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Get Paid to Walk Dogs: 12 Best Sites to Find Dog Walking Gigs

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In today’s fast-paced world, many people are seeking flexible and rewarding ways to earn extra income. Enter the world of dog walking gigs, a booming industry that offers financial benefits and endless tail wags and slobbery kisses.

The demand for reliable and dedicated dog walkers is on the rise, and thanks to the power of technology, finding these opportunities has become easier than ever.

So, if you’re an animal lover who enjoys spending time outdoors and looking for a way to boost your bank account, here are the 12 best sites for finding dog-walking gigs.

What is a Dog Walker and What Do They Do?

A dog walker is someone hired to take dogs for walks, usually regularly. Dog walkers provide a valuable service to owners who may not have the time or physical ability to give their dogs the necessary exercise and outdoor stimulation.

Dog walkers typically charge an hourly rate for their services based on the number of dogs walked and the distance traveled. Dog walkers often take on multiple clients at once, allowing them to maximize their paychecks while also getting plenty of fresh air and exercise.

Typical tasks of a dog walker include:

  • Walking dogs: Dog walkers take dogs for walks, individually or in small groups, depending on the owner’s preferences and the dogs’ compatibility.
  • Exercise and playtime: In addition to walking, dog walkers often engage in playtime with the dogs, which can include activities like fetching, running, or simply providing companionship and interaction.
  • Feeding and giving water: Some dog walkers may also be responsible for feeding the dogs and ensuring they have access to fresh water during their visit.
  • Basic care: Dog walkers may provide basic care, like administering medications or adhering to specific care instructions provided by the dog owner.
  • Monitoring the dog’s well-being: They watch the dog’s health and behavior during the walk, ensuring they are safe and comfortable.
  • Cleaning up after the dogs: Dog walkers are responsible for cleaning up after the dogs they walk, including picking up their waste and disposing of it properly.
  • Providing updates: Many dog walkers communicate with the dog owners, providing updates on how the walk went and any noteworthy observations about the dog’s behavior or health.

How Much Do Dog Walkers Make?

The amount of money a dog walker can make depends on several factors, like the location, number of dogs walked at once, and whether the walker offers additional services. 

According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly pay for dog walkers in the United States is $17.00 per hour. However, experienced dog walkers can earn up to $25 per hour. 

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Best Sites to Find Dog Walking Gigs

1) Rover 

Rover is a popular platform connecting pet owners with pet care providers, including dog walkers, pet sitters, and pet boarders. It allows pet owners to find and book trusted caregivers for their animals when traveling or requiring pet-related services. 

The platform provides a marketplace for people and businesses to offer pet care services and helps pet owners access various options for their pet’s needs.

2) Wag! 

Wag! is an online marketplace for pet care services, including dog walking. It allows dog owners to find and book certified walkers easily in their area. 

Dog walkers can advertise their services on the platform and then connect with interested clients. Wag! also provides secure payments so customers don’t have to worry about exchanging money directly with the dog walker.

3) Care.com  

Care.com is an online platform that connects pet parents with experienced and certified dog walkers in their area. 

The app helps pet owners find the right person to look after their pets by providing detailed profiles of potential dog walkers in their vicinity. 

It offers a convenient and centralized platform for finding trustworthy dog-walking gigs.

4) Fetch Pet Care 

Fetch is an app that helps dog owners find reliable and experienced walkers in their area. 

The platform matches pet owners with the most suitable dog walker for their needs through its database of approved professionals. Customers can also book appointments directly from the app and pay securely online. 

5) PetBacker 

PetBacker is an online platform that connects pet owners with experienced and vetted dog walkers. It allows customers to find nearby professionals who are available for both short-term jobs like dog walking as well as long-term care. 

Users can read reviews from other customers, compare different service providers, and book appointments directly from the platform.

6) Petsitter.com 

Petsitter.com is a pet-care job board that connects pet owners and sitters/walkers in the United States. It lets pet owners search for and book services from local dog walkers and provides resources for people looking to start their own pet-sitting business. 

The platform offers an easy way to find qualified care providers and also allows pet owners to post reviews about the services they used.

7) Holidog 

Holidog is a pet-sitting platform that connects pet owners with pet-care providers. The website allows users to identify and book suitable pet carers, offering services like dog walking, overnight stays, drop-in visits, and more. 

This platform has a range of features that make it easy for pet owners to find reliable sitters and walkers, including the ability to search for carers in their area.

8) Swifto 

Swifto is a dog walking service that connects pet owners with professional dog walkers. 

The service offers scheduled dog walks, real-time GPS tracking, and personalized dog care, ensuring their well-being and exercise needs are met.

9) UrbanSitter 

UrbanSitter is an online platform that connects pet owners with pet caregivers, like dog walkers. It allows users to search for and book suitable pet sitters and walkers in their local area. 

The website also offers services, from one-off dog walking jobs to continuous carers, and provides helpful resources for pet owners.

10) TaskRabbit 

TaskRabbit is an on-demand marketplace where users can hire taskers to complete any kind of job. The platform offers a range of services, from cleaning and delivery to pet care and dog walking. 

It’s a great way for pet owners to find reliable and experienced dog walkers in their area.

11) Steady App

Steady App is a mobile application that provides resources to people seeking flexible side-income opportunities. 

Steady App offers various opportunities for animal lovers, including dog walking gigs. They provide a platform for qualified dog walkers to join, and users can set their own schedules and get paid weekly. 

12) Nextdoor App 

The Nextdoor app is an online community for neighbors to connect. It serves as a private social network for residents of a particular area, allowing them to communicate and collaborate on various neighborhood-related matters. 

Nextdoor provides a marketplace section where users can post jobs or services they need or offer within their local community. Searching for “dog walking gigs” on the Nextdoor app can help you find opportunities posted by neighbors in your area who are looking for dog walkers. 

Final Thoughts

Dog walking can be a great option if you’re looking for a flexible and enjoyable side gig.

With these 12 sites, you can connect with local pet owners and start earning money doing something you love. Whether you prefer on-demand dog walking or setting up recurring bookings with clients, there’s a site out there that will work for you.

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