In this article, we teach you how to grow beyond Rover and keep the value of the business you created over time.

Is Rover a good app for dog walkers? 

If you have a dog-walking business, you’ve likely heard about Rover. Rover is a marketplace where potential clients can book you for dog walking, pet sitting, and boarding services. You get a nifty profile and access to thousands of potential clients. 

It should be a no-brainer. Except Rover takes a whopping 20% of your income. And in California, Rover takes up to 25% of your earnings!  

Rover’s sitters and walkers are independent contractors. However, when one company controls an independent contractor’s source of clients, they can really start to squeeze you with high rates and onerous policies.

Rover may have been a good option when you needed to earn cash quickly and get some experience under your belt. But by now, you’re a pro, which means it may be time for a change. 

What’s the alternative?

You’ll run into the same problems with other dog business marketplaces. For example, Wag can take up to 40% of your earnings. It’s difficult to use these apps for more than a side hustle. 

The good news: You can take your career to the next level by leaving Rover and other high-fee marketplaces with some tools for independent businesses.

How profitable is a dog walking business?

A dog-walking business has the potential to earn up to six figures. That’s because you can charge as much as you would on Rover and pocket all of the cash. That’s a much better deal than losing 20% of all your earnings on useless fees. 

Not to mention, Rover only pays you two days after completing a service. With a booking app like PocketSuite, you can get payouts instantly. 

How do I get clients for my dog-walking business?

You already have experience running a dog-walking business. But, without a marketplace like Rover to bring clients to you, you’ll have to draw them in with clever marketing techniques.

Here are ten ways to grow your own dog-walking business.

#1 Build a Website

With Rover, you had a dedicated profile where potential clients could connect with you. You’ll need a new place to act as the first touch point for clients i.e., a professional website. 

Your website should include:

• Services
• Location
• Contact information 
• An “About you” page
• Pricing
• Cancellation and refund policies

It’s also important to add client testimonials to your new site. Potential clients want to know that they can trust you. Ask past clients if they can add or share reviews to your site.

You may want to start a blog to drive organic traffic and potential clients to your site. A blog is a great place to show your expertise as a dog walker and love of animals. 

And make sure there’s a place for clients to book you. You can add a custom widget to your site so clients can book your services on PocketSuite. 

#2 Transfer Your Clients Directly

You’ve likely built up a loyal client base while working on Rover. And they’re sure to miss you when you leave. Why not take them with you? Reach out to your Rover clients and let them know you’re striking out on your own. And offer a 10% discount to any client that follows you to your new business.

You can send them a flier, text, or email to prep them for the change. Just make sure this communication happens outside of the Rover app, as it may be against their terms of service.

PocketSuite can import your client data directly into your account.

#3 Get Active on Social Media

You have to pull out all the stops to get your dog walking business noticed by potential clients, i.e., make a few dedicated social media profiles for your business. The good news is the internet LOVES cute photos and pictures of pets.

You don’t have to take on every platform. Start off by listing your business on Google and making a Facebook page. You don’t have to become a full-time influencer, just post consistently. You have adorable clients, so you’ll be fine. You can post:

• Dog walking videos
• Dog-friendly location recommendations
• Advice for pet parents
• Tips for other dog walkers
• Use local hashtags to get trending in your community

Make sure you have your contact info and a clear call to action on your socials. Remember to add your Suite Link to your social profiles, clients can access your booking, social and chat links from one page.

#4 Find Referral Partners

The best way to get clients to your dog-walking business is through referrals. You can get referrals from current clients by giving them an incentive for every new client they recommend, like a discount.

 Or, reach out to other pet businesses, like dog trainers, vets, or shelters, to form referral partnerships. You have a common goal and similar clients, so can help each other grow.  You’ll send some dog owners their way and vice versa, everybody wins! 

#5 Look into Local Advertising

More often than not, you’ll be walking dogs in your own neighborhood. So, local advertising can make a big impact on your dog walking business. You can rent some billboard space or put flyers up in your local pet café or vet office. 

Sure, there’s lots of competition for dog walkers. But your neighbors likely need your services, and it’ll be easier for them to trust a familiar face.

One of the best forms of local advertising is making t-shirts and branded cold weather jackets for your business that you love. Wear them whenever you are walking dogs, and carry business cards. Neighbors are sure to notice and ask you for your card or google your business name later. 

