Dog Walking - Your New Side Hustle?

How does it sound to get paid for something you do everyday already... Pretty interesting right? Dog walking might sound like a lovely idea, but it’s not often considered a “career” for many of us. But is that idea still true? In the US alone there’s an all-time high of dog ownership, a record 63 million pups in need of walkies,with spending on our canine friends set to reach a whopping $110 billion.

In this thriving marketplace, could dog walking be the new side hustle for you?

Many owners choose a dog because of the companionship they offer, as well as the ability to stay active and spend quality time with an adorable furry face. But what happens when you put money into the mix too and make dog walking a paid profession?

What are the advantages of dog walking?

Flexibility - you can become your own boss,even for a few hours of your day. You can decide your walking times and your rates. If you’ve got young kids and want to go part-time at your day job, that can be pretty appealing.

Exercise- staying active for more hours in your dayis only a good thing. It’s great for your health, mental wellbeing and your family too - if they come along. If your day job is sitting at a computer at home all day, then it’s an ideal break!

Socialization - your own dog can reap the rewards of lots of socialization with other dogs. And once you get back home, or return to your other job, you’ll be able to relax, knowing all that stimulation has left your pup happy and snoozing.

What are the advantages of dog walking?

Flexibility - you can become your own boss,even for a few hours of your day. You can decide your walking times and your rates. If you’ve got young kids and want to go part-time at your day job, that can be pretty appealing.

Exercise- staying active for more hours in your dayis only a good thing. It’s great for your health, mental wellbeing and your family too - if they come along. If your day job is sitting at a computer at home all day, then it’s an ideal break!

Socialization - your own dog can reap the rewards of lots of socialization with other dogs. And once you get back home, or return to your other job, you’ll be able to relax, knowing all that stimulation has left your pup happy and snoozing.

Small Startup Costs– in theory, there aren’t any costs. However, if you want to be fully protected, some public liability insurance is prudent. You might also need to subscribe to some apps (like Rover) to meet customers, or post some flyers up.Still, that's a relatively small input compared to other business ideas.

Helping Others- as a pet parent yourself, you know the guilt of feeling like you aren’t able to give your dog enough attention. So by offering a reliable and friendly walking service,you are helping relieve other owners of that guilt.

A Decent Wage- you can make anything between $16-$30 an hourdepending on your rates, clientele and experience. Not bad!

Small Startup Costs– in theory, there aren’t any costs. However, if you want to be fully protected, some public liability insurance is prudent. You might also need to subscribe to some apps (like Rover) to meet customers, or post some flyers up.Still, that's a relatively small input compared to other business ideas.

Helping Others- as a pet parent yourself, you know the guilt of feeling like you aren’t able to give your dog enough attention. So by offering a reliable and friendly walking service,you are helping relieve other owners of that guilt.

A Decent Wage- you can make anything between $16-$30 an hourdepending on your rates, clientele and experience. Not bad!

What are the potential cons?

Building Clientele- trust is a big deal in the dog walking world. So building a clientele base means you usually have to start with friends and family.If you are relying on word of mouth and recommendations, this can also take a little time to grow.

Socializing- if your dog doesn’t get on well with other dogs, it might be good to give this idea a miss. Group walks aren’t everyone’s style and the last thing you want is fights breaking out on your lunch break!

Poo Bags - endless poo bags.That’s right, if you are squeamish about your own dog’s number 2s you might not fancy picking up after someone else's pooch...

What are the potential cons?

Building Clientele- trust is a big deal in the dog walking world. So building a clientele base means you usually have to start with friends and family.If you are relying on word of mouth and recommendations, this can also take a little time to grow.

Socializing- if your dog doesn’t get on well with other dogs, it might be good to give this idea a miss. Group walks aren’t everyone’s style and the last thing you want is fights breaking out on your lunch break!

Poo Bags - endless poo bags.That’s right, if you are squeamish about your own dog’s number 2s you might not fancy picking up after someone else's pooch...

