How to Make Extra Money as a Dog Walker With Wag

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If you’ve ever found yourself wishing you could make a little extra money without picking up another soul-sucking shift, you’re not alone. Side hustles are having a moment, and one of the easiest ways to earn some extra cash is by walking dogs. If you love being outside and you love dogs, then Wag might be right up your alley.

Wag connects dog owners with walkers who can help out when life gets busy, turning your free time into paid walks around your neighborhood. You choose when you’re available, which dogs you want to walk, and how often you want to work, no long-term commitment required. Basically, it’s flexibility plus fresh air, with wagging tails as a bonus.

Whether you’re saving for something specific or just want a little more breathing room in your budget, this side hustle is a surprisingly simple way to earn while doing something that doesn’t feel like “work.”

About Wag

Wag is a pet care marketplace that connects dog owners with caregivers for services like walks, drop-ins, sitting, and boarding. For pet parents, the appeal is speed and visibility. They can request a walk, get matched, and then track the route with GPS.

Wag was founded in 2015 in Los Angeles and is currently headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Over the years, it has grown into a large network, serving over 5,300 cities and more than 150,000 vetted caregivers.

How Does Wag Work?

As a walker, you create a profile in the Wag app, complete a background check, and set your availability. Once approved, you can browse nearby walk requests that match your schedule, including on-demand, scheduled, and recurring walks. Each request shows key details like the dog’s size, temperament notes, walking location, and pay, so you can decide which walks you want to accept.

When you accept a walk, the app guides you through the entire process. You receive the owner’s instructions, access information, and any special care notes. During the walk, you use the app to start and end the service, track the route with GPS, and log things like pee, poop, food, or water. This helps keep owners informed in real time and provides a record of the walk.

After the walk, you leave a report card with notes and photos for the owner, which helps build trust and improve your ratings. Over time, strong reviews and reliability can help you get more walk requests and, in some cases, preferred or recurring clients.

Wag handles payments, so you’re paid through the app without exchanging money directly with owners. Money earned shows in your Wag account balance until the next payout window. Payments are processed weekly via Stripe and are deposited directly into your bank account.

 

How Much Do Dog Walkers Make With Wag?

Dog walkers using the Wag platform typically earn money as independent contractors, and how much you make can vary a lot depending on your location, how many gigs you take, the types of services you offer, and how much you get tipped.

For basic walks, many caregivers report earning around $12 to $20 for a 20-minute walk, about $17 to $27 for a 30-minute walk, and roughly $25 to $37 for a 60-minute walk before tips.

Overnight services like pet sitting or boarding can pay significantly more, often $30 to $70 or more per night, depending on the market and the number of pets.

Tips from pet owners can add to these base amounts, and walkers keep 100% of the tips they receive.

Overall, the amount you make will depend heavily on how much work you accept and how busy your area is. Some Wag walkers report earning around $16 to $20 per hour on average, though actual hourly income can fluctuate with demand and travel time between jobs.

Many walkers treat it as a part-time gig, earning a few hundred dollars per week, while a smaller number who consistently fill their schedule with walks and other services can bring in $1,000+ per month or more.

Keep in mind that Wag deducts a commission from service fees (often around 40%), so the amount you keep after that cut and any optional platform fees can affect your take-home pay.

How to Sign Up With Wag

Signing up as a dog walker with Wag is a straightforward process designed to get you on the road quickly while keeping pet safety front and center.

To begin, download the Wag app or visit the Wag website and choose the option to sign up as a caregiver. You’ll create an account with your basic information and start building a profile that highlights your experience with dogs, availability, and the types of services you want to offer, such as walks, drop-ins, or sittings.

Next, Wag will guide you through a brief application process. This includes answering questions about your pet care background, agreeing to safety guidelines, and completing a background check. These steps help ensure trust and reliability across the platform.

Once approved, you can set your schedule, choose your preferred walking radius, and start receiving walk requests directly through the app.

After you’re live, everything is managed in one place, from accepting walks and navigating to clients’ homes to tracking walks and receiving payments.

Tips for Success on Wag

Succeeding as a dog walker with Wag starts with building trust and delivering great experiences on every walk.

A complete, thoughtful profile helps pet parents feel confident choosing you, so be sure to highlight your experience, reliability, and love for dogs. Once you start booking walks, showing up on time, following care instructions closely, and sending clear updates through the app can make a big difference. Consistent, positive reviews are one of the fastest ways to stand out and get more requests.

Communication and professionalism are just as important as your time with the dog. Respond promptly to walk requests, keep pet parents informed with notes and photos, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if something is unclear. Treat each walk as an opportunity to build a long-term relationship, even if it’s a one-time booking. Pet parents are far more likely to rebook walkers who are friendly, dependable, and attentive to their dog’s unique needs.

Finally, take advantage of Wag’s flexibility and tools to grow your success. Set a schedule that works for you, choose a walking radius you can manage comfortably, and accept walks that fit your experience level.

Over time, being consistent, communicative, and genuinely caring will help you earn higher ratings, more bookings, and a strong reputation on the platform.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a flexible way to earn extra cash, dog walking with Wag checks a lot of boxes. You get to set your own schedule, spend time outdoors, and hang out with dogs, while still getting paid.

Whether it’s a side hustle between classes, around a full-time job, or just something fun to do for extra income, Wag makes it easy to fit walks into your day.

So, if you love dogs and want a simple, flexible way to boost your income, Wag is a great place to start.

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