Becoming a Dog Walker

How Do I Become a Dog Walker?

Sounds like easy money? Think again: anyone wanting to become a dog walker needs more than just a lead and good shoes; a wealth of knowledge and experience in managing groups of dogs is essential.

What Does a Dog Walker Do?

Dogs require a lot of exercise to be physically and mentally stimulated. Lack of exercise and boredom can quickly lead to unwanted behavioural issues in our pets. Yet many dog owners can’t always meet their pet’s need for exercise and attention—whether due to work, personal commitments, or physical limitations that prevent long walks.

This is where dog walkers come in: for an agreed fee, they take clients’ dogs for walks, visit parks, and recreational areas, or drive them to green spaces for exercise and play.

Is “Dog Walker” a Profession?

Particularly in big cities, where many people—and many dogs—live in close quarters, walking other people’s dogs can actually be a source of income. Many urban dog owners appreciate experienced dog walkers taking over this task. While they work in the city centre, a walker can satisfy its need for exercise in the park, forest or on rural paths.

In contrast to the USA, where there are already many professional dog walkers in cities, dog walking in Europe isn’t yet a state-recognised profession, but demand is steadily increasing. Thus, there are more and more people here who, either part-time or as freelance entrepreneurs, offer their services as “dog walkers”.

Important: To become a paid dog walker in the UK, you need to have a strong understanding of dog behavior and car, register as self-employed, follow animal welfare laws, and consider insurance. Check local council regulations for any additional requirements.

At the same time, dog trainer schools, various dog services, and training centres have recognised the trend and now offer training, online courses, further education or workshops to professionalise dog walking.

Is Training Necessary?

If you just want to walk your neighbour’s dog, you don’t need to attend a special course. However, those wishing to offer their services as professional dog walkers should have sufficient expertise in handling dogs.

As a dog walker, you don’t just take out the well-behaved Labrador next door but often manage a group of five to eight dogs of various breeds and temperaments. This is a significant responsibility that you should be aware of.

Dogs often behave differently in a group than on their own. If a male dog suddenly displays dominance behaviour towards another dog in the group or becomes aggressive, it’s essential for the dog walker to know how to respond and manage the conflict situation quickly.

Experience with personal or neighbour’s dogs is generally not enough. Dog walkers need to be experts in handling dogs, understanding different canine personalities, and knowing what to expect when taking various dogs for a walk.

Be Aware of Your Responsibilities

Reading specialist literature, practical experience with different dog breeds, and exchanging knowledge with experienced dog trainers are indispensable. Although there’s no formal professional training, considering training opportunities provided by various organisations, institutions, or associations is beneficial.

A dog walker does not need a specific knowledge certificate, like those running dog day-care centres, but a certificate, diploma, participation confirmation, or a so-called dog walking licence can impress potential clients and also give the dog walker a certain safety.

To succeed, you need a good reputation, which is best achieved by knowing your job well and proving your competence to clients and dogs daily.

What Do I Learn in a Dog Walking Seminar?

The content, duration, and cost of courses, further education, or training for dog walkers can vary greatly depending on the provider. A reputable course should include not only theory but also a comprehensive practical component.

In theory, aspiring dog walkers learn the essential rules of dog keeping, answers to legal questions, relevant dog laws, and necessary insurances. This knowledge must be applied and deepened in practice.

It’s not about learning how to train a dog and teach it the basic commands (that should be a prerequisite), but rather understanding dogs within a group. How does a dog’s behaviour change in the presence of other dogs? Which canine personalities are compatible and can be walked together without issues? How does one dog’s behaviour influence the others?

In addition to a better understanding of dog behaviour, practical training teaches course participants how to assertively lead a group of dogs and get them to follow willingly. The dogs should respond to signals and not be distracted by environmental stimuli.

Different scenarios test whether the dog walker can keep their cool and maintain an overview of the group in unforeseen events. Participants also learn how to optimally group dogs, the best routes, emergency measures, and how to safely transport the dogs in their car.

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What Do Aspiring Dog Walkers Need to Consider?

Along with the knowledge and experience in handling dogs and groups of dogs, those wanting to work as dog walkers need to meet various other criteria and formalities. Different regulations apply and you should inform yourself well in advance.

Anyone wishing to earn money from dog walking must decide whether to work for an agency, as a part-time or mini-jobber, or independently. This decision will entail different discussions and applications with the tax office, trade office, or employer, as required. Additionally, find out which insurances you need as a dog walker.

Walking others’ dogs involves risks, not just for the dogs and yourself, but also for other people who might be attacked by a dog from your group. Comprehensive liability insurance and possibly legal protection insurance help manage the associated financial risks.

What Skills Must a Dog Walker Possess?

The requirements of a dog walker are far more than just walking dogs. To be successful in this job and earn money, you should have the following qualifications:

• A great affinity for animals and especially for dogs
• Adequate knowledge in handling and training dogs
• Good reflexes to react promptly and appropriately to a dog’s behaviour or a conflict situation
• Assertiveness and the ability to stay calm and composed under unexpected circumstances, showing the dogs a loving yet firm attitude
• Delight in working outdoors—even in bad weather
• Physical fitness to comfortably walk or run with the dogs for several hours a day
• Not only friendliness with dogs but also present yourself as a trustworthy and reliable person to clients—dogs are a precious part of their families, and owners must feel confident that their dogs are in safe hands
• Liability insurance for covering potential risks arising from the job
• Flexibility to accommodate your clients’ needs
• Basic organisational and accounting skills if working independently to manage your business
• Suitable equipment (especially weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable, waterproof shoes for long walks)

How to Gain Dog Walking Experience

Do you see yourself fitting the job profile and believe you have the necessary qualifications? Great! Then you have the best prerequisites to become a dog walker. However, earning enough to make this your full-time job takes time. First, you need to find enough clients and convince them of your qualifications. This requires patience, perseverance, and effective client acquisition.

Volunteer

But one step at a time: first, test in practice if this job is indeed right for you. Consider volunteering to walk dogs at the nearest animal shelter or within your neighbourhood.

Once you’ve gained enough experience, you can take the next step. Look for further education, additional training, or courses for dog walkers in your vicinity. Even though there is no formal training, certificates or participation confirmations from relevant courses can be very beneficial—not only for the required expertise but also for attracting clients.

How Do I Attract Clients for My Dog Walking Business?

After completing the courses and acquiring sufficient experience, the most crucial—and often the hardest—part of the job begins: client acquisition. Have flyers printed and distribute them in your neighbourhood, at vet clinics, or dog schools. Advertise on Facebook, Instagram & such, place ads in the local paper or a community internet portal. There are many ways and channels to make potential clients aware of your dog walking services.

Can You Make Money from It?

Dog walkers are usually paid hourly, charging between £10 and £15 per hour. However, how much you actually earn as a dog walker depends on various factors. Extensive client acquisition, experience, a good reputation, and a target clientele receptive to your services are crucial for success. Of course, these aspects can’t be achieved overnight—it takes some time to convince others of your business idea and expertise as a dog walker. Don’t get discouraged and stay persistent.

If it doesn’t immediately work full-time, try voluntary or part-time work first. In larger cities, agencies also offer dog-walking placements. This not only gives you experience but also valuable contacts that can help you on your way to becoming an expert dog walker.

We wish you much success in your endeavour!