Steps to Become a Dog Walker
Step 1: Gain Hands-On Experience with Dogs
Before starting paid work, build your skill handling dogs of different breeds and moods. Volunteer at your local RSPCA branch or a registered animal rescue group, or offer to walk dogs for friends. Aim for at least three to six months of regular hands-on experience. This will give you a real feel for dog behaviour and safe leash handling before you take on paying clients.
Step 2: Complete the Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30122)
Enrol in the Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30122) at a TAFE or registered training organisation (RTO). This course covers dog handling, animal health, safety rules, and basic care practices. It typically takes 12 months full-time or can be done part-time at your own pace. Completing this certificate gives clients trust in your training and sets you apart from untrained walkers.
Step 3: Complete a Pet First Aid Course
Finish a nationally recognised pet first aid course to prepare for emergencies on the walk. Australian Red Cross and several RTOs offer one-day or online pet first aid courses. Knowing how to respond to wounds, heat stress, or choking can save a dog’s life. Most dog walkers carry a basic pet first aid kit on every walk.
Step 4: Register Your Business and Get Insurance
Register an Australian Business Number (ABN) through the Australian Business Register before you start charging clients. Take out public liability cover. Most policies for pet care workers cover up to $10 million. Check your local council’s rules on the number of dogs you can walk at one time in public. Some states and councils limit group walks to four to six dogs per walker.
Step 5: Build Your Client Base
Start by offering your services to people you know, then ask satisfied clients for referrals and written reviews. Create a simple online profile on a local directory to reach new clients. Set clear rates, a booking process, and a client agreement that covers your duties. Consider joining the Pet Industry Association Australia (PIAA) as you grow, to access training and industry standing.
What does a Dog Walker do?
A dog walker’s day is full of variety. They start by checking the day’s schedule. Then they collect dogs from each client’s home and head out for walks in local parks and streets. Each walk is shaped by the dog’s age, energy, and the owner’s requests. Along the way, they watch for hazards, keep dogs calm, and pick up after them. They also check each dog’s health during the walk. They may give food, water, or medication before returning each dog home. At the end of the day, they send owners a quick update on how the walk went.
Tasks
Dog walking is a hands-on career where every day brings something new. You will work with different dogs, explore new routes, and build solid relationships with owners who trust you with their pets. If you love animals and enjoy an active lifestyle, this role offers real satisfaction and flexibility.
- Walk and supervise dogs on daily routes to give them the exercise and social interaction they need.
- Keep dogs safe by watching for hazards and managing their behaviour in public spaces.
- Play with dogs between walks to keep them mentally stimulated and happy.
- Give dogs food, water, and medications as the owner directs.
- Update owners on how their dog behaved and how the walk went.
- Manage several dogs at once, keeping each one calm and under control.
- Clean up after dogs in public areas to keep spaces tidy.
- Adapt your walking style and route to suit each dog’s needs and energy level.
Skills for Success
To thrive as a dog walker, you need a love of animals and a solid set of practical skills. The most important is knowing how dogs behave. Understanding body language, breed differences, and warning signs of stress lets you handle any dog with confidence.
You also need physical stamina, because this job keeps you on your feet for hours. Good time management helps you stick to your schedule when you have multiple clients in a day. Being reliable is everything. Clients trust you with their pets.
Strong communication skills help you keep owners informed and build long-term client relationships. A basic knowledge of pet first aid prepares you for emergencies on the walk. With these skills, you will build a reputation that grows your business.
Skills & Attributes
- Understanding of dog behaviour and how different breeds react
- Physical fitness for daily walking and handling multiple dogs
- Time management to meet client schedules
- Communication skills for clear, regular updates with owners
- Ability to manage dogs of different sizes and temperaments
- Basic knowledge of dog nutrition and health needs
- Problem-solving skills for unexpected situations on walks
- Patience and care when working with animals
- Basic first aid knowledge for pets
- Reliability and trustworthiness with clients and their pets
- Ability to work independently and make sound decisions
- Flexibility to meet varying client needs and schedules
Dog walkers in Australia earn an average of around $49,301 per year, based on SalaryExpert data (2026). Most work part-time or casual hours, so take-home pay varies with client volume. Entry-level walkers typically earn around $38,000 a year. Experienced operators with a full client base can earn up to $65,000 or more.