If you hire additional people, branded t-shirts can double your local advertising and ensure a consistent level of professionalism as you grow.

#6 Attend Community Events

Dog enthusiasts tend to form a tight-knit community. It’s good to stay active in your local dog community if you want to grow your dog-walking business. 

Attend dog walker seminars or host a booth at your local dog fair. Research the latest dog business conferences. You can learn how to grow your business from industry experts. You can build your reputation, network with other dog business owners, and even connect with potential clients.  

#7 Get Certified 

In general, you don’t need certifications or licenses to start a dog-walking business. And that’s why they’re a great opportunity to stand out amongst your competition. 

Certifications are all about building trust with your clients. Potential clients will know you’re dedicated to your business and that their pup is safe in your care. Certification programs, like the CPS-DW Certification from Petsittercourse.com, teach the fundamentals of performing the actual job of pet sitting and dog walking. Organizations like NAPPS and PSI also offer certifications to pet sitters and dog walkers. 

#8 Create a Text Campaign

SMS Text marketing is a great tool to nurture your client base and make it bigger. And it’s the only way to get a 97% and up response rate from your clients:

You can use text marketing to: 

• Solicit reviews from new clients
• Ask for referrals, and add on a free walk per new pet they bring into your life!
• Send out seasonal promotions (like for holidays etc.) to drum up business

PocketSuite offers automated Smart Campaigns so that you can connect with clients via text.

#9 Bundle Your Services

Nothing brings in clients like a good deal. Give your regulars a special they can’t refuse by offering your services as a package or subscription. 

Packages and subscriptions give your clients the opportunity to buy multiple services at a discounted rate. Maybe they’ll purchase a package of 10 sessions with a 10% discount or a subscription where they pay monthly for you to walk their dog twice a week. 

PocketSuite can help you get set up with both. 

#10 Use a Booking App

With Rover out of the mix, you’ll need new software to schedule your services and communicate with clients. A reliable booking app is essential to run your dog-walking business smoothly. 

Booking software allows you to automate time-consuming business management tasks, like scheduling invoicing, selling products, and receiving payments. You can find affordable booking software and avoid Rover’s 20% fee.

Are you over Rover?

If you’re ready to level up your dog-walking business, it’s time to leave Rover behind. With trusted marketing techniques and a reliable booking app, you can find clients and earn more money. 

PocketSuite can help you grow beyond Rover. We have industry-leading features to help you run a high-earning dog-walking business. From bookings to payments to contracts, you can manage your business and communicate with clients in one app.

Dog walkers provide an invaluable service by helping busy people take great care of their dogs. Pets benefit as well, since they’re not cooped up all day in a house or an apartment. Rare is the dog that wouldn’t prefer to be outdoors, exploring the world on a walk or a romp in the park.

Working efficiently and walking two or more dogs a time, if you can manage more than two, you’ll be able to earn a living as an entrepreneur running your own business and setting your own hours – to the extent they also meet your customers’ needs. There’s also the benefit of daily exercise and the satisfaction of knowing that the dogs in your care are living a better, healthier life as a result of the services you provide. If that’s not enough, you can always enjoy the walk by seeing the world through a dog’s point of view, which is pure delight and wonder.

But enough talk. Let’s walk the walk. Read on to discover what’s involved in becoming a dog walker.

 In this article you’ll learn:

• How much money you can make as a dog walker
• The required training and certifications
• Professional groups to join
• Employment opportunities for dog walkers
• Finding clients
• Plus helpful tips

How much money can you make?

Dog walkers average $16 an hour based on separate surveys conducted recently by GlassDoor and Indeed. At that rate, those who are able to work a 40-hour week would earn $2,560 per month, which translates to $30,720 per year. Enterprising dog walkers may arrange to walk two or more pets at the same time for either the same owner or perhaps neighbors. This instantly doubles the average hourly income to at least $32.

Training and Certification

Formal licensing is not required to become a dog walker, however, training and certification will set you apart in the field. You can pursue training through a variety of online and in-person courses. You can even check the local community college for certificates in animal care. Also contact area pet centers to ask about the availability of training programs.

Online training and certification programs range from about $150 on the low end to $650 and up.

Here is a selection of dog walker training programs to get you started.

