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14 Dog Walking Jobs
Rover
Rover Summary
- 6 different ways to earn money available
- Get up to $25,000 pet care coverage
- You get to decide how much to charge
- 24/7 support, Including vet assistance
Rover is one of the most popular platforms for dog walking jobs. It connects pet owners with members who dog walk and pet sit.
To sign up you need:
- Be over 18
- A working smartphone that can access the app
- Pass a background check
- Create a profile approved by Rover.
This platform aims to reassure pet owners their dog is in good hands. It requires members to complete pet care reports for updating the owner.
The rates on Rover vary. However, working part time, you can expect to earn $400+ per month.
Petsitter.com
Petsitter.com is a self service agency. So, it doesn’t run background checks, provide insurance or require sitters to pass tests. This platform does provide guidance on these and other issues relevant to dog walking and pet sitting.
You can use the platform to find dog walking, dog sitting, boarding and grooming jobs. This can be a good option if you live in an area, such as a smaller town or rural area that is not covered by many of the popular apps. To use the platform, you need to confirm you’re over 18 and can legally work in the area. You can expect to earn $10 to $15 per hour.
Wag
Wag Summary
- On average make around $17.50 per walk
- Set your own schedule and manage your services
- Dog owners can tip you via app
- Company donates meals to rescue dogs
Wag is another dog walking app. There is the potential to earn up to $17 per hour. Your actual income will depend on your location, competition and reputation.
What makes Wag stand apart from many other platforms offering dog walker jobs is that you can obtain certification for dog training. Wag offers liability insurance as a reward for those who complete the training.
When a dog is in your care, you will need to complete a Pup Report. This details the walk time, distance and a poop update. The report provides information to reassure owners their furry friend is getting proper care.
Care.com
Care.com Summary
- Earn $15 to $20 per hour on average
- Payments processed quickly within 2 days
- Get up to $500 in benefits each year
- All caregivers get 4 different benefits
Care.com is a job board that offers a variety of opportunities including dog walking jobs. You can join Care as a business or individual.
During registration, you’ll need to choose pet care. But, there is a possibility to sign up for other jobs including child care or senior care.
The requirements include:
- Being 18 or older
- Resident in the postal code regions where Care operates
- Creating a complete profile
- Not working for a competitor or using the services for reasons of competition with the platform.
There is a free membership option and a potential to earn up to $11 per hour.
Fetch
Fetch has been around for almost 20 years. You don’t need any professional trainer to use the platform to become a dog walker or pet sitter. It is also possible to boost your earning potential by offering pet boarding in some locations.
You need:
- To pass a background check
- Be over 13, (with parental consent if you’re a minor)
- Attend an orientation
There is the potential to earn up to $10 per hour plus tips.
DogVacay
DogVacay allows independent contractors to help pet owners. Essentially, you’ll be like an AirBnB host for dogs. The platform handles all payments and you can use it to communicate with your clients. DogVacay also offers sitters insurance coverage.
While DogVacay is a little more involved than the typical dog walking jobs, there is greater earning potential. It is possible to earn up to $1,000 or more per month, looking after dogs.
The platform does take a 20% commission from your earnings, but you don’t need to worry about dealing with non payments.
HouseCarers
Housecarers has been around for 20 years. It offers opportunities for people to look after houses and pets in exchange for free accommodation. However, you can make payment arrangements with homeowners.
You can join the platform with a free limited membership. This allows you to create a profile and browse job listings. If you want to apply for jobs, you’ll need a full membership. This costs $50 per year.
As a full member, you can:
- Apply for jobs
- Send messages
- Upload photos
- Place your direct contact information on your profile
Petsitters.org
Petsitters.org is a resource to find pet sitting and dog walking jobs in your area. This platform is operated by the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.
You post your profile on the site. However, there is no provision for reviews. Potential clients can contact you and as for references or conduct an interview.
Barkly Pets
Barkly Pets operates in 39 cities across the USA. The hours for the dog walking jobs run from 6am to 10pm. Your earnings will vary according to your location. For example, in Washington D.C, the average hourly rate is $25.
Where Barkly Pets is a little different is that each job will have a personalized checklist from the pet owner. This could include medications, favorite toys or special notes that you’ll need to adhere to. Owners can even follow along the photos and updates through the Barkly Pets app.
Petsnflats
Petsnflats is an online community. Pet owners can post details of the time they need a pet sitter. You can then stay at the home to take care of the pets. The overall aim of the platform is to create a relaxing experience for both hosts and sitters.
This is a great option for dog lovers who don’t have the space to have a pet of their own. You can save money on accommodation costs, visit a new city and spend some time with a new furry friend.
PetBacker
PetBacker is one of the easiest dog walking app options around. You don’t need to take lots of tests to find work.
You can register and list what services you offer, such as dog walking, pet grooming or pet boarding. PetBacker allows you to set your own rates, but you can expect to earn $15 per hour or more. However, there is a service fee of 20 to 25%.
There are some requirements to join:
- You must be 18 or older
- Confirmation you can legally provide services in your area
- Provide proper contact information
- Pass a background check.
Skipper
Skipper has a mission to connect the highest quality care providers with pet owners. You can browse the list of open positions and apply for those that meet your expectations and job requirements.
Most positions require that you’re over 18. You may also need to demonstrate your reliability, availability and physical capabilities.
Local Dog Walker
Local Dog Walker offers a variety of pet services including walking, grooming, sitting and training. Pet owners can use the site to get an immediate quote for any of its services.
You can join the platform as part of its network of pet specialists. This will allow you to advertise your services within your coverage area and receive leads. There is even a loyalty program where you can access coupons for pet supplies and profit sharing.
To join the platform, you need to complete the online form with your name, address and other details. A member of the Local Dog Walker team will contact you to discuss the program.
Dog Walker
Dogwalker has articles and other resources to help you to access dog walking jobs and make money. You can also use this site to promote your services. It allows you to create a listing that shows your services and rates.
You will need a membership to fully access the platform. This costs from $1 a week. However, it is possible to earn an average of $17.50 for a 30 to 60 minute walk.
What Do I Need to Do to be a Dog Walker?
While the requirements for different platforms can vary, there are some qualities that are common throughout.
- Responsible attitude
- Reliable
- Punctual
- Pet lover
- Patient
However, if you want to increase your chances of finding clients, you could also participate in some training and obtain certification.
How Much do Dog Walkers Make on Average?
Your rate can vary, but the average is approximately $10 per hour. Typically, walks are 30 minutes long, but some clients will prefer you take their dog for a longer one hour walk.
You can also boost your earnings by walking multiple dogs in the same session. This does take confidence and skill, but you can immediately boost your hourly rate.
For example, if you earn $10 per hour. You can increase this to $30 per hour by walking three dogs during that hour.
What Can I Do to Get Hired as a Dog Walker?
There are some great apps to help you get hired as a dog walker. This includes:
- Time to Pet: This software helps you to manage your dog walking business.
- Scout for Pets: This pet sitting software providing all you need to organize, manage and grow your business.
- AllTrails: This app helps you to map the best walks, so you don’t get bored with the same circuits.
- Puppr: This app can help you if the dog you’re walking needs some additional training.
