Buzz
Dog walking may seem like a great side hustle: spend time with adorable dogs, get some exercise, and make money. But just like other gig economy jobs, your earnings depend on several factors. How you market your services and how adaptable you are in running your business will significantly influence your income—especially after apps like dog walking platforms take a share of your earnings. Here's a breakdown of what you can realistically expect to make as a dog walker today.
Determine your dog walking rates
According to HomeGuide, these are the typical rates for dog walkers, based on the extra services you offer and the type of clients you work with:
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Budget dog walking services: $10 for a 30-minute walk
Mid-tier dog walking services: $20 for a 30-minute walk
Premium dog walking services: $35 or more for a 30-minute walk
The number of walks you'll get depends on how many dogs need walking in your area. If you can travel between multiple neighborhoods and extend your service area, you can boost your chances of securing more walks.
Setting your rates is key to attracting new clients, but building loyalty with customers is the best way to ensure steady income. Consider this: If you connect with just one pet owner in your area at $20 for a 30-minute walk, and they need their dog walked three times a day, five days a week, you could make an extra $300 each week.
Apps like Rover, Wag, and others take a cut of your earnings
Popular dog walking platforms such as Rover and Wag follow a gig-based model similar to Uber or DoorDash. True to this model, these apps charge significant service fees. Rover, for example, takes a 20% commission on each booking, while Wag charges a 40% service fee. This means that even though dog owners are paying high rates for walks, your payout will be much lower after the fees.
Most platforms let you set your own rates, meaning you could potentially raise your prices to cover the app’s 20-40% service fees. However, this means you'll need to find clients willing to pay your higher prices, and you might attract more business with more reasonable rates. It's also important to note that Wag requires a non-refundable $30 application fee before you're approved as a dog walker.
The key takeaway
When it comes to dog walking, finding regular, repeat clients that you have good rapport with is crucial. To attract consistent business in your area, I recommend starting with Rover (since Wag's fees can make it less appealing). Once you're established, try offering your services directly to clients off the app. Make it clear that it's a win-win: you can lower your rates without app fees, which means you'll earn more, while clients will still benefit from a reliable service. Your goal is to build a steady stream of repeat customers, bypassing the third-party app fees.
