Finding dog walking jobs in your area requires a multi-channel approach combining online platforms, community networking, and local marketing.
Online Platforms
- Tails: Join as a provider to access local pet owners seeking trusted walkers. Tails handles insurance, background checks, and payments while you focus on pet care.
- Rover & Wag: National platforms with established user bases. Rover charges providers 20% and adds an 11% fee for pet parents. Wag takes ~40% from providers.
- Care.com: Broader pet care marketplace with subscription model ($50–$150/year).
Local Networking Strategies
- Neighborhood apps: Post on Nextdoor and local Facebook groups offering your services. Include rates, availability, and experience.
- Dog parks: Visit popular dog parks during peak hours. Bring business cards and chat with dog owners about your services.
- Veterinary clinics: Ask local vets if you can leave business cards or flyers. Many clients ask vets for walker recommendations.
- Pet supply stores: Independent pet stores often allow community bulletin board postings.
Building Your Local Presence
Create a Google Business Profile for local SEO visibility. Offer a first-walk discount to attract initial clients. Request reviews and referrals from satisfied customers. Join local pet business networks and attend community events.
Most successful dog walkers use 2–3 platforms simultaneously while maintaining direct clients. This diversification provides steady income and reduces platform dependency. Read our complete guide to finding dog walking jobs for detailed strategies.