Area- bear in mind that urban areas usually have a higher demandthan rural areas, meaning rates are usually higher in cities (not a bad thing if you *are* the dog walker, not so much fun if you *need* a dog walker.)

Weather- if you are down to walk someone's dog, you’ll have to do it come rain or shine! So consider if you have the rugged nature to get out, no matter the weather.

Experience - can you handle all shapes and sizes of dogs? Are you strong enough to walk 3-4 at a time? Be honest about what you can and can’t handle to avoid any mishaps.

Responsibility - if a dog is sick or unwell on your watch, it’s your job to get them to the vet as fast as you can! It also means keeping the dogs in your care under control at all times - no chasing, aggression or fighting should be allowed on your watch.

Area- bear in mind that urban areas usually have a higher demandthan rural areas, meaning rates are usually higher in cities (not a bad thing if you *are* the dog walker, not so much fun if you *need* a dog walker.)

Weather- if you are down to walk someone's dog, you’ll have to do it come rain or shine! So consider if you have the rugged nature to get out, no matter the weather.

Experience - can you handle all shapes and sizes of dogs? Are you strong enough to walk 3-4 at a time? Be honest about what you can and can’t handle to avoid any mishaps.

Responsibility - if a dog is sick or unwell on your watch, it’s your job to get them to the vet as fast as you can! It also means keeping the dogs in your care under control at all times - no chasing, aggression or fighting should be allowed on your watch.

Flexibility- most owners will want their dogs walked between the hours of 11am-2pm to break up the dog’s day. If you have a remote or freelancing lifestyle, this might work just fine, but if you aren’t able to do lunch hour walksyou might want to think again. Perhaps you could consider getting into pet sitting or daycare instead?

Admin- there’s some extra paperwork to take into account, such as declaring this extra income, tax returns and insurance documentsetc. So bear in mind you might be adding a few more tasks to your to-do list.

Still excited about the prospect of some extra cash and a few walking buddies? Here’s how to get started:

Ask Around- chances are that you know someone, who knows someone, who knows someone looking for a local dog walker.

Flexibility- most owners will want their dogs walked between the hours of 11am-2pm to break up the dog’s day. If you have a remote or freelancing lifestyle, this might work just fine, but if you aren’t able to do lunch hour walksyou might want to think again. Perhaps you could consider getting into pet sitting or daycare instead?

Admin- there’s some extra paperwork to take into account, such as declaring this extra income, tax returns and insurance documentsetc. So bear in mind you might be adding a few more tasks to your to-do list.

Still excited about the prospect of some extra cash and a few walking buddies? Here’s how to get started:

Ask Around- chances are that you know someone, who knows someone, who knows someone looking for a local dog walker.

Advertise Locally - if no-one comes through via word of mouth, try some posters or flyersat local dog hotspots like the park, your vets or dog-friendly shops.

Use Social Media- utilize the power of social media,find places to post your services, like local Facebook Groups.

Read Up - being aware of the general rules and regulations surrounding dog etiquette and dog walking in your state is a great idea. Some areas may even have limits on the number of dogs you can walk at one time, for example.

Introduce Your Own Dog- try to meet any new dogs before your first walk, and introduce your own dog to make sure they are compatible.

Advertise Locally - if no-one comes through via word of mouth, try some posters or flyersat local dog hotspots like the park, your vets or dog-friendly shops.

Use Social Media- utilize the power of social media,find places to post your services, like local Facebook Groups.

Read Up - being aware of the general rules and regulations surrounding dog etiquette and dog walking in your state is a great idea. Some areas may even have limits on the number of dogs you can walk at one time, for example.

Introduce Your Own Dog- try to meet any new dogs before your first walk, and introduce your own dog to make sure they are compatible.

A side hustle can pay for that much-needed holiday, or even just some extra toys for your furry friend! We hope this guide helps you work out whether dog walking could be a good side hustle for you,or if you are much happier simply walking your own canine companion as they are. After all, they’ll love your undivided attention!