Dog Walker

Also called: Pet Walker

Walks dogs for owners who are at work or traveling, through apps like Rover or their own business, and sends owners updates and photos.

A day in the life

She walks six groups of dogs a day around the neighborhood, sends owners photos through an app, and gives water and treats.

Pay over a career

Starting
$15k
Typical
$30k
High
$55k

Often part-time or a side gig.

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

No formal education, about 0 years after high school. No formal education; insurance and bonding recommended.

Ways in: On-the-job training, Self-taught. Training cost: Under $15k.

Outlook

Growing much faster than average (about 11% over 10 years).

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk for 10 years. Apps like Rover handle bookings; walking dogs outdoors in all weather stays a human job.

Could start right away

Age 14+. One way to start: Offer walks to neighbors with flyers or a Nextdoor post; Rover and Wag accounts need you to be 18

Start now, in high school

Classes: Animal science (FFA/Ag CTE), Physical education, Business.

Official data: O*NET occupation 39-2021.

More Pet Care Services careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.