If you love animals and enjoy spending time outdoors, offering at-home services as a pet sitter or dog walker could be the perfect fit for you.
These flexible roles allow you to care for pets while providing them with exercise, companionship and enrichment, either in the owner’s home or your own, depending on the service you offer.
Becoming a pet sitter or dog walker offers flexibility and the opportunity to work closely with animals every day. Whether providing daily walks for busy pet owners or overnight care for pets while their families are away, this career allows you to make a meaningful impact on the well-being of animals.
Regular exercise and companionship are essential for a pet’s physical and mental health.
Pet sitters and dog walkers have various responsibilities, including:
Pet sitters and dog walkers should possess the following skills:
Pet sitters and dog walkers can work in various environments, including:
While pet sitters primarily work with dogs, they may also care for cats, birds, rabbits and other small animals, depending on the needs of their clients.
In Australia in 2025, rather than billing hourly, many pet sitters and dog walkers use a per-dog or per-walk pricing model that varies based on dog’s size, walk or minding duration, and whether it’s a private or group session. Here’s a general guide to common pricing:
Pet sitting: $70–90 per night for in-home care (in the owner’s home or sitter’s home), with additional pets usually charged at $5–10 extra.
Dog walking: $30-40 for a 30-minute walk for a small or medium dog, and $50-60 for a 60-minute private walk. Rates can be higher for large dogs, longer sessions or solo walks. Group walks may be discounted slightly per dog.
Specialised add-ons – Services such as walking reactive or special-needs dogs, administering medication or basic training during walks can increase the rate to $60+ per session. Additional charges also apply for extra pets or holiday bookings.
Tip: Rates can grow with experience, reputation, or additional qualifications such as animal behaviour training or pet first aid.
With pet ownership on the rise, the demand for reliable pet sitters and dog walkers continues to grow. Many pet owners seek professionals who can provide personalised, attentive care for their beloved animals whilst in the comfort and safety of their own home.
Although formal education is not always required, training can enhance your skills and career prospects. Recommended pathways include:
Tip: If you’re considering this career path, why not test the waters first? Volunteering is a great way to see if it’s right for you. Try walking dogs for your local shelter or for organisations like POOPS WA (Pets of Older Persons), a wonderful volunteer-run organisation that helps elderly pet owners care for their beloved animals.
Pet sitting and dog walking are perfect starting points for students currently studying or graduates of vocational courses who want to gain hands-on experience.
Want to know more about working with animals? Check out our blog post: How to Start a Dog Walking Business >>
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The leader in delivery of Australian Nationally Recognised Qualifications including ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (formerly Animal Studies), ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services, ACM40818 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training.
Applied Vocational Training (AVT) delivers a range of qualifications and short courses for students wishing to pursue a career working with animals.
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