How Much Do Dog Walkers Earn?
Pet care spending is at an all-time high. With many dog owners working long hours or managing busy schedules, dog walking has become an essential service.
The average Aussie dog is walked about 9 times a week, for around 30 minutes per walk. In many areas, people are willing to pay a premium for reliable, safe, and qualified care for their dogs.
In 2025, dog walkers in Australia can typically expect to earn between $30 and $70 per walk, depending on factors like walk duration, whether it’s a group or private session and the dog’s behaviour. Group walks for 30 to 45 minutes often range from $30 to $45, while private walks of an hour can fetch upwards of $70. Extra dogs usually add $10–$25 to the total cost, and specialised services for reactive dogs may be priced higher.
If you’re a qualified dog trainer, such as someone who has completed AVT’s Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training, you can also offer walk-and-train services. These are typically priced between $70 and $120 per session depending on length and complexity. These sessions combine exercise with tailored behavioural training, making them a valuable option for clients with dogs needing extra guidance.
Sources: Airtasker, MadPaws
Walking dogs: Jobs for Dog Walkers
If you want the flexibility of becoming a dog walker but are not yet ready to set up your own business, it is possible to work for others. This is an excellent way to obtain experience but also make sure the career path as a dog walker is for you.
There are two ways you can get a job as a dog walker:
- Work for an organisation hiring dog walkers. An example of businesses that hire dog walkers includes rescue organisations and boarding kennels.
- By signing up for online job matching services such as MadPaws, Pawshake and PetCloud. This is a low-risk option if you wish to start working as a dog walker without the hassle of setting up a business (of course, depending on your personal circumstances) and if you want the flexibility of setting your own hours.
What Qualifications Do I Need To Be A Dog Walker?
As a business owner, you will need some skills in business administration and marketing to run your business. Clients are also more likely to be attracted to businesses that employ or have individuals who have completed formal training in animal care, so they know their pets are in the best hands. Consider studying:
This will give your clients the peace of mind that you have the knowledge to handle and care for their loved ones when they are in your care. Contact us to learn more.
