Professional Dog Walker Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s busy world, the demand for professional dog walkers has never been greater.

As our lifestyles become increasingly hectic, the need for compassionate and skilled individuals who can provide necessary exercise and care for our four-legged friends continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a professional dog walker?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the profile of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the day-to-day life of a professional dog walker,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable professional dog walker job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Professional Dog Walker Duties and Responsibilities

Professional Dog Walkers are responsible for providing exercise for their client’s dogs each day.

They are also responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of the dogs in their care.

The daily duties and responsibilities of a Professional Dog Walker may include:

• Picking up dogs from their homes at a designated time
• Walking dogs individually or in small groups
• Ensuring each dog gets the required amount of exercise
• Cleaning up after the dogs during walks
• Observing the dogs’ behavior, health, and overall wellbeing
• Providing fresh water and meals, as instructed by the owner
• Administering medication if required
• Returning dogs to their owners and reporting on their behavior during the walk
• Adhering to local laws related to dog walking, including leash laws and waste removal
• Handling emergencies with calmness and professionalism
• Maintaining client confidentiality and respecting privacy

 

Professional Dog Walker Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a reliable, detail-oriented, and friendly professional dog walker to join our team.

The dog walker’s responsibilities include traveling to clients’ homes to take dogs out for walks, providing food and water, and providing companionship.

The candidate should be able to handle dogs of all sizes and have a deep love for animals.

 

Responsibilities

• Walk dogs according to a pre-determined schedule
• Ensure pets have ample food and water supply
• Collect and dispose of dog waste during walks
• Provide companionship for the dogs
• Monitor dogs’ physical condition during walks and report any unusual behaviors or symptoms
• Manage emergency situations such as injuries or illnesses
• Follow special instructions from dog owners regarding dog handling

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience in pet care, dog walking or animal welfare is preferred
• Strong understanding of dog behavior and breeds
• Reliable transportation to travel to clients’ homes
• Physical ability to walk and control dogs of various sizes
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
• First Aid and CPR certification for pets is a plus
• High school diploma or equivalent

 

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Flexible schedule
• Employee discount on pet supplies
• Opportunities for advancement

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professional Dog Walker
• Work Environment: Outdoor, in all weather conditions
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Pet Services Manager
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $15 per hour minimum to $25 per hour maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Part-time or 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 brief introduction explaining why you would be a great fit for this role to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Professional Dog Walker Do?

A Professional Dog Walker is a specialized service provider who takes care of dogs by walking them for their daily exercise needs.

They are responsible for picking up dogs from their owners’ homes, taking them on pre-determined or varied routes for walks, and ensuring they get the right amount of physical activity and playtime.

This may involve jogging, running, or playing fetch games with the dogs.

Professional Dog Walkers are also responsible for maintaining the dogs’ safety during the walks.

They use leashes, harnesses, or muzzles if necessary, and are vigilant of potential threats such as aggressive animals or hazardous objects.

In addition to physical activity, they might also be responsible for basic dog training during these walks, reinforcing commands like sit, stay, and heel.

Some Professional Dog Walkers may also provide additional services, such as feeding the dogs, providing them with water, or even administering medication if needed.

Furthermore, they must maintain regular communication with the dog owners, providing updates on their pets’ behavior, health, or any incidents that may occur during the walks.

Ultimately, a Professional Dog Walker’s job is to ensure the dogs under their care are healthy, happy, and well-exercised while their owners are away or busy.

 

Professional Dog Walker Qualifications and Skills

A professional dog walker should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Possessing a genuine love and understanding for dogs, as well as knowledge about different breeds and their specific needs.
• Physical fitness and stamina that allows them to handle long walks and manage dogs of various sizes and energy levels.
• Patience and calm demeanor to handle dogs in a variety of situations, including encounters with other dogs or unexpected events.
• Excellent time management skills to ensure all dogs are given adequate time for their walk and are picked up and dropped off at the agreed times.
• Good communication skills to effectively interact with dog owners, understand their specific requests, and provide updates on their pet’s behavior and health.
• Problem-solving skills to handle any unexpected situations that may arise during a walk, such as a dog becoming ill or refusing to walk.
• Possessing a basic understanding of dog first aid and the ability to react quickly and efficiently in case of emergencies.
• Demonstrating reliability and trustworthiness to reassure dog owners that their pets are in safe hands.

