Dog walking has no mandatory legal qualifications, but professional standards and client expectations have created practical requirements:
No Legal Requirements (But Industry Standards Exist)
- No license required: Unlike groomers or trainers, no government license needed in most states
- No certification mandatory: Can start immediately with zero formal credentials
- No educational requirements: High school diploma/degree not required
Essential Professional Requirements
To be taken seriously and get clients, you need:
- Liability insurance: $1–$2 million coverage, costs $200–$400/year (virtually required by platforms and clients)
- Background check: Most platforms (Rover, Wag, Tails) require clean criminal background check
- 18+ years old: Age requirement for insurance and platform participation
- Physical capability: Ability to walk 5–15 miles daily, control dogs up to 100+ lbs
Highly Recommended (Not Required)
- Pet first aid/CPR certification: Red Cross or PetTech ($30–$150, online/in-person) — significantly increases bookings
- Dog behavior knowledge: Understanding body language, calming signals, basic training commands
- Basic business skills: Scheduling, invoicing, client communication, tax basics
Platform-Specific Requirements
- Rover: Background check, registration fee (varies), liability insurance encouraged
- Wag: Background check, quiz on dog safety, mandatory orientation
- Tails: In-person interview, background check, insurance verification, profile approval
Optional Certifications That Boost Earnings
These aren't required but help you charge premium rates:
- Certified Professional Dog Walker (CPDW): Through organizations like CATCH Canine Trainers Academy ($200–$500)
- Pet first aid certification: Red Cross or PetTech ($30–$150)
- Dog training certification: CPDT-KA or similar ($300–$1,000+) if offering training services
- Fear Free certification: For working with anxious/fearful dogs ($75–$200)
Chicago-Specific Considerations
- Business license: Required — register with Chicago BACP (Business Affairs and Consumer Protection)
- Local regulations: Familiarize with Chicago leash laws, park rules, waste disposal ordinances
- Winter skills: Experience handling dogs in snow/ice/extreme cold (Chicago specialty)
What Clients Actually Care About
In practice, clients prioritize:
- Positive reviews/testimonials (most important)
- Responsiveness and reliability
- Insurance coverage
- Genuine love for dogs (shows in your profile/interactions)
- Clean background check
Start your dog walking career without expensive certifications. Join Tails to complete our simple verification process and start booking Chicago clients this week. More details in our complete dog walking guide.