By Crawler News 
Hey there! Love dogs? Enjoy being outside? Want to make some extra cash? Well, walking dogs might just be your dream side hustle — and in 2025, it’s more popular (and profitable) than ever.
Whether you’re a student, a stay-at-home parent, or just someone looking to make money doing something chill and fun, dog walking is a legit way to earn while hanging with furry friends.
And the best part? You don’t need a degree, a ton of experience, or even a car to get started.
Let’s dig into everything you need to know to start making money walking dogs — step by step!
First off, let’s talk about why so many people are turning to dog walking for extra income:
- Flexible hours – Walk when you want, where you want.
- Great exercise – Get paid to move your body.
- No desk required – Fresh air > office cubicles.
- Easy to start – No big investment needed.
- Low stress – Dogs are usually better coworkers than humans, let’s be real.
Plus, with more people working long hours or traveling, the demand for dog walkers is only going up. You’re not just offering a service — you’re solving a real need.
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It depends on a few things:
- Your location (big cities usually pay more)
- Your experience
- Length of the walk
- Number of dogs
On average in the U.S., dog walkers earn:
- $15 to $25 for a 30-minute walk
- $30 to $50 for a 60-minute walk
- Some walkers charge extra for multiple dogs or weekends
Walk 2–3 dogs a day for an hour each, and you’re looking at $600–$1,200/month on the side. Not bad for just walking around!
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Here’s how you can hit the ground (paw) running:
There are some great apps that connect dog owners with walkers in their area. A few big names:
- Rover – The most popular one. Easy to use, great support, and lots of bookings.
- Wag! – Also very well-known, especially in bigger cities.
- PetBacker – Growing quickly and includes more than just walking.
You’ll need to:
- Set up a profile
- Add photos
- Write a little bio (why you love dogs!)
- Pass a background check
- Set your availability and rates
Once you’re approved, people in your area can start booking you!
Don’t just rely on apps — go old school too.
- Make flyers and post them at pet stores, coffee shops, parks, or apartment bulletin boards.
- Tell friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Word-of-mouth works!
- Offer your first few walks at a discounted rate to build trust and get referrals.
Having an online presence (even just an Instagram) can make you look more professional and trustworthy.
Post pics of happy dogs you’ve walked (with owner permission, of course) and share short testimonials. It helps new clients feel more comfortable hiring you.
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Here’s a quick gear list to keep things safe and smooth:
- Leash & backup leash
- Poop bags (always!)
- Treats (helps with bonding)
- Water bottle + collapsible bowl (especially in summer)
- Phone with GPS (for maps and client updates)
Some dog walkers also carry pet first-aid kits or pepper spray just in case. Safety first!
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Don’t undersell yourself! Look at what other walkers charge in your city and go from there.
Beginners can start at around:
- $15 for 30 minutes
- $25–30 for an hour
You can also offer packages like:
- 5 walks/week = 10% discount
- Dog walking + pet sitting = bundled pricing
Pro Tip: Add extra charges for weekends, holidays, or walking more than one dog at a time.
If you want repeat clients (and you do!), follow these tips:
- Be on time – Always.
- Send photo updates – Pet parents love seeing their dogs happy.
- Follow instructions – Some dogs have special needs.
- Respect the home – If you’re picking up dogs from houses, be neat and polite.
- Leave a note or treat – Small gestures = big loyalty.
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Okay, a tiny bit of serious talk.
- Liability Insurance – Rover and Wag! usually offer coverage, but it’s good to double-check.
- Business License – Some cities require it, so check your local laws.
- Taxes – Yep, even dog money is taxable. Keep records and consider filing as a sole proprietor or freelancer.
Once you’ve got a few clients and feel confident, you can start growing:
- Hire extra walkers and manage bookings
- Add services like pet sitting, dog training, or grooming
- Create subscription packages or loyalty programs
- Partner with local pet shops or vets for referrals
Who knows? Your side hustle could turn into a full-time gig!
If you love animals, enjoy the outdoors, and want flexible income — yes, it’s absolutely worth it.
It’s not “get rich quick,” but it’s a fun, steady, and satisfying way to earn extra cash without being stuck behind a desk. And the wagging tails? Bonus!
Yes! Many people earn $15–$30 per walk. Regular clients or group walks can increase your income even more.
No formal qualifications are needed, but being reliable, kind to animals, and physically active definitely helps. Some platforms may run a background check.
You can start on apps like Rover, Wag!, or Care.com. You can also advertise locally on Facebook, community boards, or even Nextdoor.
Beginners usually earn $10–$20 per walk. With more experience or multiple dogs, you could earn $500–$1000/month part-time.
Yes, it’s generally safe, especially if you stick to well-trained dogs and walk in familiar neighborhoods. Always meet the dog (and owner) first to be sure.
Dog walking in 2025 is more than just a walk in the park — it’s a real income opportunity. Whether you’re doing it part-time or dreaming of turning it into a pet business, the demand is there, and it’s growing.
So, grab that leash, lace up your sneakers, and go meet some pups. Your next payday might just have four legs and a wagging tail!
Stay tuned on CrawlerNews.com for more smart, simple, and fun money-making tips!