Some of what you can expect to learn in a training program:

• Planning Routes and Managing a Schedule
• Handling, Transporting, and Supervising Dogs
• Evaluating Dogs and Their Owners (before accepting them as customers)
• Health, Safety, and Security
• Starting Your Dog Walking Business
• Licensing, Insurance, and Permit Issues
• Setting Prices
• Managing a Dog Walking Business
• Attracting Customers and Getting Referrals
• Marketing Tools
• Handling Problems/Communication Skills

Professional Groups to Join

Being a member of a professional organization helps your career. You can network with other members and share ideas, learn more efficient ways of running your business and get access to ongoing education. Professional affiliations also impress customers and potential employers who will see that you are serious about your work.

The International Organization of Professional Dog Walkers provides education and business improvement services for individuals working as or training to be a professional dog walker. A professional membership is $49 a year paid in advance.

There are also many informal networking groups for dog walkers. A list of nearly 100 can be reviewed here.

Employment

You’ll find jobs for dog walkers advertised at large veterinary practices, pet-store retail chains and online. When applying, it’s helpful to make copies of your resume and professional credentials in advance so you’ll have them ready. You’ll also need copies of reference letters and contact information for the people endorsing your services.

Don’t overlook online employment-search services like Indeed and ZipRecruiter. You can set up notifications on these sites to receive email alerts about job openings that match your interests and geographic location.

Finding Clients

Every small business needs a website and calling cards. The website is necessary so people can discover your business as well as learn more about you once they have your business card.

Everyone is online these days, so that’s where your marketing efforts should focus.

Set up an Instagram page to showcase your dog walking business. Instagram is the #1 online venue for professionals to showcase their work. A dedicated business page on Instagram is always working for you. Include pictures of you in action, walking dogs and smiling.

Next, build a Facebook page for your business. This is how you attract even more followers and provide tips to improve their life with pets. You can run discount specials and create teaser links to your business website by offering articles and news about dogs.

Next, create a Google My Business page. This service lets you display your hours of operation, photos and reviews of your service so you can encourage customers to post great comments about your dog walking service.

Setting up each of these sites should take less than an hour. All of them are free and work 24/7 to promote your business. That frees up more of your time to focus on dog walking and less on marketing.

One challenge with a dog walking business is overcoming common customer hesitations. Pet owners know their dogs need exercise, but paying a dog walker may be perceived as an unnecessary expense or a luxury they cannot afford. This is an opportunity for you to get creative.

Pitch your services as an investment. For example, note on your website and tell prospective customers in-person that your services will help them focus on their careers, while saving time, stress and money by not leaving work in the middle of the day to walk the dog.

Additional strategies for finding clients:

Veterinarian Referrals

Contact local veterinarians and cultivate friendly business relationships with them. Dog owners routinely ask their vets about training, so you strive to be the trainer vets recommend to their clients.

Partner with Local Shelters or SPCA

This serves two purposes. First, it gets your business in front of people who are adopting dogs and second, it solves an immediate need for busy professionals – getting their dog some exercise during the workday. The idea here is to leave flyers and business cards at the local shelter or SPCA, then encourage staff to recommend your dog walking business when people adopt pets. Volunteering for an hour or two each month at the shelter can build goodwill.

Partner with Independent Pet Stores

Small business owners understand the value of collaborating with other professionals in the community. Focus especially on pet stores that sell organic pet food, specialty chew toys and other items that tend to attract more affluent customers.

Visit Local Businesses

Lots of small businesses now welcome pets and their owners. These include breweries, wineries and coffee shops. Identify area businesses that are pet friendly and approach the owners with your flyers and business cards.

Leave Your Calling Card at Neighbors’ Houses

When you go to a customer’s home regularly to walk their dog, before long you’ll come to know the neighborhood. Pay attention to houses where you hear barking dogs, but no cars are in the driveway. Chances are, someone lives there who could benefit from your services. So leave a business card at their door. This also helps you because it is much more efficient to walk several dogs in the same neighborhood than driving all over the county to serve all your customers.

Good to know

Before starting a dog walking business you’re going to need references. Good ones. Because dog walkers are principally tasked with walking pets while their owners are away, that means you’ll have access to your customers’ homes. People need to know they can trust their dog walker. References should come from other people whose dogs you’ve cared for as well as current and past employers. A reference from a veterinarian can be especially helpful because of the respect that medical professionals enjoy.

