Dog walking, tutoring, ridesharing — these are just a few of the fun side hustles that 45% of Americans are using to make extra cash in 2023. And you’re here because you also want to start a side hustle that lets you get paid to do what you love most: hang out with adorable doggos!
But you’re not sure if dog walking is the right side hustle for you. You’re probably wondering if you can really make good money from a dog walking side hustle and how to tell if you’re cut out for this line of work.
Don’t fret — we’ve sniffed out answers to all your dog walking side hustle questions! Read on to learn why dog walking is a terrific side hustle, plus some tips for starting and growing your pet care biz
Is dog walking a good side hustle?
If you love spending time outdoors with cute dogs, then yes, dog walking is a “grrreat” side hustle. (But we’ll admit we’re a little biased!)
However, starting a dog walking side hustle isn’t always, well, a walk in the park. Becoming a dog walker means running a business. From setting your dog walking rates to communicating with clients, you’ll need some business savvy to be a successful and trustworthy walker.
If you’re considering starting your own dog walking business, ask yourself these questions:
- How much time do I realistically have to dedicate to my dog walking business each week?
- What is my current knowledge of best dog walking practices?
- Am I willing to invest time in learning more about canine psychology and behavior?
- How far am I willing to travel to accept a walk?
- How will I differentiate myself from other dog walkers in my area?
Once you’re sure you’re capable of running a successful dog walking business, it’s time to start building! But should you go 100% private, use a dog walking app, or combine the two?
How much money can you make walking dogs?
We know you’re looking for a specific dollar amount or a ballpark range of weekly earnings. While it is pawssible to make a living walking dogs, we also don’t want to mislead anyone by promising they’ll make a certain amount per week or month. The truth is, all sorts of variables will influence how much you can earn, like:
- costs of living in your area
- demand for dog walkers in your area
- the amount of time you can devote to walking dogs each week
- your business expenses, like mileage, insurance, and income taxes
- the number of repeat vs. one-off clients you work with
And that’s just the business side of things. It doesn’t include your personal preferences, like which dog breeds you’re uncomfortable walking or which neighborhoods you choose to serve — both of which can affect your earnings.
We understand that may not be what you want to hear, but it’s something that every dog walker should know when starting their side hustle. For a personalized estimate of your earning potential, do a little research on the demand for and cost of dog walks in your area.
Tips from real Pet Caregivers
Hopefully by now, you’ve got an idea of whether dog walking is the right side hustle for you. Ready to get your paws wet? To help you on your journey, here are five nuggets of wisdom from successful dog walkers.
BYOB (Bring your own bags)
Poop bags, that is! You may find that some Pet Parents forget to provide them. Keep a roll or two not just in your dog walking bag, but also in your car (if you drive) just in case.
Focus on crafting the “pawfect” profile
Your profile is where you can let your personality and pet care experience shine. A strong profile is key for making money from your new side hustle. Here are a few things you might want to include:
- cute stories about your own dogs
- whether you have experience working with specific breeds or types of dogs (like rescues or senior dogs)
- information about pet care qualifications (like dog training certifications or animal shelter volunteer experience)
Get a dog walking bag
From poop bags and dog treats to a spare leash and drinking water, you’ll need to bring a few supplies along to each walk. Many dog walkers on the Wag! app swear by the fanny pack to store their essentials.
We recommend choosing a bag that will keep both your hands free, like a fanny pack, shoulder bag, or backpack. This ensures you can quickly grab what you need without compromising control over the dog you’re walking.
Some walkers go the extra mile (see what we did there?) and purchase fanny packs that are made especially for dog walking. These often include handy extras like collapsible water bowls and waterproof lining for those rainy-day adventures.
Write good report cards
This tip is super important. Pet Parents love detailed report cards that include good-quality pictures of their dog. You don’t need to write an essay, but you should be as thorough as you can. You’ll want to cover:
- the dog’s behavior before, during, and after the walk
- details about potty breaks
- any cute or funny things that happened during the walk
- whether you gave the dog any treats during the service
- what time you locked up and where you left the key
Be prepared to solve problems on your own
As a dog walker, you’ll encounter unexpected situations that you may not be sure how to respond to. For example, the Pet Parent might forget to leave out the leash for you, or the dog you’re walking might refuse to walk when you arrive.
What should you do in these situations? Try to solve problems on your own before panicking or calling the Pet Parent. See if you can find the leash yourself — while still respecting your client’s privacy and belongings, of course. Or, if the dog is reluctant to walk, try encouraging them with a tasty treat (as long as you’ve confirmed it’s okay with the Pet Parent beforehand).
Solving problems on your own proves that you’re a competent and trustworthy dog walker. Remember, many Pet Parents book walks because they’re busy doing other things at that time. While some Pet Parents may want constant updates, others may not be available to receive messages or calls during the walk, so being able to think on your feet is key.
Starting a dog walking side hustle in 2023: wrapping up
This post only scratches the surface of what it takes to start your own dog walking side hustle. Every walker is unique and will experience different successes and challenges along the way. As long as you’re willing to invest time and effort in your business, you’re well on your way to becoming a successful dog walking business owner!
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