How to become a dog walker: A simple guide for animal lovers

If you love dogs and enjoy being outdoors, becoming a dog walker could be a rewarding way to earn money while doing something you love. Whether you want to turn it into a full-time business or a flexible side gig, walking dogs can offer steady income, exercise, and joyful company, especially if you approach it professionally.

Let’s walk through what it takes to get started, step by step.

Step 1: Make sure it’s the right fit

Dog walking sounds simple, but it requires patience, reliability, and strong communication with both pets and owners. You’ll need to be confident handling different breeds, temperaments, and group sizes, often outdoors, in any weather. If you love animals, staying active, and being your own boss, this could be a great fit.

Ask yourself:

• Am I comfortable walking several dogs at once?

• Can I manage dogs of different sizes or energy levels?

• Am I ready to work outdoors year-round?

You can test the waters by walking friends' or neighbors' dogs. This gives you experience while helping you decide whether you want to pursue it as a business.

Step 2: Get the right experience and training

#1 family finance and safety app.

#1 family finance and safety app.

Teach your kids and teens to earn, save, and invest with Greenlight.

Use code GLBLOG for one month, on us.*

Try Greenlight today

While you don’t need a specific degree to be a dog walker, training and certifications can make you more trustworthy to clients. Many professional dog walkers learn about basic pet first aid, animal behavior, and safety.

Consider:

• Pet first aid and CPR certification: Offered by organizations like the American Red Cross.

• Dog handling and behavior courses: These help you understand canine body language and safe group management.

• Apprenticeship or mentorship: Working with an experienced walker can give you hands-on experience and valuable insights.

This is also an opportune time to learn how to manage scheduling, client communication, and payment systems.

Step 3: Check legal and insurance requirements

Before you take on paying clients, it’s essential to understand your local laws. 

Licenses and permits

Many cities require business licenses or permits for pet care providers. You may also need to register your business name if you plan to operate independently.

Insurance

Insurance protects both you and your clients. Pet care liability insurance can cover accidents or property damage while you’re walking dogs.

Contracts

Don’t forget to keep clear client contracts. A simple written agreement should include details like walk duration, cancellation policy, and emergency procedures.

Step 4: Set your rates

Rates can vary widely depending on your location, experience, and the type of service you offer. On average, U.S. dog walkers charge $15–$30 per 30-minute walk (younger walkers may start out charging less). Group walks or longer sessions may cost more.

• Be transparent about pricing.

• Consider offering discounts for repeat customers or multiple dogs from the same household. 

• You can also charge extra for added services like feeding, playtime, or pet-sitting.

Step 5: Find your first clients

Start local. Word of mouth, flyers, and community Facebook groups can be powerful. You can also create profiles on pet care platforms like Rover or Wag!, which help match walkers with pet owners.

To stand out:

• Include photos of you with dogs.

• List certifications and reviews.

• Offer a free meet-and-greet session so pet parents can see how you interact with their dog.

A professional website or social media page can help showcase your reliability and build trust over time.

Step 6: Manage your schedule and clients like a pro

Once you have regular clients, keeping track of walks, payments, and schedules becomes key. 

• Use apps or simple spreadsheets to stay organized. 

• You can also invest in pet care management software that tracks routes, sends photo updates, and manages billing.

Don’t underestimate the power of great communication!

• Text owners when walks are done.

• Share cute photos.

• Keep them updated about any behavior changes you notice.

Step 7: Keep growing and learning

As your business grows, consider expanding your services.

• Offering overnight pet-sitting, obedience reinforcement, or puppy socialization. 

• Join pet care networks.

• Local small business associations can also help you stay informed and build connections.

If you enjoy helping kids or teens learn responsibility, you can even involve your family. Encourage your kids to help with marketing or scheduling to learn basic business and budgeting skills—an excellent opportunity to talk about earning and saving responsibly.

A good opportunity for families

Dog walking isn’t just for adults. Teens looking to earn money can start small with neighborhood walks under parental supervision. It’s a fun, flexible way to learn discipline, time management, and empathy for animals, all while earning their first paychecks.

Families using Greenlight, the #1 family finance and safety app, can help teens manage their earnings safely, set saving goals*, and even invest© what they earn right in the app.

Taking the first step

Dog walking is one of those jobs that teaches you as you go. The more you do it, the better you get at reading dogs, building trust, and finding a rhythm that works for you. Whether it’s a small side gig or the start of something bigger, the best part is simple — you get to spend your days doing something that makes tails wag.

Empower kids to earn and learn. Manage chores, jobs, and allowances. Teach kids to earn, save, and invest with the Greenlight app. Try Greenlight, one month, risk-free.†

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.

*Greenlight Core families can earn 2% per annum, Greenlight Max families can earn 3% per annum, Greenlight Infinity families can earn 5% per annum, and Greenlight Family Shield families can earn 6% per annum on an average daily savings balance of up to $5,000 per family. To qualify, the Primary Account must be in Good Standing and have a verified ACH funding account. See Greenlight Terms of Service for details. Subject to change at any time.

© 2025 Greenlight Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor provides investment advisory services to its clients. Investing involves risk and may include the loss of principal. Investments are not FDIC-insured, are not a deposit, and may lose value.