Dog Walker Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of a busy lifestyle, the need for dog walkers has never been greater.

As more people become pet owners, the demand for reliable, caring individuals who can assist in maintaining their pet’s health and happiness grows.

But let’s dig a bit deeper: What’s truly expected from a dog walker?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the demands and rewards of this role,
• A pet owner searching for the perfect person to entrust your furry friend to,
• Or simply intrigued by the profession of dog walking,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive dog walker job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or pet service websites.

Let’s jump right into it.

Dog Walker Duties and Responsibilities

Dog Walkers provide care for dogs by taking them for walks regularly, ensuring their physical activity needs are met.

They may also perform additional tasks related to pet care depending on the clients’ needs.

Dog Walkers duties and responsibilities include:

• Regularly exercising dogs by taking them on walks, playing with them and engaging in physical activities
• Following agreed-upon routes and schedules for walks
• Feeding and providing water for dogs as per the owners’ instructions
• Monitoring dogs’ health conditions and reporting any changes or concerns to the owners
• Cleaning up after the dogs during walks
• Administering medication if required and instructed by the owner
• Ensuring the safety of the dogs under their care during walks
• Providing updates to dog owners about their pet’s behavior, activities, and any other relevant information
• Maintain control over dogs to prevent fights with other animals or accidents

 

Dog Walker Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a reliable and friendly Dog Walker to join our team.

The Dog Walker will be responsible for taking client’s dogs out for regular walks, ensuring their physical needs are met, and providing them with companionship.

The Dog Walker should be able to handle dogs of various sizes and breeds and ensure their safety and well-being at all times.

 

Responsibilities

• Walk multiple dogs varying in size and breed
• Ensure pets have fresh water and food
• Pick up and dispose of dog waste during walks
• Follow specific instructions for each dog’s care
• Monitor the dogs’ behavior, health conditions and report to the owners
• Maintain control over dogs to ensure their safety
• Provide companionship for the dogs

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a professional dog walker or similar role is preferred
• Ability to handle multiple dogs and walk for a long duration
• Familiarity with basic training commands
• Knowledge of dog behavior, needs and comfort with all breeds and sizes
• Access to reliable transportation
• Excellent physical fitness and stamina

 

Benefits

• Flexible working hours
• On-the-job training
• Opportunity to work outdoors
• Getting to spend time with dogs of all breeds and sizes

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Dog Walker
• Work Environment: This role primarily involves outdoor work and walking in all weather conditions. The ability to walk long distances and handle large, active dogs is essential.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Dog Walking Service Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $15 to $25 per hour
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Part-time/Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Dog Walker Do?

Dog Walkers are professionals who provide exercise for clients’ dogs.

They are usually hired by dog owners who may not have the time or physical ability to walk their dogs as often as needed.

Dog Walkers typically pick up dogs from their homes, take them on one or more walks a day, and then return them home safely.

The length, location, and duration of these walks can vary based on the dog’s health, breed, and age.

They are responsible for maintaining control over the dogs, ensuring their safety and well-being during the walk.

They also must be prepared to handle any emergencies that may arise, such as dog fights or health crises.

Dog Walkers may also be tasked with providing water for the dogs during walks, cleaning up after them, and sometimes even offering simple training or reinforcing training that the owners are working on.

In addition to the physical exercise, Dog Walkers also provide important mental stimulation for dogs by allowing them to explore new environments.

Some Dog Walkers may offer additional services such as pet sitting, overnight care, or pet transportation.

In all cases, they are expected to treat the dogs with kindness and respect, while also fulfilling the requirements set by the dog owners.

 

Dog Walker Qualifications and Skills

A proficient dog walker should have the qualifications and skills that meet your requirements, such as:

• Deep knowledge of different dog breeds, their behaviour, needs, and health issues.
• Physical stamina to walk for extended periods, sometimes with multiple dogs of varying sizes and strengths.
• Patience and calm demeanor to handle dogs that may be difficult or untrained.
• Problem-solving skills to handle any situations that may arise during walks, like aggressive animals or sudden health issues.
• Excellent time-management skills to maintain regular schedules and manage multiple clients.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships with the dogs and their owners.
• Understanding of basic training commands and techniques to maintain control over the dogs during walks.
• Reliability and trustworthiness, as they are often given access to clients’ homes.
• A love of animals and a sincere interest in their well-being.
• First Aid skills, particularly canine-specific, can be a significant advantage.
• Ability to handle emergencies and unexpected situations responsibly and calmly.

