How to Find a Dog Walking Job
If you enjoy being outdoors and love animals, a dog-walking job may be an appropriate career path to take, or for many, a secondary source of income during tough economic times. Dog walkers are their own bosses, get exercise while making money, and can hang out with animals they enjoy spending time with. With a little work, you can find a dog-walking gig in your area.
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Things You'll Need
- Internet access and an email address
- Yellow pages (optional)
- Local newspaper's classified advertisement section (optional)
- Dog-walker resume
- Letter of intent to be a dog walker
- Dependable vehicle
Instructions
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How To Find A Dog-Walking Job
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Use the Internet to research dog-walking companies in your area. Check out the the classified section of the newspaper and Craigslist.com to see if such companies in the area are hiring. You may also call or visit local kennels, pet stores and veterinary hospitals to see which dog-walking services their customers use.
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Email a letter of interest to each of the dog-walking businesses you have found. Most dog-walking companies have their own websites where you can find a contact email address. In your letter, explain to the person who runs the company why you want to be a dog walker.
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Create and attach to your email a letter and a resume tailored to the dog-walking industry. If you've never been a dog walker before, don't be discouraged. Be sincere, honest and thorough in your resume--your references will be checked. Your potential employer will want to see a list of the previous jobs you have held, especially ones that are relevant to helping others. Positions where you were a caretaker of some sort, or responsible for the well-being of others, should be listed first. Include positions involving child care, being a personal assistant or a nurse's aid. Also be sure to include any of your past experience with animals, even if it was something as minuscule as shoveling horse stalls part-time during high school. Include on your resume whether or not you have certifications, such as emergency animal CPR. Those can be extremely helpful.
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Make yourself stand out from the other applicants. Dog walking is a popular job and you will likely have some "ruff" competition. Be honest and show that you have a sense of humor. Why do you love dogs? Do you currently have any pets? Your letter of intent and resume should be focused on your love for animals, fondness of being outdoors, dependability, organizational skills and ability to take control should an unexpected situation arise. If you do not have the above qualities, rethink whether you really should apply for the job.
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Tips & Warnings
Dog-walking jobs are most prevalent in the city, followed by the suburbs.
Do not consider this line of work unless you have a dependable car to use every day. You will need one.
Be prepared to file your own wages at the end of the year. Most dog-walking companies require their employees to fill out their own W-10 form come tax season.
While dog walking can be a wonderful job on a sunny day, it can also be treacherous and bone-chilling in sometimes-subzero temperatures, depending on where you live. Be prepared to work--rain, snow or shine.
As a dog walker, you will find there is little to no backup coverage available when you are sick. The dogs and their owners depend on you, so make sure you are ready to show up and be on time for each appointment, every day.
Dog walking can literally be a dirty job. Don't apply for such a position unless you are prepared for the possibilities of falling down a snow bank, coming home filthy and smelly from time to time, and to picking up plenty of dog waste.