In addition to references, a business liability insurance policy is a good idea. This affords basic protections should any problems arise. You can get insurance on a pet care business for as little as $25 a month – and there’s no putting a price on the peace of mind insurance coverage can provide.

If you enjoyed this article, check out some more great PocketSuite.io content that can help you grow your career as a dog walker. Here’s a great place to start.PocketSuite has thousands of business owners who all started where you are right now. Our community is always happy to help you ramp up, grow your client base, and achieve your income goals, both within the PocketSuite app and as part of our exclusive Facebook Community Group. PocketSuite’s vision is for any professional to be able to work for themselves and make a great living. It starts here. It starts with you. It starts today. Let’s get started, download PocketSuite now! Feel free to reach out with any questions (we’d love to hear from you)! Text us @ (415) 841-2300.

Online marketplace is the business model of the decade. Companies like Uber, Airbnb, TaskRabbit, UpWork, Rover, and Zeel have been popping up to offer services that connect service professionals and freelancers to clients. But how is success on these platforms measured? And who is really winning?

For the marketplace, a win is owning the relationship with clients. They want those clients coming back to the marketplace for more services for as long as possible. What marketplaces fear most is that clients will get attached to one service provider and that service provider will try to work with the client outside of the platform. In order to protect against client poaching, online marketplaces do everything they can to block service providers from establishing a relationship with clients.

Most marketplaces do not allow service providers to exchange or save the contact information of the client. They require all communication to happen within the marketplace – no excuses. They monitor service provider communications with clients and punish anyone who tries to self-promote. If a service pro doesn’t obey the rules, they are immediately kicked off the platform. Rover is one of the many online marketplaces that operates this way.

Rover is a matchmaking service that connects pet professionals to dog owners. Whether clients are looking for a dog walker, groomer, sitter or boarder, there are experienced service professionals who are available in their area to care for their dog. It is a brilliant concept and an amazing opportunity for a pet professional. It is the simplest way to get started in a new petcare business. All you need to do is:

1. Create a profile with a photo of yourself and different dogs that you have cared for. At minimum include a picture of your own dog or your best friends dog!
2. Select which zipcodes you would like to cover and what type of dog care services you are interested in providing. Make sure to only choose those locations that are close enough to you that you won’t be late for appointments and select services that you really love to offer because clients will expect consistent punctuality and lots of pictures of you delivering those services.
3. Complete the service provider identity and background check to get approved to be a pro on the platform. Clients want to be sure you won’t kidnap their puppy and you haven’t been arrested for abusing pets before.
4. Write a heartfelt description of yourself, your experience, why you love taking care of dogs, and what clients can expect from working with you. Be authentic, upbeat, and share details about your professional history. It will help you build trust on the platform faster.
5. Bonus: Once you have a few jobs under your belt, make sure to ask your past clients for testimonials and reviews. He who has the most 5 star reviews wins! Rover’s algorithm will show your profile more often to people looking for services in your area. And when those clients see your profile, the 5 star reviews will be irresistible. The more 5 star reviews you have, the more you’ll get booked.

If you follow the above playbook to the letter, you will get great results and a fast start in the dog care business. That being said, there is a catch!?! All bookings and business done through Rover comes at a steep price to you. Rover takes twenty percent (20%) of everything you make. Your business is completely in Rover’s hands. You are not truly independent =( And the people you serve are not really your clients. Regardless of how easy Rover makes it to get your business going, don’t forget your long term goal of achieving your income goals and being your own boss.

The Big Picture & Hidden Costs

When you really compare the cost of working for an online marketplace like Rover over being completely independent, you realize just how expensive it is. We have outlined just a few of the hidden costs of becoming a pet sitter or dog walker on Rover.

Poor client retention

These platforms can match professionals and clients very well, but client retention is a BIG problem. They are constantly offering promotions to try and keep clients onboard. They have discounts, special benefits, and loyalty programs. All of these incentives keeps clients from reaching out to you directly after you have delivered amazing services for them. Maybe this isn’t an issue for you, if you can continue to get matched to them on Rover. But what happens when a new pet sitter or dog walker signs up in your area and sets up a Rover profile? Rover will promote them over you to expand their pool of active pet professionals in that location. You lose that client in an instant. No matter how great your services are and the client’s experience was, Rover controls what clients see and when they see it. It doesn’t take much for your hard work to be completely forgotten and overlooked in a huge virtual marketplace like Rover.

