How Much Do Dog Walkers Get Paid Per Walk?

Verified by Pawel Kaczmarek
Updated:

Dog walkers earn $15–$50 per walk depending on duration, location, and experience. In Chicago, standard 30-minute walks pay $25–$35, while 60-minute walks pay $40–$60. Premium services command higher rates.

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Per-walk earnings vary based on several factors including walk length, location, and walker experience:

National Per-Walk Rates by Duration

  • 15–20 minute potty break: $12–$20
  • 30-minute standard walk: $25–$35
  • 45-minute extended walk: $30–$45
  • 60-minute adventure walk: $40–$60

Chicago Per-Walk Rates (2026)

  • 20-minute quick walk: $18–$25
  • 30-minute standard walk: $25–$35
  • 60-minute full walk: $45–$55
  • Weekend/holiday premium: Add $5–$10 per walk

Premium Add-Ons Increase Per-Walk Pay

  • Multiple dogs from same household: +$8–$15 per additional dog
  • Last-minute bookings (same-day): +$5–$10 rush fee
  • Early morning (before 7am) or late night (after 9pm): +$5–$10
  • Special needs dogs (reactive, senior, medical): +$10–$20

Platform Fees Reduce Per-Walk Take-Home

  • Rover (20% provider fee + 11% pet parent fee): $30 walk = $24 provider earnings, parent pays $33.30
  • Wag (~40% provider fee): $30 walk = ~$18 provider earnings
  • Tails (10% provider fee + 5% pet parent fee): $30 walk = $27 provider earnings, parent pays $31.50
  • Independent: Keep 100% but handle own booking/payment

Set competitive rates and keep 90% of your earnings with Tails' low-fee platform. Learn more pricing strategies in our pet care rates guide.

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