Becoming a professional dog walker and pet sitter can be a rewarding career that combines a passion for animals with a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to animal welfare. If you are considering starting a dog walking or pet sitting business, it is essential to understand the roles, responsibilities, and skills needed to excel in this field.
In this blog, we will walk you (excuse the pun) through the important steps to becoming a professional dog walker and pet sitter, including how to meet the needs of your clients and pets, manage risks, and navigate legal requirements.
Before diving into the specifics, it is important to consider both the pros and cons of this career path. While the work can be incredibly fulfilling for animal lovers, it also presents certain challenges that require careful thought and preparation, helping you to decide if this career is the right fit for you.
The Pros
Flexible Schedule
One of the main benefits is the flexibility. You can set your own hours, allowing you to balance work with personal commitments. Whether part-time or full-time, flexibility is a major advantage.
Work Outdoors
If you enjoy being outside, this job offers the chance to work in scenic environments and stay active while caring for animals.
Animal Interaction
For animal lovers, spending your day with pets is deeply rewarding. Whether walking dogs or caring for small animals, this profession offers countless opportunities for bonding with animals.
Growing Demand
As pet ownership grows, so does the demand for professional pet care. This expansion creates more opportunities for dog walkers and pet sitters.
The Cons
Physical Demands
The job can be physically demanding, especially with multiple dogs or large animals. Long walks, lifting, and managing unruly pets can take a toll on your body, requiring good physical condition and proper care.
Responsibility for Animals
You are responsible for the pets’ well-being, including feeding, exercise, and health monitoring. If something goes wrong, you may face legal or financial consequences.
Dealing with Difficult Clients
Some clients may have unrealistic expectations or make frequent changes to schedules. Patience and clear communication are essential for managing these situations.
Emotional Stress
Working with animals can be emotionally taxing, especially when dealing with sick or anxious pets. Additionally, handling a pet’s loss or client dissatisfaction can take an emotional toll.
Becoming a professional dog walker or pet sitter offers many rewards, but it’s not without its challenges. Understanding the process and steps involved in starting your business can help you navigate the cons and fully embrace the pros. By gaining a clear understanding of your responsibilities, developing key skills, managing risks, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements, you will be better equipped to handle the physical demands and emotional stresses of the job.
Here is a breakdown of the important steps you need to follow to start your own professional dog walking or pet sitting business, ensuring you can minimise the cons and maximise the rewarding aspects of the role.
1. Understanding the Roles and Responsibilities of a Professional Dog Walker and Pet Sitter
As a dog walker or pet sitter, your primary duty is to ensure the safety, well-being, and comfort of the animals in your care. Unlike pet ownership, where individuals have the primary responsibility for their pet's welfare, your job is to provide professional services that fulfil specific needs.
Key Responsibilities:
Animal Welfare: As a professional, it is your responsibility to ensure that the five animal welfare needs are met, including providing proper nutrition, shelter, and exercise.
Insurance: You must have appropriate insurance to protect yourself, your clients, and the animals in your care.
Confidentiality and Client Data: Storing client information securely and following data protection laws is essential.
Additional Requests: Clients may have additional requests beyond dog walking, such as watering plants or moving bins, which should be documented clearly.
Understanding the scope of these responsibilities will help you establish a trustworthy, professional reputation in the industry.
2. Creating a Positive First Impression with Clients
When meeting potential clients, it is important to create a professional and positive impression. Your appearance, communication, and attitude will set the tone for your working relationship.
Key Tips for a Positive First Impression:
Professional Appearance: Dress neatly and ensure you are presentable. Your attire should reflect the professional nature of your business.
Good Communication: Be clear and concise when discussing services. Listen to your clients' needs and ask relevant questions.
Reliability: Being punctual and dependable will foster trust with your clients, which is essential for repeat business.
3. Gathering Important Information from Clients
Before beginning any dog walking, or pet sitting service, you must collect key information to ensure that you meet both the client’s and the pet’s needs.
Information to consider:
Client Details: This includes their contact information, emergency contacts, and any other necessary personal details.
Pet Information: This includes health/medical information, feeding and exercise routines, and any special behavioural traits to be aware of.
Veterinary Information: Always gather details of the pet’s veterinary practice and emergency contact numbers.