 

Dog Walker Experience Requirements

Potential dog walkers typically do not need a formal education in order to enter into this line of work.

However, they must have a general knowledge of different dog breeds and their respective behaviors, as well as an understanding of basic dog training techniques and methods.

This knowledge can be obtained through personal experience as a dog owner, volunteer work at animal shelters, or even through pet sitting.

For entry-level dog walking roles, employers often look for candidates with at least 6 months to 1 year of experience in dog handling, whether that be through pet ownership, volunteering, or previous employment.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience may be entrusted with more responsibilities, such as dog training, caring for special needs dogs, or handling a larger number of dogs at once.

These professionals have often worked in roles such as dog daycare attendant, vet assistant, or pet groomer, which provide relevant experience in animal care.

Those with over 5 years of experience in dog handling and care may be ready for managerial roles in pet care services, or to start their own dog walking business.

They often have a proven track record of working with a wide variety of dog breeds and temperaments, and may also have certifications in animal care or training.

 

Dog Walker Education and Training Requirements

While formal education is not strictly necessary to become a dog walker, a high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred.

Candidates with a background in veterinary studies, animal behavior, or related fields may have an edge.

Key skills required include familiarity with dogs of different breeds, understanding their behavior patterns, and knowing how to handle them safely and effectively.

Most dog walkers start their training on the job, learning about different breeds, their temperaments, and the specific needs of each dog.

First aid training, specifically for pets, can be very beneficial for a dog walker to handle emergencies.

This can be achieved through specific pet first aid courses or certifications.

Some cities require dog walkers to be licensed and insured.

The requirements for these may vary, so it’s important to check local ordinances.

Additional certifications, such as the Professional Dog Walker Certification Program, are available and can demonstrate a candidate’s commitment to the profession.

Continuous learning about dog behavior, new training techniques, and updates on local regulations is valuable for those pursuing this career.

 

Dog Walker Salary Expectations

The average wage for a dog walker is around $15.75 (USD) per hour.

However, earnings can vary greatly based on factors such as the number of dogs walked at once, hours worked, location, and the individual company or clients.

Additionally, dog walkers who offer extra services such as pet sitting or overnight care can potentially earn more.

 

Dog Walker Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Dog Walker need?

A Dog Walker should have a genuine love for animals and be comfortable interacting with dogs of different breeds and sizes.

They should have good physical stamina as the job involves walking for long distances.

A good understanding of dog behavior and dog handling skills are also essential.

They should be punctual, reliable and able to cope with unexpected situations like bad weather or a dog becoming ill.

 

Do Dog Walkers need any specific qualifications or certifications?

While no specific qualifications are required to become a Dog Walker, certification courses from recognized pet organizations or associations can be beneficial.

It can provide a Dog Walker with knowledge on pet first aid, understanding dog behavior and handling techniques.

Some clients may prefer a Dog Walker who has such certifications.

 

What should you look for in a Dog Walker resume?

A Dog Walker’s resume should showcase their experience with dogs, which could include previous dog walking jobs, volunteering at animal shelters, or relevant certifications.

Other details to look for include the ability to perform tasks like administering medication or dealing with dogs that have specific behavioral issues.

Also, look for skills like punctuality, reliability, and good physical health.

 

What qualities make a good Dog Walker?

A good Dog Walker is patient, calm, and adaptable, as dogs can be unpredictable and each one will have its own unique personality and needs.

They should be physically fit and enjoy outdoor activities regardless of the weather.

A genuine love for animals, particularly dogs, is a must.

They should also be responsible and trustworthy, as they will often be entrusted with the care of a client’s beloved pet.

 

Is it difficult to find qualified Dog Walkers?

Hiring a qualified Dog Walker can be challenging, particularly in areas with high demand.

While there are many individuals who love dogs and would enjoy this type of work, it’s important to find someone who is reliable, trustworthy, and capable of handling unexpected situations.

Experience and any related certifications are also important considerations when hiring a Dog Walker.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the world of what it really means to be a dog walker.

Guess what?

It’s not just about walking dogs.

It’s about providing care, companionship, and an enriched life to man’s best friend, one walk at a time.

With our comprehensive dog walker job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the lead.

But why put a leash on it there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next paw-step towards precision-crafted listings or tailoring your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every walk is a part of a dog’s journey to happiness.

Let’s walk this path. Together.

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