How Much Do Dog Walkers Make? [2025 Salary Guide]

Average salary for dog walkers

Thinking about becoming a dog walker? Below, we’ll break down average pay by year, month, week, and hour so you know what to expect with a dog walking service. 

Here’s a quick snapshot of what dog walkers typically earn in the United States:

Dog walking salaries by state

Location plays a big role in how much you earn as a dog walker. Areas with more pet owners and dense neighborhoods typically offer higher pay than suburban or rural markets because there’s greater demand and less travel time between clients.

In less populated areas, demand may be lower, but competition and overhead costs are also lighter.

Here’s a look at average hourly and annual salary estimates across the United States:

Source: Indeed.com 2025 dog walking data

There are a few things to keep in mind as you build your dog walking business and set yourself up for success:

• High-demand areas could mean higher pay: More pet owners and busier schedules drive up dog-walking rates, particularly in densely populated cities. At the same time, you might have more competition if more pet care providers live and work nearby.
• Suburban and rural walkers can still succeed: In less populated areas, lower costs, loyal clients, and flexible scheduling often balance out lower per-walk rates. Prioritizing customer referrals can help keep business steady.
• Efficiency matters most: A little planning goes a long way. Optimized routes, happy clients, and reliable routines are the secret to turning walks into steady income.

READ MORE: 7 best dog walking apps to streamline your business

Earnings for dog walking business owners

Starting a dog walking business can be a great way to earn more, but it also means taking on new responsibilities, from managing your income to caring for clients’ beloved pets. 

Real-world earnings look different for everyone. Here’s what dog walkers actually report:

• $9,000/month with a team: One solo dog walker on r/sweatystartup scaled to three part-time employees in under a year
• $100K+/year: The Hustle reported on an NYC-based dog walker with 15 years of experience who brings in over $100,000 annually
• $350/week side-gig: On the r/WagWalker board, one part-time walker averages around $300 every week by booking gigs through an app

Your earnings will depend on how well you price your services, organize your time, and keep clients coming back.

How to set your dog walking rates

Setting your dog walking rates is about finding a balance between fair pay, your own experience, and the value you bring to clients.

There are a few key steps to pricing your pet services with confidence:

• Start with the basics: To get a sense of typical rates in your area, begin by researching what other local dog walkers charge. Once you know the local average, adjust your pricing based on the value you provide.
• Factor in your experience: If you’re certified in pet first aid, have years of experience caring for animals, or manage multiple dogs at once, you can justify higher rates.
• Build packages and recurring services: Offer bundle deals or loyalty discounts for clients who book regular daily or weekly walks. This creates consistent income and strengthens client relationships because they know they can depend on you.
• Account for expenses: Don’t forget to include your costs, like transportation, supplies, and insurance, when calculating what you need to charge. 
• Estimate good profit margins: Many small dog walking businesses maintain about 30–50% gross margins after expenses, supplies, insurance, and transportation costs.
• Charge for the unexpected: Consider adding small surcharges for extra dogs, weekend or holiday walks, or last-minute bookings. For example, you might include a $10 fee if a client needs you at the last-minute on Christmas Eve.

Factors that increase earning potential

Both part-time and full-time dog walkers can boost their income by focusing on a few key factors that influence earning potential:

• Location and demand: Areas with a high number of pet owners or dense neighborhoods make it easier to fill your schedule. Walkers who build efficient routes with minimal travel time between clients can take on more walks each day and earn more overall.
• Experience and trust: The more experience you have handling different dog breeds, behaviors, and client needs, the more valuable you become to local pet owners. Certifications in pet first aid or animal behavior can also justify higher rates and help you stand out in competitive markets.
• Reputation and client loyalty: Reliable service, clear communication, and happy pets lead to glowing reviews and referrals. A solid reputation means you can book repeat clients and charge premium rates.
• Service variety: Expanding beyond daily walks to include pet sitting, drop-in visits, or overnight care can open new income streams. Many dog walkers also offer add-ons like puppy visits, pooper scooper services, training, or “adventure walks” for active dogs.

Pro Tip: Efficient scheduling keeps your days running smoothly. With Jobber, you can schedule recurring jobs, group nearby clients, and update your calendar based on how and when you want to work.