No online visibility

Let’s say you are a 5 star performer on Rover. Reading your reviews and testimonials bring tears to the eyes of potential clients and your repeat client booking stats are legendary. Your reputation is amazing, but noone outside of Rover will know about it. Rover works hard to ensure Google, Facebook, Yelp, etc. cannot see your information outside of its platform. They don’t want you to be recruited away from Rover to another site. So they don’t share information about all of the great work you have done outside of Rover. They want clients to have to search on Rover to find you – exclusively. That’s great for Rover, but what about you? You are an amazing dog walker or pet sitter and the world should know about you and what you do! But you don’t have any reviews on Facebook, none on Google, and your profile is unclaimed on Yelp. So the hundreds, maybe depending on where you live, the thousands of clients who are searching for pet professionals every day in your area will never find you because they aren’t searching on Rover. They prefer to search and buy online from Google and Amazon. Being dependent on a single platform like Rover really limits your reach and ability to grow.

Twenty percent (20%) fee too high

All businesses require startup costs, but over the long haul as you start to make a profit you slowly get this investment back. With platforms like Rover, they eliminate the cost of getting started. Phew! They only charge you when you start to make money from client bookings. However, the problem is Rover keeps charging you forever. It’s like a permanent tax on your business. As long as you are using their platform, you are always paying them an additional fee for helping you get started. Enough is enough – at some point, you shouldn’t have to pay that fee. Say you have a goal of making $10,000 of income in your first year. Rover will take $2,000 of your income, right off the top. Yikes!.

Loss of client data, relationships, and future income

Not only do you become dependent on Rover to help you acquire clients and manage your busy schedule, you can’t earn money without it. If you were to ever leave Rover, you would be losing all of your clients, booking data, reviews/testimonials, and credit card payment information. The longer you stay on Rover, the more you have to lose if you leave. Your future income is basically controlled by their platform.

When you take into account all of the costs associated with being a pet sitter or dog walker on Rover, you may be giving up too much. If you are on Rover now or thinking of joining Rover and wondering about other options, we have included some tips about what you should do when you decide to “spread your wings” and serve some or all of your clients outside of Rover.

Take Control & Enjoy Your Freedom

If you aren’t quite sure that you have the time, energy and commitment to go it alone, your best bet is to stick to platforms like Rover that will support you for a hefty fee. Assuming you know what you are getting into as you explore going independent, consider the following as you set up shop. Here’s a snapshot of what you need to do to become independent from Rover and get that 20% fee back in your wallet. Keep in mind, it isn’t an all or none deal. You can always continue to work with clients on Rover and clients outside of Rover.

Build a client list

Whether it’s simply family, friends or possibly a handful of clients that you added to your contact list from Rover, nurture those relationships! Repeat bookings with clients on these platforms solidifies the relationship and keeps them interested in continuing to work with only you.

Use your own booking site

There are many online tools (widgets, booking buttons, etc.) out there that you can simply add to your website, facebook page, IG page, or simply text to clients so they can self-book. There are also plugins such as Weeba and BookME. Mobile apps such as PocketSuite or SquareAppointments can also help you easily schedule with clients.

Accepting credit card payments

Since you won’t be taking payments through a platform like Rover, you need some way of getting paid. Thankfully, there are dozens of apps that can help you accept client payments! Apps like Square allow you to easily process payments and get paid by your clients. PocketSuite acts as an all in one app to help you with client management, scheduling and payment processing. This reduces your costs from 20% down to a low, flat 2.9% + 30¢… lowest of all payment apps.

Marketing your business

Marketing yourself and your services is becoming easier and easier to do every year with more user friendly technology. It is confusing to know which platforms to advertise on Facebook, Google, YellowPages, CraigsList, and, and, and. It is even more confusing figuring out how to build compelling ads and getting a good return on your marketing dollars. Rover makes it easy for you. They advertise for you, but they also control who sees your profile and who doesn’t, which limits your new client growth potential. PocketSuite’s and Shopify’s systems integrate Google AdWords and makes it super easy for you to launch a campaign, set a budget, and acquire new client leads. It’s a great return on investment. Anyone that visits your campaign and shows interest is auto-magically added to your new client leads list, so you can easily follow-up.

