If you enjoy spending time outdoors, being around animals or getting your daily exercise in, why not make some extra money at the same time? Dog walking can not only provide a substantial boost to your income but offers multiple personal and health benefits too.
Everything you need to know about dog walking:
What does a dog walker do?
- Whilst the role of a dog walker is pretty self explanatory, there are other aspects to the position such as feeding, washing and taking care of the dog either at its owners or your own home that can be done along side taking the dog for its daily exercise.
- A dog walker could be required to work at a specific time during the day to break up a long period of isolation for the dog whilst their owner is at work.
- The length of walk and exercise provided by the dog walker will vary depending on whether this is the only exercise the dog is receiving that day as well as the breed, size, weight and age of the dog.
Who hires a dog walker?
- A dog walker can be hired by any dog owner to help provide structure and routine to their pet’s life even if their own schedule does not allow for this.
- Those who are less mobile or physically able might require the services of a dog walker to take their dog for longer walks than they are able to manage themselves, especially if the dog is particularly active, a larger or more energetic breed.
- People who work away from home often or for long hours during the day can hire a regular dog walker to ensure their dog has sufficient exercise.
- Anyone who’s daily life does not follow a regular routine, perhaps busy families with young children or freelance workers for example could hire a dog walker to ensure that even if they are busy, their beloved pet will be sufficiently cared for. Whilst dogs are fairly adaptable, it is proven that they thrive best off a regular routine which can help improve their mood and behaviour.
How much exercise do dogs need per day?
- The average recommended daily exercise for a dog is between 30 minutes – 2 hours however this is only a rough suggestion and differs greatly depending on the breed, age, weight and size of the dog.
- Very small dogs such as Dachshunds, Bichon Frises and Yorkshire Terriers for example can be satisfied with a 30 minute walk plus some stimulating play time, whereas larger or more energetic dogs including Golden Retrievers, Border Collies and Dalmatians can need at least 2 hours to be properly stimulated and exercised on a daily basis.
- Puppies require a shorter amount of exercise however at more frequent intervals throughout the day. Managing a puppy can be difficult for those who work away from home during the day time so these walks can often be left to the responsibility of a dog walker. A general rule of thumb for exercising a puppy is to allow five minutes per month of age of the puppy twice a day, so a four month old puppy would require two walks of twenty minutes per day.
Why is it important to walk a dog?
- Just like with humans, undertaking sufficient daily exercise can ensure that dogs do not become overweight, which can be a severe problem in itself and produce health complications. A daily walk can keep a dog fit and healthy and increase their expected life span.
- Walks are also a great way to stimulate and sufficiently tire out a dog which in turn has proven to improve behaviour in the home. Under-stimulated and bored dogs are more likely to misbehave, bark, chew, relieve themselves indoors and overly groom themselves.
Advantages of Dog Walking for humans:
Working as a dog walker is not only a quick and easy way to earn money but there are also so many other personal and health benefits of becoming a dog walker!
- Flexible working hours: As a dog walker you are often free to set your own hours, especially if you work on a freelance basis through an online platform such as Yoopies. Simply express your availability to fit in your dog walking duties around your working or social life to work whenever suits you best. For students, part time workers, parents with children at school or anyone with a couple of hours of free time during the week, you can easily earn some extra income through dog walking and continue to lead your normal life!
- Reduces stress levels: It is scientifically proven that spending time around animals and especially dogs is a great way to relieve stress, and reduce the physiological indicators of stress such as high blood pressure or panic attacks. Whilst not everyone is in a financial or logistical situation to own a dog themselves, working as a dog walker can allow you to spend a few hours a week with a dog and experience some of the great benefits of being around animals.
- Get paid to do your daily exercise: We should all be aiming to get outside and exercise for at least 30 minutes to an hour per day, so why not earn money whilst doing something that you should be doing anyway! Walking can be a great way to burn calories, increase cardiovascular fitness, strength muscles and maintain a healthy weight.
- Improves your mental health: Spending time with animals is proven to reduce stress levels but also to improve your mood. The same is true for getting outdoors and exercising as when the body exercises it releases endorphins, often know as the happy hormone, which can make you feel more positive and upbeat.
- Casual or regular positions available: Unlike most jobs, being a dog walker can be an extremely flexible position as people are looking for a whole range of dog walking and pet sitting solutions from one off walks, to holiday cover to long term regular positions. Find the perfect match for your schedule and work as much or as little as you want with no contracts tying you down.
- Year round opportunities available: Dog walking is not a seasonal position as dogs need exercising everyday. As a dog walker you are free to work any day of the week and at all times of the year.
- Consistent supply of work: With more and more people becoming dog owners every year in the UK there is an ever increasing supply of work for dog walkers. Over the lockdown periods of 2020 the number of dog owners has risen greatly which will in turn lead to more dog walking positions once owners return to normal working patterns. At Yoopies there are thousands of profiles signed up looking for dog walking services today!
- Social activity: Becoming a dog walker can be a great way to meet new people outside of your normal circle especially if you start to work regular patterns or shifts. People are often drawn to dogs and animals and it can be easy to interact with other dog walkers over your common interests. For people with social anxiety, walking with a dog can improve confidence compared to walking alone and help them to interact and communicate better with people whilst out walking.