Dog Walker Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a dog walker. Feel free to use our dog walker job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a dog walker.
Who is a Dog Walker?
You can choose to be a dog walker yourself or as part of a larger business. Dog owners can get out of their houses to run errands or work overtime. Dog owners can rest assured that their dogs will be taken care of by a dog walker.
A dog walker usually picks up the dog at its owner’s home, takes it for a walk, and returns the animal to the owner. While some dog walkers will take multiple dogs on a walk, others prefer to only take one. Grooming may be an option for some, particularly those who run their own business.
Dog walkers must have total control as they might be walking multiple dogs at once. They need full authority to ensure that no dog is left behind. Sometimes, the walker will have to manage runaways or break-up fights. Sometimes, physical stamina may be required.
Dog walkers who are professionally paid to take care of dogs for other people are called professional dog walkers. Each dog’s breed and client’s instructions will determine the length of each walk. Dog walkers should be open with their owners and communicate with them about the dog’s care and how they conduct themselves.
Although the primary responsibility of a dog walker is to walk dogs, it is not uncommon for a person to have other duties. Dog walkers are often responsible for basic care, such as feeding and training dogs. They can also be trained to discipline and exercise the dogs.
A dog walker is primarily responsible for watching a dog outside. His primary responsibility is to ensure that your pet is safe. However, it is also important to provide exercise for your pet.
Walking the pet is an important part of the job. You may need to pick up a dog from the owner or take it to a kennel. Dog walkers are often required to walk multiple dogs in public places. They might want to purchase equipment that is specifically designed for multiple dogs.
Pet sitters may combine their exercise with other services to increase their income. One person may walk or feed pets. Others might even water plants. It can be hard to give enough playtime for multiple dogs when a dog walker is working with them. However, some services allow the dogs to walk off-leash during walks.
Dog walkers usually have regular client appointments or work in special circumstances, such as when the client’s out of town. Regular appointments can lead to a special relationship between the dog walker and the animal, which can be helpful in obedience during walks. The dog walker’s duties include building trust between owners and pets so that everyone feels secure that the animals are being taken care of.
Dog Walker Job Description
Below are the dog walker job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a dog walker job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a dog walker include the following:
- Making sure your dogs have collars that are properly tagged.
- Ensuring that dogs follow certain walking routes
- Making sure your dogs are properly hydrated and fed
- Being aware of animal care laws in your state and city ordinances
- Complete paperwork
- Making calls
- Setting up appointments
- Configuring schedules
- Scheduling walks for dogs
- Planning walking routes
- Disposing dog’s waste
- Observing the dogs’ behavior
- Taking the dog to the vet in case of emergency
- Notifying clients of any concerns
- Consulting with new clients, and completion of client information forms.
- Recording information about which dogs were walked and the length of walks is a good idea. Also, note unusual or abnormal observations.
- Transporting your dog safely to and from his home.
- Assuring that your dog has access to water and food.
- Taking all precautions necessary to ensure the safety of your dog and others around you.
- Providing clients with regular updates, including photos, videos, and locations.
- Notifying owners immediately if your dog becomes ill or hurt during or after walks.
These are some other important tasks.
- Dog walking for clients
Walking dogs for clients is the most important aspect of this job. Dogs will be picked up at their homes and taken out for exercise. Dogs need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. After the exercise, the dogs will need to use the bathroom.
While dog walkers are allowed to walk only one dog at once, some walk multiple dogs simultaneously. You might consider taking multiple dogs out together if you live in a large city.
- Providing water and food for dogs
A dog walker must ensure that dogs are given food and water. Dogs need to be able to drink water at all times. It is common for the dogs that you walk to require their bowls to be refilled each time you visit them.
- Grooming
Grooming is an optional service that many dog walkers offer to their clients. You will need to know how to groom each dog if you offer this service. Grooming could include shampooing, trimming nails, and trimming fur. First, you might walk the dog and then take care of the grooming. This service can be offered to any or all of your clients and is a great way for you to grow your business.
- Keep Client Records
It is important to keep detailed records of your clients. Each dog should be assigned a file that includes the details of its name, breed, age, and veterinarian. Keep track of the times you walk your dog and any other services that you offer.
Dogs of different sizes and breeds can be controlled. These dogs will be comfortable with you being their boss, keeping them safe, and not walking them.
Qualifications
Dog walkers must be self-motivated and have a good level of fitness because their job is physically and mentally demanding. Dog walkers must also have compassion and love for dogs as they take care of their beloved pets. Dog walkers may also need qualifications in these areas.
Education
To work in some companies, dog walkers might only need a high school diploma or GED. Dog walkers might want to pursue a business administration degree if they are looking to start their own business.
It is important to be able to perform basic animal first aid training in addition to regular schooling. Dog walkers must be able to perform CPR and provide first aid. You can find out more information through organizations, or ask veterinarians who might charge fees.
Training
Dog walkers typically receive training on the job. Training as an animal care specialist may be available for those who are interested in becoming dog walking professionals.
