Dog walking offers flexible work with earning potential that scales based on your availability, location, and business strategy. The industry has grown significantly with the rise of pet ownership and dual-income households needing midday pet care.
Types of Dog Walker Jobs
- Platform-based: Join Tails, Rover, or Wag for instant client access. Platforms handle marketing, payments, and insurance but charge fees ranging from 10–40%. Tails charges providers 10% and adds a 5% fee for pet parents (providers keep 85% of the client total). Rover charges providers 20% and adds an 11% fee for pet parents (providers keep 69% of the client total). Wag takes ~40% from providers (providers keep ~60%).
- Independent contractor: Build your own client base through local marketing. Keep 100% of earnings but handle all business operations, insurance, and marketing.
- Pet care company employee: Work for established companies with guaranteed hours and benefits but lower per-walk rates ($12–$18/walk).
- Hybrid approach: Combine platform clients with direct clients for income stability and maximum earnings.
Requirements and Qualifications
- Background check: All platforms and professional services require clean background checks.
- Insurance: Liability insurance ($1–$2 million coverage) protects against accidents. Tails provides insurance for platform bookings.
- Transportation: Reliable car or bike for reaching clients, especially in suburban areas.
- Physical fitness: Ability to walk 5–10 miles daily, handle strong dogs (50–100 lbs), and manage multiple leashes.
- Optional certifications: Pet First Aid/CPR, professional dog walker certification, canine behavior training.
Earnings Breakdown
Per-walk rates: $25–$35 (30 minutes), $25–$45 (60 minutes), with premium neighborhoods and special services commanding higher rates. Part-time (15–20 walks/week): $15,000–$30,000 annually. Full-time (30–40 walks/week): $30,000–$60,000 annually. Top earners: $60,000–$80,000+ with established client bases, additional services, and premium rates.
Daily Schedule Example
Successful full-time walkers optimize routes to minimize travel time. A typical schedule includes 8–11am morning walks (4–6 dogs), 12–3pm midday walks (6–8 dogs), and 4–6pm evening walks (3–5 dogs), totaling 13–19 walks daily and earning $350–$600 per day before platform fees and expenses.
Read our comprehensive dog walking jobs guide for detailed strategies on maximizing earnings, scaling your business, and navigating challenges.