How Do I Get a Job of Walking Dogs?
According to the American Pet Products Association, Americans spent over $48 billion dollars on their pets in 2010. This century has seen a boom in the pet services industry, including dog walking businesses. Getting your foot in the door of this profession takes more than a willingness to stroll around the block. You must know the basics of dog obedience, feel comfortable with all kinds of dogs, have the right availability as well as an upstanding background.
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Instructions
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Learn basic dog obedience commands. "Stay" and "come" are essential commands that dogs must know, especially when you take them outside on a leash. If a leash or collar breaks or a dog gets free of your grip, knowing that the dog will listen to your commands and stay safe is reassuring. Ask your clients if their dogs know these cues; if they do not, teach your clients how to work with their pets, so that the dogs will learn these commands effectively.
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Volunteer at a local animal shelter. Most shelters are in need of people to walk the dogs throughout the day. This experience will expose you to all types of dogs. As a professional dog walker, you will handle young and old, strong and willful, and shy and frightened dogs. Rescue facilities offer an opportunity to work with all types of dogs with different characteristics --- and the dogs get the benefit of a good walk.
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Determine your availability and commitment to the job. If you are not available weekdays during normal business hours, it is unlikely you will be hired as a dog walker. Most clients enlist dog walking services for their pets while they are at work. If you enjoy traveling often or have commitments that could call you away on short notice, you will not be of much use to a client who needs a consistent and daily dog walker. Reliable transportation is another must.
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Create a resume. Even if you have only your volunteer experience in the field, include other positions or activities you have participated in that demonstrate your commitment to a job and your dependability. To show that you appreciate animals, mention in your cover letter that you have pets. List formal dog training and obedience classes in which you have participated and gained experience.
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Apply at local dog walking and pet sitting businesses. Working for someone else is a smart way to get experience and develop a relationship with existing clients. Be prepared for a background or reference check by the potential employer. Many companies of this type bond their employees for liability issues. People are trusting you with their beloved pets --- and sometimes the keys to their homes. They want to feel secure that you are trustworthy.
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Tips & Warnings
Although you will be working in comfortable clothing, dress in casual business attire for any face-to-face meetings with potential employers before you are hired.
References
Resources
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