These animal care specialists will be trained and supervised as they learn to properly feed, transport, operate equipment and clean up after them. Dog walkers who want to start their own business should be aware of how they run organizations. Dog walkers can learn how to manage their dog’s schedule, talk with clients, run promotions campaigns, and control finances.
Certification
Dog walker licenses may be required for employment with an agency. If the dog walker transports dogs by car, a state driver’s license is required.
Regional permits or licenses
These are required in some cities before dog owners can take their dogs to municipal parks and other properties.
If the dog walker is the owner of a dog-walking business, he or she must obtain a business license.
Some colleges and organizations also offer certification programs for dog walkers. These programs can include on-site and online training.
You can also take a look at:
- Dog Walker Certificate
The International Association of Professional Dog Walkers is part of the International Association of Professions and offers an online course that lasts from four to twelve weeks. It includes access to an educator as well as a downloadable certificate.
- Dog Walking Academy Certificate
Dogbiz offers both online and in-person classes. This certificate is available to graduates of the program.
- CPPS-Certified Pet Sitter Certification
Pet Sitters International offers the CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter credential. This certification is available to dog walkers if their profession falls under pet sitting.
Dog walkers will need to pass an exam to be certified. After a specified period, dog walkers must renew their certification. This may involve paying fees, taking exams, and continuing education in animal care.
Essential Skills
- Ability to recognize behavioral signals
A dog’s body language can be used to predict changes in behavior. Canine handlers should pay attention to the dog’s ears and posture. Dog behavior can be a sign of aggression, fear, or distraction.
- The art of proper grooming
Grooming is an important part of dog care, especially for long-haired dogs. Dog handlers must be able to handle basic tasks such as trimming nails and removing mats. It is an advantage for dog show professionals and a must for groomers.
Proper grooming is vital to ensure canine health. The handler should be observant during grooming so that they can spot any health problems early.
- Recognizing Common Health Problems
Dog walkers need to be familiar with basic health issues in dogs, especially those that are common in the breeds they work with. They should also be able to spot subtle changes in the behavior and eating habits of each dog that could indicate a problem.
Basic care should be provided to dogs by those who work with them, such as cleaning wounds, treating ticks, and administering oral medication. Canine professionals, such as veterinarian technicians, should be able to give injections, take blood samples or perform advanced medical treatments.
- Understanding Canine Anatomy and Breed Standards
Canine professionals need to have basic knowledge about canine anatomy and a general understanding of the characteristics of each breed they work with. This knowledge is especially important for dog show judges and dog show handlers as well as breeders and trainers.
- Communication with owners and professionals of animals
Canine handlers must be able to communicate clearly with any other animal professionals they might work with (such as a veterinarian, groomer, trainer, or breeder) to ensure the dogs’ needs are met.
- Be patient and exhibit desirable traits of personality
If you want to work professionally with dogs, patience is a must. It can take time for a dog’s behavior to change, so patience is a must in most canine careers. Patience is a valuable asset to anyone working with animals, not just dogs.
- Attention to detail
Dog walkers must pay special attention to details such as the breed of dog they are looking after, their client’s instructions, and state and local ordinances.
- Problem-solving
Dog walkers need to be able to understand the needs of their clients and how to manage conflicts with other dogs.
- Organization, record-keeping, and scheduling
A dog walker must keep meticulous records of all their clients, including any special requests or needs, and make sure that they are available to their fellow dog walkers.
- Technical knowledge
A dog walker must be familiar with basic information about animal restraints and animal enclosures, as well as animal control, nutrition, and first aid.
How to Become a Dog Walker
For someone who wants to be a dog walker, perseverance is the most important trait. You must be willing and able to walk dogs in any weather conditions. Love for dogs should be second. Dogs can pick up on the feelings of humans and will often be able to recognize a non-dog-friendly person within seconds. You should also be healthy as handling multiple dogs can be physically taxing, especially if they’re large or disobedient. You should also have a good understanding of dog psychology and how pet parents interact with their dogs. Dogs will behave better and be more willing to follow commands when there is a leader in the pack.
Professional dog walkers often add extra services to increase their income and fill in the gaps. If you’re already determined to be a dog walker, you can expect to take care of dogs most of the day. Dog training, dog walking, and dog grooming are just some of the services that you could offer. While you may initially set out to be a dog walker or dog trainer, clients will likely trust you to care for their dogs while they’re away.
Dog walking is a profession that is highly recommended by friends and family. Be punctual and treat your clients with respect and courtesy. Ask around to see what other dog walkers’ charges are in your area. If they charge the same, you can set a comparable fee. Your service can look unprofessional if you charge too much or too little. Your business can grow by advertising in the local newspaper, handing out business cards, and posting flyers. These should be professional and include your contact information.
Where to Work
Dog walkers may be independent business owners or part of a larger dog walking business. They mostly come to the homes of their clients to walk their dogs.
Dog Walker Salary Scale
The average annual salary of a Dog Walker in the United States is $34,577.