Transitioning from Rover to your own business can be a scary thing to do. You should definitely take it one step at a time. There is no rush. Start working with one or two clients offline while you continue to use Rover, so you can get comfortable with the booking and payments side of running a service business. Then you can wean yourself off of Rover. Overtime, you will depend on Rover less and less for client leads and bookings. Before you know it, you will have enough clients to completely leave Rover!

PocketSuite has hundreds of Pros that all started where you did. Our community of Pros are always happy to help you with the process of becoming your own boss and achieving financial independence. We are always working to help you succeed and grow! Reach out if you have any questions (we’d love to hear from you)! Text us @ (415) 841-2300

Like this article? You’ll love our guide on how to generate leads for service businesses in 2022, and of course our Frustrations with Square article!

Many professional organizations and associations are available for dog walkers. They provide essential insight and information to help dog walkers, people who hope to enter this profession and even help clients choose reliable, attentive dog walkers. The IACP or International Association of Canine Professionals is one association that was established to oversee and maintain the highest standards in this profession. 

Check out professional associations for dog walkers:

• https://pocketsuite.io/international-organization-of-professional-dog-walkers/

Have you ever wondered what a professional dog walker does? To begin, they are a specialized type of service provider, a pet-sitter who takes care of dogs and walks them when their owners are absent. A professional dog walker travels to clients’ houses, checks in on their dogs, including their general well-being, food and water situation, picks up the dogs and takes them out for a walk. They make sure the dogs are well taken care of and have the essentials while the owner is away. Typically people who take care of animals and provide a dog walking service don’t need an abundance of educational experience. However, experience is useful when setting up a professional dog walking business. It can be a worthwhile endeavor. A prerequisite for this line of work is the ability to understand and be “good” with canines, as well as possess social skills to be courteous and professional with clients. A professional dog walker must possess the physical strength and aptitude to control dogs of all shapes and sizes and for long periods of time. They must be able to work in all manner of weather and be comfortable with a variety of cages/crates, different foods, how to address a sick or injured animal, to understand a variety of different leashes and restraints and of course be comfortable handling animal waste. Finally being self-motivated is essential to being a self-employed dog walker, alternately if you are an employee of a dog walking company you must be sociable, communicative and punctual.

Dog Walker Salary: How much do professional dog walkers make?

Dog walkers earn an average of $15 dollars an hour, however, a hustling entrepreneur can turn this into a very profitable business. ZipRecruiter has an upper range hitting just over $35,000 in calculated annual salary for dog walkers.

Resources to help in starting or expanding your dog walker career:

• Certifications, Training & Education
• Dog Walker Associations
• Dog Walker Networking Groups

PocketSuite for Dog Walkers

Register Now

A Pet Professional is someone who cares about animals enough to work with them for a career. A Pet Professional usually gains training and experience through a college, trade school or an apprenticeship program. The career of Pet Professional can include many different vocations, including Dog Trainer, Dog Walker, Pet Sitter/Border, Doggy Daycare Worker, Professional Groomer and Dog Breeder. A Pet Professional usually gets a foothold in the industry through on the job training, and most hold a high school diploma or GED. A veterinarian requires a doctorate degree. Learning basic aspects of animal health and behavior are an important part of training. Groomers keep animals healthy and hygienic and trainers teach obedience that keeps both animals and their companions happy and safe.

Pet Groomers

A pet groomer keeps your pet looking its best. They do everything from teeth brushing to bathing, brushing fur and clipping nails. They fulfill the owners wishes and also make suggestions in regards to the general care and health of the animal. A groomer always keeps tools in top condition and as clean as possible. Avoiding infection and disease transmission are very important and a groomer’s first priority is to keep their equipment and working area spotless. Workstations can be in a number of places whether in their own homes, pet supply stores, a mobile unit or in a veterinarian’s office. The skill of dog grooming is most commonly learned from an “apprenticeship program” and from someone with a more established business, more experience and sharper skills. There are also licensed pet grooming schools with extensive programs that cover all aspects of this business from behavior, breeds and bathing to everything in between.

What Does a Pet Professional Make?

If you are thinking of Dog Groomer as a career, it is not only a growth industry but the Bureau of Labor Statsitics lists the median annual salary for this profession around $25,000. In talking to groomers we know, the earnings potential extends way beyond this with an active list of clients.

What About Dog Trainers?

