Photo by Valerie Elash on Unsplash

Dogs require around an hour of exercise every day to keep them fit, happy and healthy.  But the average dog walk is just 43 minutes and many dogs don’t get walked at all. A busy lifestyle is one of the biggest excuses used, along with the weather. Dog walking and sitting services are becoming more common as they ensure dog’s needs are met and it’s also a great way to earn money, either as a sole or additional income. While you don’t need any qualifications, having a good understanding of canine behavior, needs and some training tricks will go a long way to making your job easier and more enjoyable.

Why People Need a Dog Walker or Sitter 

Becoming a dog walker or sitter can be as easy as doing a leaflet drop in your local community or using an app to connect you with local dog owners. According to Rover, 57% of dog owners admit to skipping walks, with excuses varying from the weather to a busy day at work. Two-thirds say they feel guilty for missing walks and believe their dogs look sad when they miss them, which is why they are happy to pay for a dog walker. Elderly or disabled people often need dog walkers as they can physically struggle to meet their dogs exercise needs but enjoy the companionship. Dog sitting services keep dogs in their own home, which avoids them going to kennels while their family is away. This can help to reduce anxiety and stress.

Making Money as a Dog Walker 

Depending on the location, around $20 per walk is the going rate for dog walkers. It’s possible to take more than one dog out at a time and you can choose how much you want to work each day. Walking five dogs a day for five days a week is $500, which works out as $26,000 a year. The pros of being a dog walker include how flexible it is, you get to spend time with lots of dogs and it’s a great way to keep fit, but you should be prepared to face most types of weather. Many pet parents will want you to be available during their standard working week, so it will be better for your pocket if you can do this to ensure consistency for owner and dog.

Being a House Sitter 

Being entrusted by a homeowner while they’re away comes with many responsibilities, such as cleaning and gardening, along with caring for pets. House sitting pays around $50 an hour, depending on location, and usually lasts for several days at a time, such as over the weekend. It pays well! Some people even pet sit one house to another and have no fixed abode, making their outgoings lower, so they can save more money. This is a good way for people to earn money while they travel as pet sitters are needed across all of America. There are many apps and websites that can match sitters with owners for a suitable caretaking job, making the process a lot smoother.

It’s easy to be put off dog walking and sitting if the dog isn’t well trained, such as they pull on the lead or are prone to accidents. Being knowledgeable on training methods for common problems can go a long way to making your job easier and more enjoyable, which will reflect in the dog. This is a good way to get repeat clientele as it will give owner’s confidence in your abilities and they’ll be happy to use your services.

There are many who are living out of their RV’s now…and it’s no surprise that you can earn a decent wage while helping walk or sit Fido. Check out the amazing tips on Full-Time RV’ing with your Canine here.