

Should I trust a dog walker?

Once you’ve found a couple of potential candidates, there are some important questions you should ask. After all, you need to trust your dog walker not just with

your dog’s health and activity

, but also with their safety. And, in many cases, your dog walker will also be given access to your home.

Can you make a living as a dog walker?

We talked to dog walkers to find out. Wag cofounder and CEO Joshua Viner told BuzzFeed News that “on average, a walker makes around $17.50 per walk.” Private, professional walkers, however,

can make between $20 and $40

— and, because they don’t need to pay Wag a cut, they keep more of that cash for themselves.

What is the salary of a dog walker?

Job Title Salary Self Dog Walker salaries – 1 salaries reported

$125,000/yr
Self Employed Womens Association Dog Walker salaries – 1 salaries reported $60,000/yr Paws N Whiskers Pet Care Services Dog Walker salaries – 1 salaries reported $28/hr Woofur Dog Walker salaries – 1 salaries reported $20,000/yr

How much money can you make being a dog walker?

Annual Salary Hourly Wage Top Earners

$43,000

$21
75th Percentile $35,500 $17 Average $29,921 $14 25th Percentile $22,000 $11

What are the duties of a dog walker?

Dog walkers walk dogs for clients and follow agreed-upon routes and schedules. They

provide food and water, and dispose of waste products

. They provide companionship during work hours or vacation absences as well. They are also responsible for taking pets to the veterinarian in the event of an emergency.

How often should dog walker come?

Your Schedule

But, we live busy lives and sometimes have really long work days. For those who can afford to hire dog walkers, then their dog exercise needs can be easily met. If you cannot afford to hire a dog walker, aim for a 10-15 minute walk a day, or at minimum,

2-3 times a week

.

What problems might a dog walker encounter?

A dog walking business presents special risks because you are dealing with live animals and engaged in physical activity.

Dogs may be injured or even killed

, and you or someone else could be injured as well. Insurance does exist specifically for businesses that deal with caring for pets.

Do you give dog walkers a key?


Your dog walker should hold a second set of keys primarily in the case of an emergency

. While unlikely a second set will be required, it’s important to plan for every eventuality. … This means that your dog walker can ensure your dog will never be left at home alone with no way to access the property.

How many dogs can a dog walker legally walk?

How many dogs can I walk? Dog walkers typically walk around 13 dogs per day, but the National Association of Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers (NARPS) suggest walking

a maximum of 4 dogs at a time

.

How can I get paid for dog walking?

  1. Rover. Salary: 10$ per hour (on average). …
  2. Wag! Salary: $15 per hour (in average) + tips. …
  3. BarklyPets. Salary: set your own rate. …
  4. Petsitter.com. Salary: negotiable (usually $15 per hour). …
  5. PetBacker. Salary: 16$ per hour (on average). …
  6. Care.com. …
  7. Holidog.

How much should I pay for dog sitting?

Pet sitters charge

$25 to $30 a day on average

, depending on the services involved. The average cost of a 30-minute visit is $25, while overnight pet-sitting costs $75 to $85.

How much do dog walkers charge per hour?

The average cost of a dog walker ranges from

$20 to $40 per hour

depending on the length of the walk, the number of dogs you need walked, and your location.

How much should I charge for dog walking and sitting?

Dog walkers charge an average of

$20 per 30-minute walk

with prices ranging between $10 and $35. Hourly rates typically cost $30 to $60 depending on your location, but overall you’ll pay $0.50 to $1 per minute to have your dog(s) walked, no matter how long the walk is.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.