As a dog owner, you are probably also, a dog walker. You have learnt the best walking routes in the local area, worked out what times to go out to avoid (or meet up with) specific dogs (or owners) and you are usually out walking every day. You’re not happy in your current job, and you have loved being out with your dog so much that you’re thinking - Is dog walking a job?
In fact, in the surveys done about ‘dream jobs’, dog walking as a job always comes high on the list. The general feeling about it is that you get to play with dogs all day and be outside in the fresh air! After all, how hard can it be….?
Is Dog walking a good job?
Well, it can be very hard indeed! It’s not just a case of ‘walking dogs’ (whatever the job title says!) If you want to set up a business, then you’ll need to understand some fundamentals of professional dog walking. These include the following areas:
⦁ Your local council regulations
⦁ Know about self-employment
⦁ Have insurance
⦁ Be great at time management and organisation
⦁ Have a huge passion for dog care and animal welfare
⦁ Knowing some behaviour signs and signals of dogs and canines
⦁ Know some basic health and first aid training in case of emergencies
⦁ Exceptional communication and customer care skills
You will also need to be physically fit, responsible, quick-thinking, happy to be out in all weathers and have experience with dogs. You may need to have your own transport, perhaps a van to take several dogs out at one time. However, after saying all that, a career in dog walking, really is a great job to do! You will know that you are supporting owners by providing a quality dog walking service that really matters to them, and that makes such a difference in the lives of the dogs you work with.
Although people really love their canine companions, they sometimes just can’t manage the walking them due to things like working long hours or illness, and this is where the services of a reliable, friendly dog walker is invaluable. To have a job where you can give them peace of mind that their beloved dog is happy is a great feeling. It will give you tremendous job satisfaction, along with all the dog cuddles of course! Starting a dog walking business won’t necessarily be ‘Just’ a walk in the park, but ultimately it has the potential to be so much more!
There are currently no specific qualifications required to become a professional dog walker, but regulations are expected to be introduced at some point, so it is recommended that you are qualified in areas such as first aid and canine behaviour. You can also enhance your business by offering additional services such as pet sitting or dog grooming, which are growing in demand. (You will, however, need to obtain a Level 2 or Level 3 Ofqual regulated qualifications that meet the standards of the Animal Activity licensing Regulations in canine care or dog grooming to qualify).
It also not a bad idea to demonstrate in your CV/ professional portfolio that you have studied an online course in dog walking. Studying the topic will at the very least, give you an understanding of the requirements you need to start working as a professional dog walker and will provide some insight into the key professionalisms you need to operate an effective canine business.
A good place to start researching your new dog walking job, would be a short online course such as the Dog Walking Certificate – this course will give you 10 hours of online CPD learning hours and will give you some basic, but essential skills in Dog Walking.
If you are seeking a more in-depth learning experience then Level 4 Certificate in Professional Pet Sitting, Dog Walking, Dog Day Care and Boarding will be more suited to you. This course includes online theory and covers units on companion First Aid, Care of Dogs and Cats, Animal Law, Dog Walking Principles, and an optional module for Running your own small Animal business. Check it out on our website!
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