Dog walkers can either be independent business owners or part of a larger dog-walking business. They are typically paid by the half hour or by the hour which allows dog owners to get out of the house and do errands, work overtime, or take some time away.
What does a dog walker do?
Dog walkers walk dogs for clients and follow agreed-upon routes and schedules. They provide food and water, and dispose of waste products. They provide companionship during work hours or vacation absences as well. They are also responsible for taking pets to the veterinarian in the event of an emergency.
What qualifications do you need to be a dog walker?
Whist there are no specific qualifications required to become a dog walker/pet sitter, having qualifications in areas such as animal first aid, animal behaviour, or animal care, will enhance your professional standing.
Can you make a career out of dog walking?
Professional dog walkers are paid animal care and service workers who take other people’s dogs on outings for a defined period. Dog walkers may be independent or work for a dedicated business. Some dog walkers take one dog out at a time for walks, and others may take multiple dogs on each outing.
How to Become A Dog Walker In South Africa
IT CAN BE A GREAT AND WAY FUN TO EARN EXTRA MONEY.
Dog walking can be an excellent way for both you and the dog to get fresh air and exercise, another good thing it’s great to be doing something you enjoy.
Many dog owners do not have the time to take their dog for daily walks, and this where dog walkers come to the rescue.
Interested on how to become a dog walker in South Africa and get paid?
I hope you love animals; in this case, you must love dogs to become a dog walker anywhere in the world.
Many people are working longer hours and need someone to take their dog for a walk when they cannot do so.
Dog walking can be done full-time, part-time, or you can start your own dog walking business.
You can start a dog walking business or register your service on a dog walking website.
Each dog you walk will have a different personality and temperament.
WHAT IS A DOG WALKER?
A dog walker is a person who walks dogs for a living, either one or more dogs.
As a dog walker, you can work for yourself by managing your own dog walking business, or list your dog walking service online on one of the websites.
WHAT DOES A DOG WALKER DO?
As a dog walker, you will take dogs for their walks when their owners cannot do so.
Dog walkers usually pick the dog up at the owner’s home, and when the walk is over, the dog is returned home.
The dog’s owners will pay the dog walker for his or her services.
You can offer extra services along with being a dog walker.
Additional services to offer are dog sitting, pet taxi service, dog grooming, dog boarding, pet visits and giving the dog medication.
HOW TO BECOME A DOG WALKER WITH NO EXPERIENCE.
If you have no experience, start by offering to walk your family and friends dogs for them.
Be willing to walk dogs for free to gain experience, if your family and friends decide to pay you that is a bonus.
HOW TO BECOME A DOG WALKER?
This is more for people who already have some experience.
There are many websites you can join and list your services on.
If you decide to register your services on a website, you will have to pay a percentage of your earnings or a fee to register.
Always read the terms and conditions and make sure you understand.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BECOME A DOG WALKER?
What you need to become a dog walker along with requirements you may need.
To start with, you must love dogs as well as interacting with dogs.
Be able to handle yourself in all situations that may arise when you are out walking the dogs.
Being fit; it will help you keep up with walking many dogs daily.
A vehicle for transporting the dogs.
Some dog walking websites may require you to have prior experience, references and qualifications like:
Animal first aid
Animal behaviour
Animal care.
How To Become a Dog Walker: 3 Must-Take Steps
Step 1: Go to dog walking school
Dog walking is an unregulated industry; unlike true professional fields like medicine, law, accounting, etc., there is no official body determining whether you can be a dog trainer. But if you’re serious about a career in dog walking, and you care deeply about dogs, you owe it to yourself and them to pursue the best possible education in dog walking and behavior.
Step 2: Get a Dog Training Business Education
If you wish to move beyond working as a dog walking employee, you’ll also need a business education.
If you’re like most dog walkers, it’s a love of dogs that’s brought you here, rather than a burning entrepreneurial spirit. So if the idea of starting and running a dog walking business has you drawing a blank (or, even worse, breaking out in a cold sweat), business learning is your next step.
Step 3: Create a Transition Plan
The idea of starting a dog walking business may be hard to fathom if you’re working full time for a living. It’s one thing to dream about becoming a dog walker. It’s another thing to get from here to there. How do you transition from your current job or career to walking dogs for a living? Is it even possible?
That last question is easy: Yes, it is. We’ve seen dog lovers from every conceivable background make the transition from restaurant and retail workers, to teachers and tech folks, to medical doctors and marketing execs.
How much do dog walkers get paid in South Africa?
R68,894 (ZAR)/yr.
What qualifications do you need to be a dog walker?
Whist there are no specific qualifications required to become a dog walker/pet sitter, having qualifications in areas such as animal first aid, animal behaviour, or animal care, will enhance your professional standing.
How do I become a dog walker in South Africa?
Dog Walker Requirements
Must be able to handle dogs of all breeds and sizes.
Must be able to stay calm in stressful situations.
Must be fit enough to walk/run for over 45 minutes.
Must have a vehicle to transport dogs.
Must currently own or have at least 3 years experience with dogs.
Must own/have access to a camera or gopro.
How much do pet sitters get paid in South Africa?
Anything between R250 and R750 per day is considered fair for house or pet sitters. At the end of the day, you want the person staying in your home and caring for your fur-babies to be as happy and comfortable as possible.
Is pet sitting a good job?
A dog sitter is a reliable professional people contact when they don’t have time to care for their own pets. In addition to bringing joy to the hearts of pets, dog sitters also have fun doing the job each day. Pet sitting is a lucrative and rewarding career that is suitable for animal lovers.
How much should you pay someone to feed your dog?
Charge by the hour, usually 12-15 dollars an hour is good for base pay. But if it’s just feeding and nothing else, then you might be able to lessen the costs.
How much should I pay someone to feed my cat 2021?
The average national cost of a 30-minute cat sitting service is $23.10. Time To Pet has created a free cat sitting rate calculator to help you set your cat sitting service rates. This tool will help you find the perfect rate based on your location and the services you offer.