Dog Trainer is also a growth industry with similarly good compensation. This aspect of the canine industry is dedicated to teaching dogs to obey commands, to work as guard dogs, assist people with disabilities or who need emotional support and last but not least to perform tricks! Trainers teach dogs to be comfortable with human touch and close contact, to accept training and the positive reinforcement to learn correct behavior for their assigned jobs. Trainers develop very close relationships with the animals they work with by using both verbal and physical signals and cues. They also teach owners how to properly work with and handle their animals. Dog trainers can work for anyone who has a business that includes canines. Some of the most common are: Dog kennels, shelters, performing dog businesses (hunting or show dogs) and circuses that include dogs. They also work frequently with private individuals. Good trainers teach dogs how to be great companions and loving family members, fearless competitors and even show dogs or movie stars. Trainers also climb the ranks through apprenticeship programs with highly skilled handlers.

What Certifications Do I Need to Become a Pet Professional?

The very highest levels of dog training may require a degree, these include: professional service, performing and working dogs in industries such as film, television, security, law enforcement, border services, etc. Canine courses exist at colleges and trades schools, they tend to focus on obedience, safety, canine theory and problem-solving. Dog groomers keep Rover looking his/her best, trainers keep them well behaved, dependable companions and breeders ensure their best attributes are passed down to future generations of “man’s best friend.”

Take a deep dive into the various pet professions:

• Dog Walker
• Dog Trainer
• Dog Sitter
• Dog / Pet Boarder
• Doggy Daycare Provider
• Dog Groomer
• Dog Breeder

Search through the resources below to begin your journey into your dream pet professional job!

• Partners

Numerous online clubs for dog walkers have members from all over the United States and regularly bring dog lovers together to exercise, educate, and socialize with their pets. Some of them regularly host expert talks by industry insiders as well as support non-profits who provide care for in-need dogs across America. They also provide a forum to discuss the care and welfare of all dogs. These clubs encourage conversation on a wide variety of topics, provide numerous canine resources and promote participation from all their members.

Check out Facebook Groups for Dog Walkers

  Dog Walker to Dog Walker

  San Francisco Dog Walkers Group

  Wag! Dog Walkers

  Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers, Pet Groomers & Pet Parents!

  The Official Midnight Dog Walkers Group

  California Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers With Employees

  Dog walkers

  NJ Professional Dog Walkers & Pet Sitters

  Dog Walkers of New Jersey

  Wag! Dog Walkers Los Angeles/Orange County

  Dog walkers UK

  Boston Area dog walkers

  Dog Walkers, Pet Carers & Animal Lovers Community Page

  New England Dog Walkers & Pet Sitters

  Jump Start Your Pet Business – Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers, Boarding