Service Requirements: Clarify any additional services, such as feeding other pets or ensuring the home is secure. You can gather this information through various methods, including email forms, face-to-face meetings, or phone calls.
4. Minimising Risks While Working as a Dog Walker and Pet Sitter
Working alone as a dog walker or pet sitter can pose risks, and it is essential to be proactive in managing these risks. Taking steps to ensure your safety and the safety of the animals you care for is vital.
Tips to manage risks:
Lone Working: Ensure that someone knows your schedule and location. Share your diary with a friend or family member and keep your phone fully charged.
Handling Emergencies: Be prepared for accidents or emergencies. Have access to a first aid kit and make sure you have the relevant training.
Dog Walking Risks: These may include controlling aggressive dogs, traffic hazards, or unwanted behaviours. Always assess the dog’s temperament before walking and ensure you have suitable control techniques in place.
A detailed risk assessment for each dog walk is also essential to minimise potential hazards. This includes identifying any environmental risks or hazards posed by the animal itself.
5. Understanding Legal and Ethical Requirements
As a professional, you must comply with the relevant legislation governing dog walking and pet sitting activities. Understanding the legal framework will help allow you business to operate safely and responsibly.
Key Legislation and Codes of Practice:
Animal Welfare (England) Act 2006: This act requires you to meet the welfare needs of animals in your care.
DEFRA Codes of Practice: These codes offer guidance on the welfare of dogs and should always be followed.
Data Protection Act: Ensure client and animal data is handled according to data protection laws.
Dangerous Dogs Act 1991: You must ensure that you do not walk dogs that may pose a risk to others.
Familiarising yourself with relevant legislation will help protect both your clients and your business.
6. Gaining Knowledge of Dog Breeds and Behaviours
A key aspect of being a professional dog walker is understanding different dog breeds and their typical behaviours. Each breed may have unique traits and being able to identify these will help you manage dogs more effectively.
The 7 UK Kennel Club Breed Groups:
• Working Dogs
• Gundogs
• Pastoral Dogs
• Toy Dogs
• Terrier Dogs
• Hound Dogs
• Utility DogsGaining an understanding each breed’s characteristics and behaviours, you will be able to group dogs together safely, identify common traits and ensure you’re providing appropriate care.
7. Walking and Controlling Dogs Effectively
A significant part of your role as a dog walker is managing the dogs while walking them. You will need to use basic obedience techniques to ensure safety and control during walks.
Key Techniques:
Vocal Cues and Hand Signals: Training dogs to respond to basic commands such as ‘sit,’ ‘stay,’ and ‘come’ is essential for maintaining control.
Suitable Equipment: Use the right lead, collar, or harness based on the dog’s size, breed, and behaviour. Carry plenty of waste disposal bags, first aid materials, and other essential items.
8. Grouping and Separating Dogs
If you are walking multiple dogs at once, it is essential to assess each dog’s temperament and behaviour to ensure compatibility.
Group Walking Considerations:
Breed, Size, and Temperament: Match dogs with similar sizes and temperaments.
Introduction Process: Introduce new dogs to the group carefully, observing their interactions closely to ensure compatibility.
9. Dealing with Emergencies During Dog Walking or Pet Sitting
Emergencies can arise while dog walking or pet sitting and knowing how to handle these situations is crucial.
What to do in an emergency:
Contact Authorities: In case of an accident or incident, contact the relevant authorities or emergency services.
Client Communication: Always inform the client of any emergencies and follow their instructions for resolving the issue.
Becoming a professional dog walker and pet sitter is not just a career – it is a commitment to the safety, happiness and wellbeing of the animals in your care. It requires a combination of skills, knowledge, and responsibility.
By following the steps outlined above and investing in professional qualifications, such as our iPET Level 3 Award in Dog Walking and Pet Sitting for professionals, you will be equipped to provide a high standard of service, ensuring the safety and well-being of the pets in your care. Whether you are starting your own business or expanding your pet care services, professional training is an essential step toward success.
Ready to take the next step?
Critters Academy is proud to offer the iPET Network Level 3 Award in Dog Walking and Pet Sitting for Professionals — a nationally recognised, OFQUAL-regulated qualification. Delivered by experienced animal care educators and designed to set you up for success. Whether you are at the beginning of your pet care business or improving your existing services, this course will give you the skills, confidence, and credibility to grow.