How to Become a Teenage Dog Walker?

Are you an animal lover and looking to earn a little extra cash? Then dog walking could be for you!

After all, what could be better than spending the day with a bunch of furry friends? Not to mention that sweet, sweet dough you can make. But how to become a teenage dog walker?

It’s pretty simple to get started. But there are a few things to think about before you begin. So, let’s discover some tips and tricks for starting your dog walking business as a teenager.

Do You Need Any Qualifications To Be a Teenage Dog Walker?

Don’t worry! No one needs to pass an exam to qualify as a dog walker. However, there are a few desirable qualities you should have.

First and foremost, you have to love animals! And it will help if you know a bit about their behavior, too. The dogs need to be controlled when they’re out on walks, so a walker needs to know how to handle them.

Fit as a fiddle…

Secondly, dog walkers need to be physically fit. This is a demanding job that requires a lot of stamina. Dogs are energetic creatures, so their handlers must be able to keep up.

And it helps if you’re well-organized, too. Pet owners will expect you to stick to a schedule. If you end up getting a lot of clients, then it’s easy to forget which dog you should be walking.

Read more: How to Become a Teenage Survey Taker?

What Does a Teenage Dog Walker Do?

The duties for this job are fairly straightforward. The walker goes to the client’s house at an agreed-upon time and takes their dog out for a walk. This could take as little as 20 mins for small dogs or might be a couple of hours for larger breeds.

When they go back home, dog walkers need to check that the animal has plenty of food and water. They should also keep an eye out for any unusual behavior or signs that the dog is hurt. Basic aftercare is an important part of the job, and most clients will expect it.

The more, the merrier…

You can take more than one dog out at a time. If they have similar needs and energy levels, then there’s no reason not to walk four or five at the same time. Just make sure you don’t take on more than you can handle!

And check with the owners first as well. Some dogs don’t do well around other animals. Therefore, never introduce dogs to one another before asking the client’s permission.

Got the skills to pay the bills…

Some dog walkers also offer other services. Pet sitting is one that anyone can do. When the customer is away, you can earn more by going to their house and keeping the dog company.

Or if you know how to groom, then you could also offer the service. Even short-haired dogs need a bath once in a while! You can find all the supplies you need on Amazon and maybe pick up a few doggy treats at the same time? I recommend the Petper ABJGMGLV01 Pet Grooming Glove, the Maxpower Planet Pet Grooming Brush, and The All Breed Dog Grooming Guide.

And for some tasty treats, how about Milk-Bone MaroSnacks Dog Treats, Good’N’Fun Triple Flavored Rawhide Kabobs for Dogs, and Greenies Original Regular Natural Dental Dog Treats.

There are also some awesome resources online if you want to learn a bit more about grooming. The Grooming Channel on YouTube is a great place to start. Check out their reviews of equipment, and get some handy tips and tricks for taking care of that fur.

How Much Does a Teenage Dog Walker Get Paid?

Well, that’s really up to you. There’s no set rate for walking dogs. Plus, it’ll vary depending on how long the walk is.

The price is right

Expect roughly $5-10 per dog, per walk. That can go up for longer walks or pet sitting. And a lot of owners don’t enjoy or have time to groom their pets, so offering that is a good way to raise more cash.

And, of course, taking multiple dogs at a time means more money. But that’s something to discuss with the clients. Always be upfront about how many dogs you’re planning to take on the walk.

How To Get Started?

First things first: as you’re a teenager, it’s important to talk about this with your parent or guardian first. They might not like the idea of you going to strangers’ houses! Ask first and make sure they always know where you are.

The next thing to consider is which services you plan to provide. Is it just the dog walking, or do you have anything else to offer? The more you can do, the higher the chance you have of being hired.

Protect yourself…

No matter how careful you are, dogs can easily get hurt. They might get spooked by a car or perhaps eat something they shouldn’t. Either way, if it happens on your watch, then you could be held responsible.

And you don’t want to be stuck with a hefty medical bill! So, you might want to look into taking out pet sitter insurance. This can be on the pricey side, though, so think about whether or it’s worth your while.

Start advertising!

Now all you need is some clients! So, get the word out there. Make flyers and stick them up around town, or ask your dog-owning neighbors if they need any help.

Another great place to advertise is Craigslist. Choose your town and post your services for absolutely free! Check the jobs section, too, as someone may have posted a request for a dog walker.

Looking for More Great Jobs for Teens?

Then check out our informative articles on the Good Jobs for Teens and Jobs That Will Hire You Today Even With No Experience.

You might also be wondering How to Become a Teenage Tutor, How to Become a Teenage Golf Caddy, Can Teens Work at a Car Dealership, Can Teens Work at a Hotel, Can Teens Work at a Hospital, and Can a Teenager Work at CVS Pharmacy.

Or, if you’re also thinking of finding some work in a pet shop, check out our PetValu Application, our Petsmart Application, our Petco Application, our Pet Supplies Plus Application, our Petland Application, as well as the Petsmart Interview Questions you’ll be asked in 2023.

Final Thoughts

Dog walking is a fantastic job for a teenager. You can choose your schedule to fit around school and can take on more work during the summer. Plus, you get to hang out with dogs all day! What could be better than that?

But before you start, think carefully and make sure that it’s right for you. Remember, the owners are putting a lot of trust in you, so take that responsibility seriously!

So, happy teenage dog walking, folks!