Side gigs are all the rage these days. If you’re looking to build your side hustle as a dog walker and sitter, you’re in the right place. I initially started dog sitting in 2015 for a little extra grocery money each month, but it turns out the demand is increasing to this day.
Before the pandemic, there was already solid interest and demand for dog care. However, as more people turned to pandemic puppies and adoption, services for animal care have rapidly increased. This means your timing is perfect when it comes to seeking out this side gig! Now, how do you get started? How do you build your clientele? What rates should you charge? Which platforms can you use? These questions will all be answered in my guide below to help you become a confident and established dog walker and sitter.
1. Getting started: build a profile
If you’re starting your side hustle from scratch, without any possible clients, you’ll want to enlist the help of a dog-walking app. If you’re in the US, the top apps for dog walking, sitting, and boarding are Wag Walker and Rover. In Australia, Mad Paws is common app. You can also work with local dog businesses who will give you a certain percentage or cut of each walk.
1. Ask your neighbors and family friends if anyone has a dog they need walked. Try Nextdoor or your local Facebook groups if you don’t have many connections.
2. Sign up for an app like Wag Walker, Rover, or Mad Paws.
So, which app should I use?
In my experience, Wag takes a rumored 40% cut which is very high, whereas Rover takes a 20% cut. Rover allows you to set your own rates, and is a more formal business platform where you manage your own clients and rates. Wag operates like Lyft, so you put out a request for a service, and walkers are notified and can claim them or request the opportunity. Mad Paws is essentially similar to Rover. Nextdoor is free to post and advertise, just be sure to include references, pics, and a friendly description.
You can sign up for both, or try each one and see what works best. Wag is best if you’re new and have no clientele.
Pricing and rates
You should price yourself compared to market rate, which you can check on Rover. Keep in mind the time it takes to travel, and consider how far you want to go. As I became more established in my business, I decided I only wanted to do dogs within walking distance (about a 0.5 radius). This is tiny radius, but it works for me as the cost of gas, time, and traffic can add up quickly in Los Angeles.
2. Expand your clientele
Getting more customers should be the next item on your agenda. It can be hard starting off, especially on Rover when you’re at the bottom rankings of the algorithm with no customers and no reviews. If your customers are satisfied with your service, ask them to refer you to others. Once you start receiving bookings on platforms, you rank higher and become much more favorable. Aim for several clients you really enjoy working with, and who have great dogs you enjoy!
3. Get reviews and referrals
Word-of-mouth is your best friend when it comes to referrals. If you’re just starting out, make sure you ask your new clients to please leave a review if they are satisfied. Every time you receive a positive review, your profile becomes more favorable in the algorithm.
Wondering how to do a great job? Take lots of pictures! Owners love their pets and the more pictures, the better. If you can capture an element of their pet, like a goofy pose or silly habit, they’ll absolutely love it. A happy pet is a happy owner.
4. Stay active
Apps tend to favor profiles that are consistently active – I noticed this because often after a new walk, I would get several incoming requests. If your profile is rated positively, it seems to rank you better in their algorithm of profiles shown. Try not to cancel too often, update your schedule, and keep your profile up-to-date.
5. Tips when selecting clientele
You’re probably wondering if you should really be picky about selecting clients. After all, you’re trying to build your reputation, client list, and credibility right? The wrong client can derail your progress and leave you with a jaded perspective of your side hustle. Trust me, you’ll want to be selective when booking clients.
Meet and greets are a good idea, especially on apps like Rover. You can feel out the owner, meet the dog, and get an understanding of their dog’s needs and expectations. Don’t be afraid to say no if the owner has too many demands, a needy dog, or treats you like a dog trainer and not a walker.
Ask questions: does their dog have triggers? Do they get along with other dogs? How about people and children, should they approach their dog? It’s important to remember you are liable when watching someone else’s fur baby.
BONUS TIP: How to be a great dog walker
- Be reliable: respond to inquiries quickly and consistently
- Communicate: if something goes wrong or is concerning, communicate instantly to the owner
- Share lots of love: update the owners with pictures and videos as much as possible! They love their fur babies and too much is never enough
Remember, apps do not provide coverage or care to walkers. This is great as a side hustle to earn additional income.
Want to see more tips on budgeting? Check out this blog on saving up.