 

Professional Dog Walker Experience Requirements

For entry-level professional dog walker roles, no specific experience may be required.

However, a demonstrable love for dogs, an understanding of basic animal behavior, and the ability to handle dogs of different sizes and breeds is generally a prerequisite.

Some candidates may have gained experience through walking dogs of friends or family or through volunteering in animal shelters.

These experiences can greatly improve their ability to work with dogs professionally.

For dog walkers with 1-2 years of experience, they often have a more developed understanding of dog behavior, are skilled in handling dogs of all sizes and temperaments, and are knowledgeable in basic pet first aid and emergency protocols.

Professional dog walkers with more than 3 years of experience are generally expected to have developed effective dog handling skills and have solid knowledge of dog care and safety.

They often have experience dealing with dogs with special needs and behavior issues.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience, having managed teams of dog walkers or run their own dog walking business.

At this level, they may be ready to take on managerial roles in a professional dog walking company or start their own dog walking service.

 

Professional Dog Walker Education and Training Requirements

Professional Dog Walkers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent education.

Although not mandatory, having a degree in animal science, veterinary technology, or a related field can be beneficial.

Certification programs for aspiring professional dog walkers are available and recommended.

These programs cover subjects like animal behavior, business management, and first aid for pets.

Completing these courses helps in enhancing the knowledge and skills required for this role.

Most importantly, professional dog walkers must have extensive experience in handling dogs of different breeds and temperaments.

This can be achieved through personal pet ownership or work experience in pet care roles such as pet sitting, vet assistance, or volunteer work at animal shelters.

In addition, professional dog walkers should be physically fit as the job requires considerable walking and sometimes running.

Lastly, certain cities require professional dog walkers to be licensed.

This typically involves passing a test on dog handling skills and knowledge about local laws related to dog walking.

Continuing education, such as attending workshops and seminars on dog behavior and training, is also beneficial for career advancement and staying updated with the latest practices in the industry.

 

Professional Dog Walker Salary Expectations

A Professional Dog Walker earns an average wage of $15.62 (USD) per hour.

The actual earnings can differ significantly depending on the number of dogs walked, the location of the service, and the walker’s level of experience and reputation.

 

Professional Dog Walker Job Description FAQs

What skills does a professional dog walker need?

Professional dog walkers need to have strong physical endurance to walk multiple dogs for various distances and periods of time.

They should also possess good communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with clients about their pets’ needs.

An understanding of dog behavior and the ability to handle emergencies effectively is also crucial.

 

Do professional dog walkers require any specific qualifications?

While there are no formal qualifications necessary, it would be advantageous for professional dog walkers to have a certification in pet first aid or pet care.

Training in dog behavior or dog obedience can also be beneficial.

Above all, experience with handling dogs and a genuine love for animals are key.

 

What should you look for in a professional dog walker resume?

Look for experience with handling and caring for dogs.

Any certifications in pet care, first aid or related fields should be highlighted.

Additionally, check for references from previous clients or employers to ascertain reliability, trustworthiness, and the level of responsibility the applicant has displayed in past roles.

 

What qualities make a good professional dog walker?

A good professional dog walker is physically fit, reliable, and has a genuine love for animals.

They are calm and patient, able to handle dogs of various sizes and temperaments.

They are also responsible, trustworthy, and have good problem-solving skills to handle any situations that may arise during walks.

 

Is it difficult to hire professional dog walkers?

The challenge in hiring professional dog walkers lies in finding individuals who are trustworthy, reliable, and have the necessary experience and love for animals.

Since dog walkers are often entrusted with house keys and the care of loved pets, it is important to conduct thorough background checks and reference checks.

Offering a competitive pay rate can also help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And so, we’ve reached the end of our journey.

Today, we’ve uncovered the true essence of being a professional dog walker.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about walking dogs.

It’s about building a bond with man’s best friend, one step at a time.

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

But why halt the momentum?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next stride towards creating pinpoint-accurate listings or refining your resume to near perfection.

Keep in mind:

Each step taken with a dog is a part of a greater journey.

Let’s embark on that journey. Together.