  Dudes & Dogs – Walkers Group

  Wag! Walkers NYC

  NYC Dog Walkers And Petsitters

  Dog Walkers, Doggy Daycares & Home Boarders UK Support Group

  Seattle Dog Walkers and Pet Sitters

  UK Professional Dog Walkers & Pet Care Network

  UK Dog Walkers, Pet Sitters and Dog Groomers Network

  Worthing Dog Walkers

  Dog Walkers, Pet Sitters And Pet Care In and Around Manchester

  Suffolk Dog Walkers, Pet Sitters, Groomers And Pet Services

  AWL Dog Walkers

  Montgomery County Shelter Official Dog Walkers

  Bamford Dog Walkers

  Dog Walkers and Pet Sitters – London

  West Lothian Professional Dog Walkers

  Calgary Dog Walkers Community

  Professional Dog Walkers of Auckland

  Dog Walkers at PCF

  Nonsuch Park Dog Walkers’ Group

  Dog Walkers Of West Sussex

  Commercial Dog Walkers – Toronto

  Fleming Park Dog Walkers

  West Shore Dog Walkers

  newmarket dog walkers

  Frome Dog Walkers

  Dog Walkers-Jackson Animal Shelter

  Dog Walkers Group MK

  Dog Walkers and Pet sitters East Yorskhire

  Hedge End Dog Walkers

  Scottish Professional Dog Walkers – Network

  Magnuson Dog Walkers

  Dog Walkers of Lakeland Animal Shelter

  Queens Park (Sydney) Dog Walkers

  Dog Walkers West Yorkshire

  Edgars Creek dog walkers

  Felley Dog Walkers

  London Dog Walkers

  HSSA Volunteer Dog Walkers

  Cherryfield Dog Walkers

  Bracknell Dog Owners / Walkers

  Stourport Social Dog Walkers

  Harrogate dog walkers

  Wellington Dog Walkers

  Llandudno dog walkers

  SPCA Tampa Bay Dog Walkers

  Fountain Park Dog Walkers

  Dog Walkers of Chester

  Thanet Dog Walkers

  Freemantle Common Dog Walkers

  Our Dog Walkers group

  Victoria Park Dog Walkers & Volunteers

  APA Dog Walkers

  Dog Walkers – JOHN community fan social

  Whittle Brook Dog Walkers

  Glasgow Dog Walkers

  Epsom Downs dog walkers

  ABRT Student Trainers & Dogwalkers Extraordinaire

  Washington Dog Walkers UK

  Dog Walkers of Haslam Park

  Ginter’s Field Dog Walkers

  Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs Dog Walkers And Trainers – Industry Only

  Dog Owners, Walkers and Boarders UK

  Luton Rec Dog Walkers Group (Kent)

  TCAS Dog Walkers

  Dog Walkers of North Wales & Chester

  LAWSON DOG PARK WALKERS

  Rossbeigh Dog Walkers

  Glasgow professional dog walkers and pet boarders

  Strensall dog walkers

  The Peel Green Dog Walkers

  Kent Street Dog Walkers (Harold Rossiter Reserve)

  Mirfield Dog Walkers and Owners

  Cookham Dog Walkers

  Dog Owners and Walkers of Crowthorne

  Knaresborough Dog Walkers

  Thai Ridgeback Dog Walkers UK

  Woodley Dog Walkers, Berkshire, UK

  Sweeney reserve dog walkers and koala lovers

  Boreham Dog Walkers

  Exeter Dog Walkers Group (Closed for regular customers only)

  Coed Hirwaun Dog Walkers

  Long Strops Kesgrave Dog Walkers

  WAG Walkers – Austin, TX

  Walkden/Worsley Pet Community

  Dobermann Walkers Together UK

Formal education is not required to become a dog walker, however, at least a high school diploma or a GED is highly recommended. Secondary school courses on dog walking and animal care are available as well as the rudimentary business courses needed to set up your own successful company in this field. A love for animals will help you enjoy your career and do a good job. There are different organizations that offer programs to learn about caring for pets. Community colleges may offer certificates in animal care.

These courses can cover animal psychology, feeding, training, medical issues and grooming. Earning a certificate may involve a passing grade on exams at the completion of the course. You may have to present this certificate to potential employers and clients. If you intend to set up your own business, you may want to focus on courses that offer specific skills related to business, such as: business planning, how to obtain insurance, promoting your business, operating a profitable business and how to set prices and how to bill. An ambitious dog walker can also gain insight and experience by applying for a junior role at a well established and successful professional dog walking business. Here they can receive “on-the-job” training or instead may choose to volunteer at the ASPCA or other animal welfare organizations. This will provide even more skills, such as feeding animals, how to transport them safely, how to control and leash animals correctly and how to clean up after them hygienically. Entry-level positions at dog walking companies may also provide skills such as: how to manage a schedule, talk to clients, promote your business and balance your budget. 

Formal education is not required to become a dog walker, however, as with most jobs a minimum of a high school diploma or a GED is highly recommended. Secondary school courses on dog walking and animal care are available as well as the rudimentary business courses needed to set up your own successful business in this field. A lifestyle that involves caring for animals is important to help you enjoy your career and do a good job.

There are different organizations that offer programs to learn about caring for pets. Community colleges may offer certificates in animal care. These courses can cover animal psychology, feeding, training, medical issues and grooming. Earning a certificate may involve a passing grade on exams at the completion of the course. You may have to present this certificate to potential employers and clients as proof of your qualifications.

If you intend to set up your own business, you may focus on courses that offer specific skills such as business planning, how to obtain insurance, promoting your business, operating a profitable business, how to set prices and how to bill. An ambitious dog walker can also gain insight and experience by applying for a junior role at a well established and successful professional dog walking business. Here they can receive “on-the-job” training or instead may choose to volunteer at the ASPCA or other animal welfare organizations. This will provide even more skills, such as feeding animals, how to transport them safely, how to control and leash animals correctly and how to clean up after them. Entry-level positions at dog walking companies may also provide skills such as how to manage a schedule, talk to clients, promote your business and balance your budget.